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Have you heard the term “couchsurfing?” If you don’t know what couchsurfing is, here’s a chance to learn a little about this unique aspect of travel.
Couchsurfing is…
The term couchsurfing refers to staying on someone’s couch — or other available sleeping arrangement — for a short period instead of using other accommodations such as a hotel. The couchsurfing network which is a website of over 5 million registered users worldwide.
It’s very simple really: Hosts can register their “couches” as being available for travelers to use, and travelers can use the website to match up with hosts.
Get started…
If you are wanting to become a couchsurfer, you can get started by creating a profile on Couchsurfing.org. In your profile, you share about yourself and the things you wish to accomplish in life. You should include a photo. You can register as a surfer or a host or both.
As a surfer, you will be looking for hosts in cities you travel through. The length of stays can be short or longer in duration.
If you wish to be a host only, you will indicate on the Couchsurfer website that you have space available to accommodate a guest and are willing to do so.
Get to know local couchsurfers…
Once you’ve created a profile, you can check your local city information to find other couchsurfers near you or to locate couchsurfing meetup events in your area. This gives you an opportunity to talk to more experienced couchsurfers and glean helpful information about the service.
Prepare to surf…
Are you ready to see the world one couch at a time? When you decide it’s time for some travel, you will need to find hosts that are available to accommodate you when you are traveling. Using the Couchsurfing website, you will search for potential hosts in the cities you plan to travel through. You will send out requests to potential hosts for the dates you are interested in and after you hear from them you will make arrangements directly.
Safety first…
Safety is obviously a very serious matter when it comes to couchsurfing. It is recommended that you should only communicate with other couchsurfers through the Couchsurfing.org website. Take time to carefully review profiles and check references of the couchsurfers and hosts you are hoping to communicate with. Trust your instincts and always have a backup plan in case the arrangements you have made don’t work out.
Couchsurfing is a unique means of traveling and immersing yourself in other cultures. If you stay with a host, you can learn about local culture from them and teach them about yours. Couchsurfing can be a great way to make new friends and travel the world on a tight budget.
Would you consider couchsurfing as a viable alternative to travel accommodations?
This is an interesting arrangement. Good way for people to see the world at a low cost.
I’ve heard about this from someone who uses the system and tells me it is a great way to go. I am not as adventurous and I have not tried couch surfing yet. However, your article makes it more appealing to me.
I have never heard of it referred to it like that.. i have done this in the past.. sometimes you just have to.
Hi Maria,
This is an interesting concept and can save people money when they travel. I’m not sure if I would do this though…
Thanks for telling us about this. Hope you’re having a great day!
This is interesting concept. I have never heard of it.
Since I have three kids, this probably wouldnt be a viable option for traveling – but back in the day? I would have loved couchsurfing!
Back in the late 60’s early 70’s I would have definitely considered this. The way things are today–I think I will pass. If I am going to travel I will make sure I have reservations in a bona fide hotel -if I can’t afford that-I can not afford to travel!
I’ve heard of this before. I’d be much to chicken to try it, though!
I have never heard of this before but it sounds like an interesting arrangement. I probably won’t do it since I am paranoid of bad things happening with strangers staying at my place.
Interesting! I don’t know if I would feel safe sleeping on a strangers couch.
I’d heard the term couch surfing, but I had no idea it was really a thing!! Sounds like it could be a very interesting experience, but probably not ideal for a family of four!