Couch Surfing, Anyone? (camping, best, cycle, hotels)

[Ultimate Cheapskate]

I'm curious to know if there are any fellow Couch Surfing enthusiasts hanging out around here?

If you're not familiar with Couch Surfing, it's an international nonprofit network (www.CouchSurfing.com) of about half a million people living all around the world who will let you sleep on their couch (or often in a guest bedroom) for free, and they'll usually take the time to show you around the place they live. I discovered it a year ago and used it extensively on my book-tours-by-bicycyle last year around the U.S.

Not only is it the cheapest way to travel, but the really terrific thing is that you meet so many wonderful local people because of it, as opposed to, say, staying in hotels. Of course, everyone always asks "Is it safe?" According to the folks at CouchSurfing.com, there have been far few safety incidents reported from nights spent Couch Surfing than a comparable number of nights spent staying in hotels. You get to know hosts/travelers through their robust (and free!) website before you hook up, and you don't have to host people; you can just be a surfer, and not a host.

It's really restoring my sense of trust and faith in humankind ... and allowing me to travel a lot more. CouchSurfing's mission is "Creating a better world, one couch at a time," and IMO they're doing just that. Check it out.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Do a search, it has been discussed here.
My kids have used CS extensively.
I'm registered, and have met several couch surfers, but so far have not hosted or slept over (this may change in the spring.)
Of course, back in the day, I did plenty of couch surfing before there was an Official Designation for it.

[tired-of-mn]

I will be doing the bicycyle thing this spring but its half nessesity and half adventure as there is no jobs in my area.I will mainly be bicycyle camping but have not ruled out some couch surfing.I'm headed to cali to try my hand at some gold prospecting as I have always wanted to try it out.I have NO illusions of getting rich but I want to give it a shot.I will be looking for work too.I tried to bicycyle to the west coast in 2006 but got as far as SD, I live in minnesota.What is the best route to cross the rockys?I would be very interested to hear your advice and stories on biking the U S.

[sponger42]

I have couchsurfed extensively with my wife. Most of the experiences were positive. We made some great friends with other couples that we met in various countries. We have also had some uncomfortable and even one violent experience. Ironically, after staying with and hosting people of every country and creed, it was one of my countrymen (American) who got first drunk, and then abusive before I had to put him in his place.

I wouldn't let one bad experience turn me off or warn others away from couchsurfing, but you should be very careful about whom you stay with or host and always have a back-up plan in case you get a bad feeling about your potential host or guest (know of a hostel you can go to or send your potential guest to).

Naturally, couchsurfing only lists the "positive" experiences on their main page, and they are--of course--going to try to make it sound safe. However, the feeling amongst Couch Surfers (CS'ers) that I found was universally shared is that CS is getting a bit too large. People are going to start having negative experiences because some will abuse the system.

The best way to keep yourself safe and happy, if you choose to couchsurf, is to use your best judgement, read between the lines in a person's reviews (For instance, a big yellow flag would be a single male who has hosted only women, or anyone who posts a "glamor shot" photo, they might be looking for something more than just friendly conversation.)

After all that negativity, I will say that Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to get to know a new city and it's culture. There are some really wonderful people out there participating in CS, and if you meet them be sure to be a good guest. Clean up after yourself, do something nice; buy them dinner, drinks, a gift, or prepare a meal for them (whichever you can afford); in return for their hospitality.

[Rach1966]

my friend wanted to go to the Cayman Islands, we got a really cheap ticket
then found that hotels were several hundred a night
I found couch surfing and stayed with a girl that is from Canada and working on the island
my friend was now happy about it at first
she picked us up at the airport on her lunch break, took us to her apartment, we changed and then she took us to the city center, told us what time she gets off from work to meet back at the bank she worked at and she took us out to eat to meet her friends
next day gave us her mobile to call a taxi (we didn't want to get up and leave as early as she did)
it was a great experience.

now, have stayed on lots of peoples couchs in Australia but not through couchsurfing website
it was, meet one person and they would say, hey my family or friends that live where ever I was going next will put you up, and they would call them and I had a free place to stay
got to be very flexible and put up with peoples kids asking you all kinds of questions

[Ultimate Cheapskate]

Originally Posted by tired-of-mn

I will be doing the bicycyle thing this spring but its half nessesity and half adventure as there is no jobs in my area.I will mainly be bicycyle camping but have not ruled out some couch surfing.I'm headed to cali to try my hand at some gold prospecting as I have always wanted to try it out.I have NO illusions of getting rich but I want to give it a shot.I will be looking for work too.I tried to bicycyle to the west coast in 2006 but got as far as SD, I live in minnesota.What is the best route to cross the rockys?I would be very interested to hear your advice and stories on biking the U S.

Sounds like an interesting trip. Sure, I'm happy to provide what advice I can to anyone interested in long distance bicycle touring. I've been doing it since the early 1970's, have crossed the U.S. 12 times, and last year officially crossed the 85,000 mile mark (miles bicycled during my lifetime). Just send me a private message and we can talk off-line.

[Atlantasfinest]

CS is great! I haven't hosted anyone yet but I've been hosted and hung out with people in Brazil and Colombia so far and met some nice people here in Atlanta as well.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Just got a CS email from a couple in Vienna--might be hosting next month!