My single experience as a UK pilot visiting the States backs up Frank's
point.

F.L. Whiteley wrote:
... giving a good first
impression would be much easier with some advanced warning. With that
courtesy, most clubs are probably quite welcoming. How many clubs have you
actually visited? What makes you think there are hidden costs? I think it
may be easier to think of most clubs as a picnic rather than a buffet. As
such, it's a pot-luck endeavor. What do you bring to the table? If it's
your interest, then call ahead and get an invite. It's simple common
courtesy and will demystifye the process.

I was about on a few weeks post-solo when I visited Houston on business
and, obviously, had to fly if I could. I emailed the Soaring Club of
Houston explaining that I had all Sunday free and would love to spend
the day at the club.

Result: As the CFI of the day would be driving nearly past my hotel, he
and his wife picked me up and drove me to the airfield. The UK tradition
is that if you're a member you have to help with operations, so I
retrieved gliders and hooked up cables, as well as standing in the shade
talking with club members. I'd remembered my logbook, so my experience
could be checked out, and as gliders became available I was given three
dual flights (I've no idea if I could have flown solo as a temporary
student pilot, though I did fancy the I-26 as I'd just qualified for my
home club's K8, but it wouldn't have been sensible to let such a new
pilot loose on a new site in previously unexperienced conditions) in
types I hadn't flown before. Essentially, for the day I became part of
the SCH "family" - thanks Barry et al, I had a great time. It's a real
shame that since 9/11 I can't do this again.

If other US clubs are like this (and the US pilots I've spoken to in the
UK suggest they might be) then go visit, Mark. Glider pilots seem to
make up an extended world-wide family (which explains the sniping
arguments on r.a.s.) and welcome distant relations for a visit. But let
them know you're coming - if you're busy doing something else, even the
most beloved aunt can make your heart sink if she turns up without
warning ....