I've had very different experiences with homestays and they've all been good. In Memphis last year I stayed with a family. They actually hosted two pros. They picked us up at the airport, cooked for us (asked us for dietary restrictions...this is a biggie), and even let us borrow their truck on race morning to go to the race (we definitely did not expect this, but it was pretty cool!). I had a very similar experience in Philly (except that the mom was single and kind of hot!). In San Francisco, I cought an airport shuttle to the apartment where I was staying, had a pull-out couch, and rode my bike to the race (it was only a few miles). We ate out at restaurants for most meals and went drinking together after the race (the homestay was a younger couple with no kids). I've never had a bad time at a homestay and have even kept in touch with a few of them. The only "must" that I'd suggest is to make sure you aren't cooking anything that the athlete doesn't want to eat. I probably wouldn't have the heart to turn down a home-cooked meal, even if it was something that I didn't think would go over well for racing. I usually bring my own oatmeal with me (just in case), but it's nice when the house has things to eat that are agreeable. The times where I've been given cars to borrow and been picked up at the airport were nice, but definitely not expected. As long as I had someplace comfy to sleep and had access to healthy food (even if I paid for it), I was happy. Also, be aware that traveling tightens up all of your muscles and it takes some significant time to work all the cobwebs out after arriving...don't be surprised if your athlete spends several hours a day getting ready for racing instead of hanging out.