Travellers are confronted by various choices, worries and expenses, particularly concerning accommodations. Locating comfortable, affordable, secure and rewarding places to stay can weigh heavy on anyone's mind. While traditional forms of lodging, such as hotels, have many merits; when it comes to budget travel and cultural immersion, they seem to be lacking.
If only there were some sort of alternative.
Enter CouchSurfing (CS) – What is it?
CouchSurfing is an international non-profit organization, which has been operating online since 2004. The basic premise of CouchSurfing is that you can travel the world (there are CS hosts on every continent) and stay with local people, for free. In return, you have the option – but not the requirement – of hosting others at your own home, or at least meeting them for coffee or a drink. CouchSurfing allows for genuine connection between people of different cultures, without a financial barrier getting in the way.
What CouchSurfing Isn't
CouchSurfing is not a dating site or a method for taking advantage of others. Relationships do occur in CS, but they are not the focus of the site, and treating both surfers and hosts with respect is part of the CS philosophy. Doing things like helping to buy food, offering to cook meals, cleaning up after a meal, and cleaning up any mess you make are not required – but are recommended.