What is Couchsurfing?
Couchsurfing is...
living like a nomad in the Sahara Desert for two nights.
spontaneously meeting up with 250 like-minded strangers and having the greatest 5 days in a spot hidden away deep in Italy that only locals know about.
camping out in the pitch dark & starry night, up on the High-Atlas Mountains of Morocco, opening up to a local who is keeping me company.
These are just some of the experiences that I have had with Couchsurfing during my travels. In the beginning of my Couchsurfing days, I found it to be completely useless. I would constantly send out messages and never get any responses back. Now after years of experimenting with it, I have learned how truly amazing this app could be if it’s used the right way. Now, I am here to share with you what Couchsurfing is and how to be successful with it.
How Does It Work?
Couchsurfing is a website and mobile phone application. Its main functions are to connect travelers with locals or other travelers in that same location. Most importantly, there are Couchsurfing hosts who are people willing to give you a couch to sleep on during your travels. They don’t ask for money, but most will in exchange want to spend some time with you. It’s important to offer something in exchange for their hospitality. This could be paying for dinner, cooking up something, bringing a bottle of wine/pack of beer, or even sharing a skill. I for example, always offer guided meditation sessions for anyone interested. This app is not meant to be used simply for getting free accommodation.
For those of you out there searching for genuine cultural experiences, Couchsurfing could be one of your best tools to help you achieve that.
Ways to make Couchsurfing safer and less scary
I know what you’re thinking – “All this sounds very dangerous, what if the host is in some type of psycho”? Well, this all comes down to how you view humanity. I personally tend to have a lot of trust in a stranger. But even if you don’t, there are multiple ways to figure out whether the person at the other end is legit or not. The only downside is that the pickier you are, the tougher it’ll be to find a host. But of course, safety comes first. So here are the ways to be safe:
- Couchsurfing has a “reference” system. This function allows you to read reviews about other people’s experiences with that person. You can even filter it out and see only hosts with many positive messages.
- Thoroughly read their profile. Make sure they have put the time into describing the type of person they are and what they are trying to get out of Couchsurfing.
- Ask to speak to them on social media platforms(ex. Facebook & Instagram) outside of Couchsurfing. See if all their pictures, comments, and even friends are real.
Like I mentioned before. This app needs to be used in the right way. You have to take precautions and be aware of every potential risk. Just like everything else you encounter while traveling.
How to Become a Pro at Couchsurfing
Create a detailed profile about yourself.
Answer every question to the best of your ability. The more the better. A more detailed profile will give people a sense of ease about who you are. It’s also important to be as transparent as possible so they can decide whether they can relate with you. Include any social media if you have it.
Don’t use the app to simply save money or gain free accommodation.
Most of the hosts hope to meet you and spend some time with you. Possibly show you the area, introduce you to the culture, or even just to practice their English. Not everyone can travel the world. So this creates an opportunity for them to learn about new cultures from others without even having to leave their country.
Write personalized messages to the hosts.
Don’t just copy and paste the same request message to everyone in the area. Make sure to read their profile so you can see if you could be compatible with them. Let them know if you have anything in common. That could include, your interests in their city, their culture, or even just a hobby
POST PUBLIC TRIPS.
Couchsurfing gives you the option to post a public trip. You mark the city you intend to travel to and select the dates you think you would be there. Once it is posted, it notifies every host within a certain proximity from that city that you’re traveling through it and looking for a host or to a meet-up. While creating the public trip its important to also write a personalized message. This message could contain information on what hobbies you have, your interests, what you hope to get out of the experience, excitement towards learning the culture, and curiosity about the city. You can also let them quickly know what type of person you are. Whether you’re a clean non-needy person or require special attention.
Get a verified profile.
Paying $50 makes you a verified Couchsurfer. It gives your profile a green banner and makes you more legitimate. I’m not saying that you won’t find hosts without it. But from talking to many hosts out there and being one personally. I do always tend to feel more comfortable with a verified profile. Remember it’s all about creating comfort and security. Don’t make the other person feel sketched out.
Use the meet-up feature
Whenever you’re in a city you can use Couchsurfings meet up feature in order to get together with other travelers or locals in your area. Usually, the locals using this feature just want to hang out and aren’t offering a place to sleep. However, if you’re solo traveling and want some company while exploring, this is a great tool to use.
Final Thoughts
Every time I try to think back to the best moments I have had while traveling. For some reason, my Couchsurfing experiences are what come on top of my list. The most genuine cultural experiences I have had were through this app. On top of that, there is just so much valuable knowledge to be consumed by some of the conversations you have with couchsurfers. You can potentially hear some knowledge that’ll stick with you for the rest of your life. It does not take much to use this app occasionally while traveling. For the amounts of benefits waiting to be obtained. I’d say it’s very well worth giving it a shot. Create your Couchsurfing profile and begin getting the best experience out of every trip you take.
