What is Couch Surfing?

You have friends all over the world, you just haven't met them yet

Couch Surfing is a service that connects 6 million people in more than 100,000 cities who share their life, their world, their journey. Couch Surfing connects travelers with a global network for people willing to share in profound and meaningful ways, making travel a truly social experience.

Couch Surfers share their lives with people they encounter, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Staying at someones house for free and they don't want anything from me? It's too good to be true!

I was in that exact same mind set prior to becoming an active Couch Surfer. Obviously being a young single female traveler I was very spectacle about taking part. I took the plunge and never have I looked back. My first Couch Surfing experience was with a 52 year old women named Shirley who hosted me in her cottage in Homer Alaska. An incredible women! Since then I have stayed at over 35 different Couch Surfers. All positive experiences. 

Sounds good but how do I avoid getting myself into a situation with a Couch Surfer with bad intensions?

I get asked this question so often but I'm glad I do, it shows intelligence something you definitely need to travel. Couch Surfing is based upon references - for me my rule is that I won't stay at a hosts house if they don't have at least 6 references - ALL must be positive! I also message the most recent reference and ask them about the experience they shared staying at that hosts house. When searching for a host my preference is usually a female but I have stayed at males a few times.One thing to watch out for ladies is to check his references - yes they all could be positive but if he's only getting them from females and no males I usually stay clear.

As you can tell I am a great DJ ^

Tips!

- Fill out your profile write as much information about yourself and your experiences as you can 

Leave out your mobile and address. Only give that out to people who have gained your trust.

- Upload photos! Females listen. Don't upload photos out clubbing in a skimpy dress you will attract the wrong crowd. This isn't a dating website. 

- Be selective with who you stay with! Read their profile... see if you will get along!! 

 I've made that mistake before and stayed at someones house who was the complete opposite to me - it wasn't a negative experience but it wasn't great.

- When writing a couch request make sure it's personal NEVER copy and paste the same message to multiple hosts... it's incredibly obvious and you will most likely not be hosted.

Hostels add up and hotels are very costly when you are on a budget. If someone will open up their door for you, give you shelter, food and advice all for free make the effort and have the decency to write them a personal request.

- If you have a negative experience with someone write them a negative reference! Don't hide how you feel....you could potentially help someone else.

- Make sure you have a plan to communicate with friends, family and backup accommodation options once you arrive. Will you have your computer? Will your mobile phone work?

- Upon meeting, spend time getting to know your Host. Do you feel comfortable with them? Is everything as you expected? If you feel uneasy or something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and do what you need to do to be comfortable!

- Maintain your faculties. Travel can be disorienting. Use of drugs and alcohol can further complicate this. Don't leave your well - being in the hands of someone else.

Sign up: https://www.couchsurfing.org/

It takes a few minutes to sign up and fill out your profile in the scope of things that is nothing compared to the amount of travel you can do with this website!