Budget Travel - Couchsurfing - have you used it?

Hi budget travelers.

With the number of people on this board I'd be interested to see how many have used Couchsurfing (http://www.couchsurfing.com/).

What is it? From the website "CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.". I consider it to be an extension or alternative to backpacking. Instead of staying in a hostel you stay on someone's couch or spare room.

It's certainly not for everyone! The advantage is that you get a more local perspective on where you are - the people, the housing, the quality of life. The disadvantage is that you might feel less secure, and that you are probably more careful to keep everyone/everything happy.

I've hosted someone from Germany once and enjoyed helping him out during his stay. And I might try and use it when in America later this year.

I'd be curious to see how FlyerTalkers, especially Americans, have found it. Did you find couches easily? Do you have any tips on the best way to find couches, handle stays, etc.? What have been your experiences?

Thanks!

Wow! That's crazy! And amazing! I can't believe I've never heard of it. Now I'm curious to know if anyone else besides OP has personal experience with this, on either side.

In some parts of the world without hostels, homestays are very common. When I traveled along the Croatian coast with a friend, we did all homestays, but those are of course a commercial transaction. It's really cool!

Yup, I'm on it. Haven't had the most success using it...but I've met some interesting people through it. Traveled in northeast india with people I've met on couchsurfing. I've also used hospitalityclub.com..which seems more prevalent in scandinavia. I had a great time with the people I stayed with in Finland. I'm still just getting started though. It's a great way to hang out with local people and make new friends. Definitely recommend it!!
I don't have a couch right now to host..since I'm mainly traveling at the moment. Good travels!
Hari.

haricharan, one of my biggest gripes with it is that if someone does fairly generic searches for a couch, I'm like #180 on the list due to being a longer member on there. Only if people do more restrictive searches will I come up. With this in mind I always do a restrictive search when looking for a couch.

fatfrog, homestay is a great way of describing it. Not heard that term in ages!

Certainly couchsurfing isn't for everyone, but I think it makes a much more attractive option than hosteling for some. I, for one, am over snorers!!!

used it once for a stay in NYC when hotel rates were $400+ for a one night stay and most hostels sold out due to the marathon. ended up with a very fun night in the NYC night life and saw places you could probably only see with a local.

obviously the first time you are a bit nervous and negative experiences are possible. however I'd do it again.

Very interesting! I might have to try it sometime. Anybody else have any experiences with it?


Halothane

I haven't used it since they started doing the credit checks (i haven't had the need for a couch) but will when the time comes... before that, i did once or twice and no problems. Great system and nice people overall.

We are Americans and use this extensively. We have hosted about 70 + people and been hosted by about 20 residents of Europe. It is an incredible project. I can not recommend it highly enough. I am unable to give many details right now but feel free to email me regarding CS. Our profile name on couchsurfing is kimberly and tom. koquan@yahoo. It has changed how we travel and how we live our lives back home.
Quick answer to OP ?'s
1) Yes couches are usually easy to find. Usually has more to do with how picky you are. We have never had to stay in a hotel or hostel in Europe because we could not find a host.
2) Fill ot your profile completely. When requesting a couch take the time to read your potential hosts profile thoroughly. In your request note that you have done this. Do not send a generic cut and paste email request to 40 people. Many people really resent that and state that these requests will not be answered.
3) Stays are handled as you wish. We provide a key and as much info and assitance with places to see things to do public transport etc. use of our kitchen/internet. We invite people to use our place as if it were their home. How you host is simply up to you.

I've never used 'couchsurfing' but I did participate in a homestay in Sydney about 10 yrs ago. It was an organization called Servas - I don't know if they even exist anymore.
I had some safety concerns as I was a single female traveller but no problems.
Had a lovely stay and as other posters have commented, had some experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise - went to a picnic w my hostess, cool bars, even got set up on a date w one of her friends. ;)
It's not for everyone and it's not for every situation. It takes energy to be a host or a guest and sometimes you just want to be on your own.
Overall, ^.

hi kim and tom.

Thanks for the tips! I checked out your couchsurfing profile- very nice. Good to see you had some visitors from Melbourne.

