[tonybrun]

We bought our home in the villages 4 years ago and love the life style. For now we are snow birds and only stay Jan. Feb. & March. our problem is that for the 4th year in a row we have house guests that keep inviting themselves. Now I don't want to sound unhosptible but we are already booked for 60 out of the 90 days we are there. Granted some is with family, but we have acquaintences that come here for their vacation. How much is too much and how to say no. I am sure many of you have the same problems living here in paradise. Need help.

[Russ_Boston]

Send them all an e-mail (kind of generic like) telling them that TV management is getting strict on visitation issues and you may need to cool it for a winter.

Or - you are going to do major renovations for the winter.

Or - Just tell them that you'd like to spend a winter alone! Sometimes honesty works. Most people will understand if you tell EVERYONE not to come this one time.

After that I'll bet fewer and fewer will ask to visit.

[KayakerNC]

Gosh, we were looking forward to your visit this year but due to a sudden infestation of:
a: alligators
b: snakes
c: roaches
we are going to have the:
a: trappers
b: exterminators
c: fumigators
coming in for the entire month. Hopefully, the Board of Health will release us from their quarantine in time for next Christmas.

[SteveZ]

Originally Posted by tonybrun

We bought our home in the villages 4 years ago and love the life style. For now we are snow birds and only stay Jan. Feb. & March. our problem is that for the 4th year in a row we have house guests that keep inviting themselves. Now I don't want to sound unhosptible but we are already booked for 60 out of the 90 days we are there. Granted some is with family, but we have acquaintences that come here for their vacation. How much is too much and how to say no. I am sure many of you have the same problems living here in paradise. Need help.

Well, you can always take up a hobby or two that will make them uncomfortable - Amateur tattooing (upon others) is one that comes to mind.

All kidding aside, simply informing people that you really need the rest and this season cannot keep up with the pace of houseguests is straightforward and honest. We are all reaching the age when we need a break now and then. If they are real friends, they will understand. If they are mooches who are only interested in their own convenience, then why be their innkeeper?

We've run into this as well, and just said it like it is. Is it inhospitable to be honest? Mi casa no es su casa.

[k2at]

Tony, if you cannot avoid having all these friends come to visit you, at least limit the time they can stay. Upon arrival, give them a roll of toilet paper and when that is used up, they have to leave.

[barb1191]

How about telling them the truth....that you need a break from all of the visitors?

ALSO kindly mention that there are many lovely home rentals in TV that they would enjoy for their winter vacation. And, add in your email the "For Rent By Owner" (FRBO) link with all the lovely pictures of the homes for them to choose.

barb

[ejp52]

Originally Posted by barb1191

How about telling them the truth....that you need a break from all of the visitors?

ALSO kindly mention that there are many lovely home rentals in TV that they would enjoy for their winter vacation. And, add in your email the "For Rent By Owner" (FRBO) link with all the lovely pictures of the homes for them to choose.

barb

Well said.

[In awe of TV]

Originally Posted by k2at

Tony, if you cannot avoid having all these friends come to visit you, at least limit the time they can stay. Upon arrival, give them a roll of toilet paper and when that is used up, they have to leave.

I love this!

Seriously, just tell them that you want some alone and relaxing times. Geesh, some people really like to impose themselves. It's your home, you make the rules!

Good luck and enjoy your peace.

[villages07]

Or, encourage them to do the TV lifestyle preview....up to 6 days, many free meals, couple of rounds of golf, movies, etc in a private, nice home. All for what, about $750....what a deal. And then, you'll be able to visit them in their rental. All the freebies make the 'rental' fee almost insignificant.

[roadwarrior]

I think it was best said by Ben Franklin, "guests are like fish, after three days they both stink."

[Muncle]

Rental program info is great, but other than Lifestyle, it's hard to get short-term rentals (week or two) during the high season. I'd lean toward explaining that you've too many visitors to do justice as hosts and include brochures from the two newish on-campus hotels.

An aside, if any of these guests are attractive, loose-moral, women with questionable tastes and minimal standards, we might be able to work something out.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by tonybrun

We bought our home in the villages 4 years ago and love the life style. For now we are snow birds and only stay Jan. Feb. & March. our problem is that for the 4th year in a row we have house guests that keep inviting themselves. Now I don't want to sound unhosptible but we are already booked for 60 out of the 90 days we are there. Granted some is with family, but we have acquaintences that come here for their vacation. How much is too much and how to say no. I am sure many of you have the same problems living here in paradise. Need help.

We also have a lot of people inviting themselve to stay! I guess that is a peril of buying in a wonderful, warm place! My friends are back in Canada buried in snow banks. I don't have the heart to say no, or that we want time alone.

So I usually tell them I'm swamped with visitors this winter (which is probably true), and will have to get back to them with an available time. And then I don't get back to them.

I know, I know, that isn't the right way to handle it. But eventually they give up and lose interest, until the following winter.

[nONIE]

Ben Franklin really knew what he was talking about. I wish I could find a way to tell this to some visitors.

I have had company for 3 weeks or more. They come and leave their departure date open ended! By this time im definitely

[Boomer]

There are some really good answers here. And many of them could come off really nice, too. I don't know why we all worry so much about offending people who are just being downright tacky by inviting themselves to a free vacation. But many of us do try to be so polite -- even to those who do not deserve it. I would never think of expecting someone to put me up or put up with me for such a thing. But I know there are those who do. Remember Freddy the Freeloader?

And I agree with those who mentioned Ben Franklin. That fish and company thing is sure the truth.

You know, you could tell them that it will be so lovely to see them and that you are so thrilled about finally being able to pursue your retirement dream of becoming nudists. (But I guess that could backfire.)

Boomer

[Sgt Mac]

Tell Them NO.


I had that samething We just got married lived in Hawaii in a very small
one bed room condo and "frends" would just show up at the door for only
a week or two but they needed to have our room.
Tell them No think about it

Good Luck and U2 have a Happy Thanksgiving
Sgt Mac