Couchsurfing - have you used it?
Jun 2, 2009, 2:19 am
#49
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Switzerland
Programs: LX HON, Radisson Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 476
Jun 8, 2009, 11:25 pm
#50
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1
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.
Jun 8, 2009, 11:41 pm
#51
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: (SJC)
Posts: 2,198
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
http://tinyurl.com/n5w2zz PDF (article at bottom)
Program works well: www.couchsurfing.com/AMRivlin
Jun 9, 2009, 5:06 pm
#53
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Joined the group today
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
EmailKid
This may come in handy for a MR
EmailKid
Jun 20, 2009, 2:47 pm
#54
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RSW/FMY
Programs: All, but no status!
Posts: 754
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.
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.
Jun 20, 2009, 7:12 pm
#55
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: 33.9929N 83.4207W
Programs: DL Skymiles
Posts: 644
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.
Jun 21, 2009, 9:54 am
#56
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: (SJC)
Posts: 2,198
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 .
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
.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.
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.
Aug 7, 2009, 5:10 pm
#59
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: YXY
Posts: 3,506
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 $$$ you save. At least not in the first place. It's about the better perspective you get.
Couchsurfing is a great way to travel! You learn so much more about the place and the people your are visiting. However, it doesn't work out every and always. For example, you can forget about finding a couch in Venice.
It's not about the $$$ you save. At least not in the first place. It's about the better perspective you get.