I'm planning to spend 3 months looking around the US so hope to meet some find couchsurfers along the way. Or buy a campervan/RV and use driveways or something! lol.

Enigma,
Thanks for bringing this up. I am about to book a ticket to London and plan to take a train down to France and Spain while I am in Europe. I am actually considering signing up and trying my luck. Thanks again!

Halothane

Hi Enigma ,
We have had many wonderful people from Australia stay with us. We were hosted by an Australian above the Arctic circle in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden(famous for The Ice Hotel) great time. Send us a couch request if you think you will be in Austin. My humble opinion is that Austin is not very representative of Texas but that is what makes it such a great place to spend a few days.
Cheers,
Kimberly and Tom

Anyone else try it? It looks cool.

Hi budget travelers.

With the number of people on this board I'd be interested to see how many have used Couchsurfing (http://www.couchsurfing.com/).

What is it? From the website "CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.". I consider it to be an extension or alternative to backpacking. Instead of staying in a hostel you stay on someone's couch or spare room.

It's certainly not for everyone! The advantage is that you get a more local perspective on where you are - the people, the housing, the quality of life. The disadvantage is that you might feel less secure, and that you are probably more careful to keep everyone/everything happy.

I've hosted someone from Germany once and enjoyed helping him out during his stay. And I might try and use it when in America later this year.

I'd be curious to see how FlyerTalkers, especially Americans, have found it. Did you find couches easily? Do you have any tips on the best way to find couches, handle stays, etc.? What have been your experiences?

Thanks!

I have not used couchsurfing, but I have met a number of couchsurfers in person on a trip to Bulgaria. I had been in touch with some people from a similiar organisation Hospitality Club (http://secure.hospitalityclub.org/hc/menu.php). When I met my HC friends, they told me about Couchsurfers who were meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria while I was there. Some HC members are Couchsurfers also. A great bunch of people. Some of them will also host guests depending on their situation. In any case they will meet you and show you around. It's a greatway to make friends around the world, even if you don't find a couch. There were about 30 people at the meeting in Sofia, ocal, as well as visitors like myself, and expats living in Sofia.

Check out travelvice.com - Craig has been surfing non-stop for months in eastern Europe, through Turkey and now into Syria.

i joined couchsurfing after a friend told me about it. havent officially used it yet, but i have been contacted by people who just want a tour guide of sorts (since it's inconvenient for me to host someone)when they come into town. i'm happy to show people around when i can!

it's a great idea. thinking about actually using it when i go to europe this summer w/my family. the only problem is anyone that will host a family of four.

i joined couchsurfing after a friend told me about it. havent officially used it yet, but i have been contacted by people who just want a tour guide of sorts (since it's inconvenient for me to host someone)when they come into town. i'm happy to show people around when i can!

it's a great idea. thinking about actually using it when i go to europe this summer w/my family. the only problem is anyone that will host a family of four.

While there maybe people/families who would hos a family of four, I wouldn't count on it. Youth hostels, roommates, couch surfing are usually associated with younger people or people without families. By the time one has a family of four, one should look for hotels. Asking some one to host a family of four is a big burden. Not many people have extra space for four people.

I'm on it, though to be honest I haven't had a chance to use it yet :(

I have not used couchsurfing, but I have met a number of couchsurfers in person on a trip to Bulgaria. I had been in touch with some people from a similiar organisation Hospitality Club (http://secure.hospitalityclub.org/hc/menu.php). When I met my HC friends, they told me about Couchsurfers who were meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria while I was there. Some HC members are Couchsurfers also. A great bunch of people. Some of them will also host guests depending on their situation. In any case they will meet you and show you around. It's a greatway to make friends around the world, even if you don't find a couch. There were about 30 people at the meeting in Sofia, ocal, as well as visitors like myself, and expats living in Sofia.
I have also been using Hospitalityclub a lot, it is a great way to save money and have a bit more fun on mileage runs.

