Couchsurfing- More than a couch

Have Couch, Will Travel

When was the last time you knocked on a strangers door and were greeted with a huge hug, a bed(couch), and hours of meaningful conversation? If you say “never” I promise you are missing out on one of the better experiences life has to offer. Odds are, if you are reading this blog you know what Couchsurfing is.

The concept is simple, it’s a website on which the users make profiles and meet other like-minded travelers, or hosts, across the globe. You make contact with the host, request to surf their couch, and viola! You now have 1) a place to stay 2) a new friend 3)behind the scenes guide! I cannot stress enough that Couchsurfing is NOT to be viewed as a free hostel. You have duties as a guest, too.

Many (in fact, most) hosts will not require or even accept any contributions to the household during your stay, but this still does not mean you are off the hook. You are representing yourself, your country, and Couchsurfing. Your job as a guest is to be clean, respectful, and engaging. If you don’t have the ability to do these things, do everyone a favor and spend the money to get a hostel. CS is meant for people who can give and take in equal measures, with the best of intentions- not someone who needs a place to crash and wants a free innkeeper.

“…Stay in a strangers house?! Alone? as a female? That doesn’t seem safe!” The idea in itself does seem risky, but Couchsurfing has implemented several ways for surfers to be selective in choosing their host based on their verification & vouched status. I know you’re intrigued, read on…

To become verified (which appears on your profile as a green check mark) you make a donation with your credit card, which verifies your name & billing information. The second part of this process is the verification postcard which they mail to your home. You then enter the code to prove that you’re not a robot or a gypsy. This helps potential surfers trust you just a little more. Vouching is also another great way to demonstrate your awesone-ness.

The power of “The Vouch“. Vouching ability originated with the CS admins- who had the ability to “vouch” for fellow CS’ers they knew (in person, not computer land) and trusted enough to put *their* reputation on the line. Now, you have to be vouched for three times, before you are able to vouch for anyone else. This way, the system can be sure that you are dedicated to the cause and fellow CSers can put more stock in the status “vouched”. This is an extremely special thing to the CS community and in some cases, even more important than verification.

If you’re still hesitant at this point, but entertaining the idea, I wholeheartedly recommend you try it out, just once! No plans to travel the globe anytime soon? Couchsurf in a nearby city- it’s not about where you are (although it really helps to be somewhere amazing) it’s about *who* you are with.

Also, for those of you who are chomping at the bit to travel but just cant right now, try hosting! It’s a fantastic way to meet quality people from all over this world, share your corner of the planet and warm someone’s heart while they are away from home.

You will learn about their country, customs… they might even help you prank call people you know with their great accents…. (not that I’ve ever done that… Thanks, Dora & Stoffer!) Visit their site to check out the statistics on how many people do this, and live to tell about it!

All this having been said- does it work? Yes! Yes! Yes! I have dear friends all over this planet that I can count on anytime I need them.

Hamam in Bursa, Turkey.

Paula & Steve, whom I stayed with in Bursa, Turkey now live in the Czech Republic and still serve as inspiration to me to follow mydreams, wherever they take me. Paula is a teacher, in every sense of the word. Leading mostly by example, her creative, passionate spirit transcends barriers and will move you to dream bigger and enjoy every moment to it’s fullest. Steve, her darling husband is also a teacher, but most notably an impeccable photographer. He could also throw down on Bobby Flay, as he is great in the kitchen and sure to keep you laughing all the while.

Purple Shirt, Murat & Burak. Istanbul, Turkey

Murat, my darling Murat, whom I stayed with in Istanbul, Turkey has once again offered to open his home and heart to me when I return to Turkey- hopefully next month! Murat spends much time traveling, learning languages and making people smile wherever he goes. If you ever find yourself in Istanbul Murat and his gang of friends are the only stop you will need to make, I promise. The epitome of hospitality, comfort, caring and fun!

Onur after lunch. Efes, Turkey

Saving the best for last, Onur. He is truly one of the most welcoming and loving people you can have the pleasure of meeting on this whole planet. He hosted me for an entire week of his hometown of Manisa, Turkey and shared not only his culture, but his friendship, family…everything. If you find yourself in Melbourne, Australia (his new home) you will regret not meeting him.

In case you cannot tell, Couchsurfing has brought me more than a free place to stay all over the globe, it has brought me dear friends whom I am still in contact with and will forever remember fondly.

Do yourself a favor, take a chance, host someone, surf somewhere- you might surprise yourself.