Originally Posted by
staehpj1
True, but I usually don't know for sure if I will be stopping in a particular place that far ahead let alone on what day.
I always contact hosts well ahead usually before the tour and am honest about the fact that I am not sure exactly when or if I will stay in a particular place. I tell them that if they aren't OK with that I will have to pass. I don't think anyone was offended by that. I generally say that if I wind up not stopping for the night I would be happy to stop for a brief visit in their town. No one has taken me up on that yet.
I don't try real hard to stay with warmshowers hosts. If it works out once or twice on a tour that's great if not that is fine too.
Oh and BTW... When emailing thank you notes I include everyone who replied to my pre-trip emails even if I didn't stay with or even meet them.
This is the proper way to conduct business. I have received e-mails from some on tour looking for a place to stay, I offer and place a call. They never call back to state they have a place to stay or whatever they plan on doing. That is plain rude. I have also had people send e-mails saying they are in town at that very moment. Okay, great but what happening to giving the heads up a day or two prior to find out if I am available. Those, I don't respond to.