I love couchsurfing. I used it about 8 times while traveling Europe last summer, from anywhere from 1 night to 3 days in 1 host home, and I think it's a brilliant idea and very much in line with my idealist philsophies. I agree, though, that some people may try to abuse it: I'm not in a very large city, but I've had requests come asking to crash on my couch a mere 6 hours before a person was due to arrive, and that's just plain rude. I'm about to host a girl for 3 weeks, so here's hoping it goes well!

Servas still exists. I planned to join, but never got around to, since the procedure is more complicated than on CS.

I joined CS this autumn. Hosted once and having another guest probably arriving tomorrow!

I really like CS, will hopefully use it traveling this summer.

shouldn't we try to add all FT buddies to our couchsurfing friends list? there seem to be several of us using it :)

I love it ^

shouldn't we try to add all FT buddies to our couchsurfing friends list?

I for one would probably be more comfortable knowing it's an FTer ;)

Maybe I should sign up as well @:-)

EmailKid

Maybe someone could try to do a list of Couchsurfing friendly FTers. If they are on FT, they can't be all that bad, can they?

Well I probably contacted about 10 people and everyone had some reason they couldn't host me. Everybody replied, so that was nice. I felt guilty spamming so I didn't really take it further and got busy and ran outta time to search for possibilities. My recommendation is to either start early or be very vigilant. Like FT has experienced, I think CS has started getting more press especially with the recession. It'll be good if they good people who participate versus freeloaders. Hmmm, sounds like FT....

Look likes a good group of folks on there though. I put up a profile say I am willing to host, but who knows if I'll ever get contacted. The San Jose area is definitely not a tourist hot bed.

or maybe we should form a FT'r group on CS?

So it is written, so it is done.

I've contacted Couchsurfing about starting a FlyerTalk group. I'll post information here once I've done so. :)

Just like the Facebook group...spreading the FT gospel!

So it is written, so it is done.

I've contacted Couchsurfing about starting a FlyerTalk group. I'll post information here once I've done so. :)

Just like the Facebook group...spreading the FT gospel!
Thanks! Look forward to it.

I've been a member of hospitalityclub and then couchsurfing for many years. I've used them a few times for hosting/being hosted, but mostly to meet local people. The larger cities have some sort of meeting going on almost every day, and are usually attended by a nice mix of locals and travelers. It's also a good way to learn about local spots which you won't find in a travel guide or are not part of the usual touristic circuit.

Most members are in their 20s and looking for partying and free accommodation above all, but it is also useful to older people and people looking for more of a cultural experience.

The new FlyerTalk group on Couchsurfing is up and running.

http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18781

Any and all FTers are welcome to join!

The students in my lab are using this. They all love it. One of them was in Europe for 6 weeks and stayed in hostels for only 5 nights of it! Amazing.
Now if I can only ween Mrs. Skaven off of nice hotels and back to our backpacking days....haha.

so there are only 5 FTer signed up? I guess it's because you don't get points for surfing someone elses couch :p

The new FlyerTalk group on Couchsurfing is up and running.

http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18781

Any and all FTers are welcome to join!

Great idea! Thanks for doing this . . . combining 2 good things.

I guess it's because you don't get points for surfing someone elses couch :p

Some of us don't have a couch :eek:

Finally moved in following Ike, but have no furniture save one chair :rolleyes:

Suppose I can sign up and meet for coffee or drinks.

EmailKid

Suppose I can sign up and meet for coffee or drinks.

That's what I just tried to do (about an hour ago), but I still haven't received my registration confirmation (with password) in my email, so I can't log in. Not in my spam folder, either.

Will keep checking...

Am a big fan of CS, and found out about it a few years back here on FT:D Their website is full of bugs though, but once you manage the search and their server isn't down for maintenance yet again, it's a great place to meet other open minded people. The concept alone attracts a certain type of person who is open to meeting strangers from around the world. It's a great way to meet locals or other travelers of all ages, and I'm primarily using it for meeting for drinks/dinner/tours of the city in distant locales although I've also stayed and hosted a little. Be very specific about your search patterns so that you find someone you could get along with and definitely read the references other people leave. If you meet a 20 year old student you'll probably end up staying up late drinking and crashing on a couch, but if you find a 35 year old writer you'll probably end up in the guest room and enjoying a home cooked meal or going to a nice local restaurant. As a guest I try to bring some small gift or bottle of wine and as a host I've received gifts and home cooked meals in return. They also have forums for most cities/countries which are great for getting local advice and find out about events. I even managed to find someone last minute to show me around Minneapolis instead of going to the Mall of America when I had an 8 hour layover there.

