Some people have a “thing” about infringing on the hospitality of others. That isn’t the case in an extended family as large in mine, where “the more, the merrier” is our de facto motto.

In fact, in our family, choosing to stay in a hotel rather than at the home of a relative – no matter how distant – is considered the ultimate affront. Unless of course you have a life-threatening allergy to said relative’s much-loved family dog or pet guinea pig, in which case you’d be completely justified in seeking a (comparatively allergen-free) room at the nearest inn. As long as you have the proper documentation, that is. (Please note: photographic evidence of that unfortunate instance in your youth when your eyes swelled shut after coming within a block of a feral cat is as readily admissible as your full medical history. In fact, it’s preferred.)