The all-mighty budget is a hurdle for many travelers. 聽(CS), an online network where travelers exchange free lodging, allows you to leap this obstacle. But couch surfing isn鈥檛 just about getting a free place to stay; it鈥檚 about fostering connections among a community of, now, seven million travelers in 100,000 cities.
Bob Tilley, a couch surfer who resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, joined CS in 2010, and has since surfed in four states and twice in Argentina. He鈥檚 also hosted more than 130 surfers from 18 countries and various states. 鈥淲hile it鈥檚 true that you can find people who essentially just provide a couch, that鈥檚 not really what CS is about. It鈥檚 about the social interaction and cultural exchange,鈥 Tilley says.
Here鈥檚 how to have a safe and enjoyable couch surfing experience:聽
Make A Match
Staying at a stranger鈥檚 house has a creep factor. But think of it this way: That stranger is also letting you in his/her house. Finding a good match serves both parties. Whether you鈥檙e staying or hosting, read the person鈥檚 profile carefully. Make sure he/she is verified, has friends in the CS community, and has references. Because profiles are important, answer questions on yours thoughtfully and post dynamic pictures.
Before you travel, the folks at CS encourage exchanging a phone call or Skype session with your potential host to discover shared interests and discuss expectations. If you鈥檙e interested in sightseeing, establish if the host is willing and available to volunteer as tour guide. 聽聽
If Something Doesn鈥檛 Feel Right, Speak Up
Upon arrival, if the situation isn鈥檛 as expected or you feel uneasy, take it up directly鈥攖hough politely鈥攚ith your host. Do what you need to do to feel comfortable, which may mean finding back-up accommodations. If you have a negative experience or a safety concern, report it via a review of your host or to the .
Thank Your Host
There鈥檚 no expectation of payment or requirement for thanks among the Couchsurfing community. But if your mama raised you right, you鈥檒l likely want to show your appreciation. Consider preparing your host a meal, buying her a drink, or bringing him a trinket from your hometown. Use your talents; if you鈥檙e an artist, leave your host a sketch. Even a handwritten note is a thoughtful gesture that will not only show your gratitude, but will also help garner the all-important review (yes, as a visitor, you get one, too) to will leverage your next stay. But, as Tilley points out, 鈥淭hanking a host isn鈥檛 limited to 鈥榯hings.鈥 Being a kind person, sharing a little bit about their life, or stories about their home [is a form of thanks]. The social and cultural exchange is priceless.鈥