It is rude to make other people worry about you.
Gerry is going backpacking for two weeks, and leaves a copy of his itinerary with his parents.
Gerry wants to have an enjoyable trip.
Gerry decides on the spur of the moment to extend his trip by five days, and stops by a ranger cabin to phone his parents to let them know.
Gerry decides on the spur of the moment to extend his trip by five days without telling anyone.
Gerry's parents get the information of the changed plans, and don't get worried when he doesn't come home as originally scheduled.
Gerry's parents get worried when he doesn't return on time, and they alert the ranger service to send out a searching party.