I joined a group, globalfreeloaders.com about 6 years ago. Filling out my profile I thought I'd never have any inquiries--after all, who'd want to visit/stay in south central rural Kansas? Within 48 hours I had my first request! It was kind of weird as I was out of town and told the person that I wouldn't be back until late the night he was requesting being hosted, so would have to decline. Shortly after I pulled in, my phone rang and it was the member who was in town at the local convenience store!! So I did what any sensible lives-alone single woman would do and invited him over. Turns out he was Dutch, says a pediatrician, and traveling with a woman he met on a university bulletin board looking to share trip expenses. She was going to the Appalachians to scatter her mother's ashes. He had relatives buried in a tiny local cemetary. The woman later confided they'd been hitting couches the whole trip, and the agreement was she'd provide food, he'd provide lodging and she was driving. She thought he was trying to totally freeload around the world and maybe write a book about it. So, obviously I escaped with my life, lol, and had a story that earned some incredulous chin-dropping looks.

I had no luck the one time I tried to use it to find lodging in Cheyenne during the rodeo, but it was a last minute half hearted effort. Now, I think I'll sign up for couchsurfers AND the FT group. Welcome to the farm, folks! :D

Been a CSer for about a year. Lots of Peace Corps volunteers are on it. Just added my name to the FT CS group.

I'm a little off the beaten path and hosted had three sets of folks through, with all being extremely nice. Basically, each time, I just left a key with them.

Being an American woman living in Morocco, I do get random men e-mailing me with "Hi, I want to come meet you" but I just ignore them.

I'm planning a trip to Greece soon and intend to CS during that trip. The person I have communicated with in Athens says she has hosted over 200 people.

It's really a great service, but it is a little risky. But really, what worthwhile isn't?

So, I found my way to this thread to, thanks to chrissxb. Been a long time CSer and a not so long time FTer.

Like I wrote on the CS Forum... CS is nice if you spent all your money on C Class tickets ;-)

Well... no... of course it's also very nice to meet local people and get more out of your stay in any town or city!

I've met some absolutely fantastic people thru CS.^^^ I've had a BLAST hosting CSers when I lived in the states, and hanging out with them here in London.
Sure, like any large on-line community, it's got it's share of strange people and people who abuse it. If one follows the CS paradigm of using its friends, references, vouching, etc. to ensure one's safety, things usually go fine. If it's references that one needs for their profile, there's likely a CS group in their town where they can meet people in person.

I would not do this because I am just paranoid about allowing random people in my home, unless of course I can personally review their background - criminal history and job history/references and also I have to interview them...and that is not likely to happen. Allowing someone into your personal space is a lot to ask.. In lieu of this if a third party that I trust did it thats fine.

I know it does work for some people though and good for them :D

is there a fellow Flyertalker couchsurfer willing to host me for one night (May 24-25) in or around BOS? PM me please for my cs handle.

I would not do this because I am just paranoid about allowing random people in my home, unless of course I can personally review their background - criminal history and job history/references and also I have to interview them...and that is not likely to happen. Allowing someone into your personal space is a lot to ask.. In lieu of this if a third party that I trust did it thats fine.

I know it does work for some people though and good for them :D

It's certainly not for the paranoid, but then I suppose even hostels or cheap hotels would not be acceptable either. I've actually never stayed in a hostel myself, since I don't like the idea of sharing my room with strangers :rolleyes: The CS community works based on trusting others and does not require you to host at all. There are plenty of freeloaders who only "surf", but just as many hosts who've only hosted so it balances out. A true paranoid wouldn't even have their friends or family over, because it's not likely they would know their criminal history, job history/references... I think the profiles and references on the CS site give a pretty good first impression of the type of person you're dealing with, much more than any online dating site;)

Seeing flo-e's request, CS and FT are a good match for Mileage Runners who often only need an overnight stay before returning to the airport the next day. I've used it several times while in transit to another destination.

