Traveller Responsibilities

Your responsibility as a Servas Canada traveller is to:

  • Update your ServasOnline traveller profile and Letter of Introduction (LOI), when appropriate
  • When travelling, have a valid eStamp to show you are a member in good standing
  • Use ServasOnline for its intended purposes, keeping all Servas information within the Servas community
  • Pay appropriate Servas Canada fees when required
  • Complete, sign, and submit the Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement form
  • Recognize that failure to comply with these responsibilities could lead to deactivation of your ServasOnline profile.

To make the most of your travelling experiences:

  • Plan ahead; organize your itinerary as far ahead and as completely as possible
  • Be flexible and patient; plans change
  • Do not send mass emails to many different hosts for the same time period
  • Try telephoning potential hosts (or use WhatsApp) instead of only relying on email
  • Be a climate-conscious traveller
  • Respect a host’s right to say no, and respect their host profile details (e.g., no smoking)
  • Send your approved Letter of Introduction (LOI) as an attachment in your first email enquiry to potential Servas hosts
  • Try to visit hosts who are off the beaten path; they often get few travellers and are not “host weary”
  • Inform hosts about any medical conditions, disabilities, or allergies that could affect your visit
  • Continue dialogue with your host until arrival and departure dates and times are confirmed
  • Meet your host at the agreed-upon arrival time and let them know if you will be delayed
  • Never arrive at a host’s home without contacting them first
  • If you must cancel a pre-arranged visit, contact that host as early as possible to let them know
  • Show your approved Letter of Introduction (LOI) upon arrival before being asked
  • Expect to stay with your Servas host for a maximum of two nights. Do not ask your host if you can stay longer
  • In many cases, breakfast and an evening meal will be provided but don’t expect it
  • No money is to change hands for your accommodation
  • Offer to cook, share costs for sightseeing or pay for a meal at a restaurant, etc.
  • Be considerate—you are in someone’s home. Clean up after yourself, and offer to help
  • Do not bring anyone who is not an approved Servas traveller to a Servas host
  • If a host upsets you, expresses views that you believe are contrary to Servas ideals, or seems to abuse the Servas opportunity, please talk with the host, remembering that sometimes there are cultural or language misunderstandings. Be patient. If the issue cannot be resolved, contact the local coordinator and contact us
  • Send us your travel stories via the Contact Us page, and we will post them on Servas Stories