Travelling to a New Country? Know Couchsurfing!!!

Traveling helps you grow and become wise as a person; it educates you. And there is a very famous saying that “this world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”. People who are passionate about traveling should definitely understand Couchsurfing and what it’s all about.

What is Couchsurfing?

A social and travel phenomenon, people have been asking “what is couch surfing?” for nearly a decade. The idea behind couch surfing is to leverage the hospitality of friendly people around the world who open their homes to travelers — an act of kindness that dates back millenia.

Couch surfing is a remarkable way to travel for cheap, and travelers of all budgets take advantage. The budget travelers meet hosts in different countries.

Hosts, who are often former travelers or expatriates that want to meet and interact with travelers, sign up on various couchsurfing websites to share their homes. You can find free accommodation ranging from simple couches to spare bedrooms and guest cottages. Not only is your place to sleep free, you can befriend a local who knows your new destination well — a huge asset while on the road!

Couchsurfing: More than just a free bed for the night

Most of the users when make a profile on a particular site insist on that main draw is not about free accommodation and anyone who mentions this aspect in their request is definitely going to get disappointed. You main focus should be on “keen interest” to meet the host and exchange the different cultures and live together to understand them better. The couchsurfing spirit as they say.

We understand that the students cannot afford to not focus on the economic benefits and, nobody can deny the fact, that free accommodation is definitely an attractive deal. But it is better to put in the comments like ‘cannot afford hotels’ instead of directly asking for it.

Ans as soon as you arrive to your host place, drop your bags down wherever you please and then before getting too settled you’re out the door with a map and a set of keys at hand. Coming back at all times of the night and day, barely say hello, and in some cases stay for a week without barely saying a word between going from the front door to their room – if you’re lucky enough to have one – without so much as a ‘Hello‘ for their host.

Now I know what you’re thinking – “that can’t be true” – right? It is. Incidents like these have been mentioned by the people in their worst experiences on the very famous network like couchsurfing.com

You need to get this thing in mind that a host does not mean just a free accomodation. It is more of an exchange of cultures, living the locals to get the vibe of that place, to understand it better. And not merely being on your own with nothing to do with the very people who have given you a place in their house for your convenience.

Safety

Do not forget it’s a two way process and your host is as nervous as you are after all they have to give their house keys to the stranger. All the members of couchsurfing are supposed to fill in all the details about themselves and verify the account for genuinity, so that people get to know who they are, how they think and how do they live their lives. It is therefore, important to review the profiles carefully and check everything before you confirm your host. It is also a life changing experience so you have to be responsible for your own stuff and be smart and alert. This experience is definitely going be great and make you grow.

All the same, surfers still need to be savvy about who they choose to stay with and what information they share. Avoid obvious mistakes like putting your mobile phone number on your profile page. Always read your host’s profile and references carefully. Ultimately, if there isn’t anyone suitable, don’t let the thought of saving money override your instincts, and stay in a hostel instead.

The Do’s and Don’ts

Put effort into your profile and personalize your couch requests. Generic messages that are obvious cut-and-paste jobs is a big big No. Make your profile original with your own input. Give more than details and try to mention stuff you have in common.

Don’t use the word “crash”, mention that hotels are too expensive or say you’re on a limited budget. Huge red flag! It gives the appearance that you’re only using CS as a free accommodation service.

Try to adapt to your host’s schedule. If they wake up early, don’t make noise late at night. If they work from home, you should be out exploring and out of the house all day. Perhaps they have free time to show you around but they could be busy that week with other priorities.

Be neat and tidy. Try to keep all your stuff in a small area and clean up after yourself.
Make sure you know and respect each host’s rules. Is using the kitchen ok? Can you store a a few toiletries in the bathroom? Is it cool to check your email on the computer? There were a few times where people used things without asking, which is never kosher.

Express your appreciation! Someone has generously offered up their place for you to stay and you should offer something in exchange. Cook them dinner, wash the dishes, pay for their drinks at the bar or bring a small gift.