I personally have not used couchsurfing, but I have many friends who have used it with success. The great thing about it is that you not only get to stay somewhere for free, but you are also able to see the sights through the eyes of a local, and probably see things you wouldn't find in a guide book. I am really looking forward to trying this for myself sometime!

so there are only 5 FTer signed up? I guess it's because you don't get points for surfing someone elses couch :p

Yes, that's the reason. I know a lot of friends, who are using couchsurfing.

Well I struck out in YYZ, everyone was already hosting or had an excuse. I still have my profile active on there though, but no takers yet.

Hosting as I type this, but FTers :)

EmailKid

waiting for two CSer - but seems that they won't show up anymore :(

Couchsurfing is all about meeting people. To me, it's trying to counter this idea of fear of foreigners, fear of your neighbors, fear of everybody

Couchsurfing is all about meeting people. To me, it's trying to counter this idea of fear of foreigners, fear of your neighbors, fear of everybody

That's a good attitude! I met some people I'll probably call "friends for life" soon. And well, you stumble upon people like chrissxb by chance and meet your first real life FTer :p

I am a CS-er, been a member since 2001 when I did Euro solo travel. Surfed in Paris and Barcelona. Had a blast in both places. Met cool people in BKK and Portland. Hosted my Paris host in BKK too. It's a nice concept, just be real careful when selection a host.

Here is a blurb on Couchsurfing. It just happens I am part of it as well :)

http://tinyurl.com/n5w2zz PDF (article at bottom)

Program works well: www.couchsurfing.com/AMRivlin

I am also an avid CS user. I love the community and idea.

I've hosted people at my place, and also used it for trips I've been on.

CS and hospitality club are invaluable resources!

Been a member for a little while, and already hosted a couple of travelers (they had their own sleeping accomodations as there is still no furniture).

This may come in handy for a MR :D

EmailKid

I just joined the group. I joined couchsurfing last February, but then I didn't do anything with it. I'm not sure how comfortable I feel with the idea of total strangers, but for some reason FT'ers seem better.

This would be a fun thing to try with one of those sub-$300 round trip airfares to Europe we've been seeing lately. I took a $228 flight to Italy this spring with my friend. We stayed in a hostel for my first time ever...and somebody stole my driver's license and traveller's cheques while we slept! So, couchsurfing seems like it would not be much riskier.

Been a CS member for almost 4 years. Only actually surfed once, in Hawaii. Great experience. I generally use it as a networking tool. Where are the good restaurants, bars, etc? Just joined the FT group on CS.

I actually think it is less riskier, you are staying with one person. So if they are a murderer at least you will know who committed the crime :D.

In all seriousness, you get to review the people and meet them first to size them up. Generally it is like minded people (Like FT is for travel) and you learn a lot about the locals.

Good Luck, best advice, use instinct, if it seems shady, move on to a hotel. But I think you will find it rewarding.

Andrew

I just joined the group. I joined couchsurfing last February, but then I didn't do anything with it. I'm not sure how comfortable I feel with the idea of total strangers, but for some reason FT'ers seem better.

This would be a fun thing to try with one of those sub-$300 round trip airfares to Europe we've been seeing lately. I took a $228 flight to Italy this spring with my friend. We stayed in a hostel for my first time ever...and somebody stole my driver's license and traveller's cheques while we slept! So, couchsurfing seems like it would not be much riskier.

I've used it hosting people a couple of times. Good fun.

Couchsurfing is the best way to travel :D

I live in Vienna, which is the couchsurfing capital of the world. We have more members than NYC, though Vienna is much smaller.

Couchsurfing is a great way to travel! You learn so much more about the place and the people your are visiting. However, it doesn't work out every and always. For example, you can forget about finding a couch in Venice.

It's not about the $$$ you save. At least not in the first place. It's about the better perspective you get.