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What is couchsurfing for traveler

Couchsurfing

Recently one of my friend asked what is couchsurfing? at that moment I could help him whatever information I had , but later came to know most of my travel friends don’t know much about couch surfing.

I thought it will be good If I can compile an article on couch surfing which can throw some light for the travelers.

What is couchsurfing?

Couchsurfing is a global community of 10 million people in more than 200,000 cities who share their life, their world, their journey.

Couchsurfing connects travelers with a global network of people willing to share in profound and meaningful ways, making travel a truly social experience.

Couchsurfing began in 2004 as a small passion project by founders Casey Fenton, Daniel Hoffer, Sebastian Le Tuan and Leonardo Bassani da Silveira.

An email to a group of students in Iceland gave birth to the idea that people anywhere would want to share their homes with strangers

With Couch surfing, you can stay with locals in every country on earth. Travel like a local, stay in someone’s home and experience the world in a way money can’t buy.

There’s a community of Couch surfers near you. Many cities have weekly language exchanges, dance classes, hikes and dinners. Make new friends.

How does couchsurfing work ?

First we need to setup a profile in couch surfing website, www.couchsurfing.com. Completely fill out your Couch surfing profile. This will be your home base and is a reflection of you: your lifestyle, your mission and what’s important to you.

Having a complete profile is the best way to connect with people whether it’s going to your city’s weekly event or hosting a guest. Here you can tell people if you’re traveling or would like to host.Be sure to include photos.

couchsurfing websiteCouchsurfing website

Next step is to explore your city. Getting in touch with experienced Couch surfers in your area is the best way to get a feel for how Couch surfing works. Most cities have a weekly event that is usually held at a bar or coffee shop.

Just head to your city’s Place Page and look at the Events happening near you. Click “Join,” show up and you’re on your way.

If you’re ready to embark on an adventure, search for the city  you plan to visit and browse locals with couches available. Look through profiles and references to find people you might want to stay with.

When you find a few interesting potential hosts, carefully review their profile and send a Couch request for the dates you’ll be there.

Once you’ve explored the site and have been to an event or two, consider making your couch, spare room or air mattress available to travelers. Set your couch status under Couch Information.

Is couchsurfing safe ?

Safety is very important so take it very seriously. Take the time to carefully review member profiles. Read what members say about themselves and what other members have said about them.

Give yourself the time to thoroughly read through all the information available and don’t compromise. If you’re uncomfortable, keep looking.

If a person, situation or profile seems unsafe for any reason, move on. Don’t worry about seeming rude. Be clear about your boundaries and don’t be shy about stating them.

Communicate clearly with others and take care of yourself. If you’re uncomfortable staying alone with a member of the opposite sex, consider staying with families or with someone of your gender.

Know your options. If something doesn’t work out with your host, or if they misrepresented themselves or their home, make sure you have an alternate place to stay.

Identify the nearest hostel or hotel, or have a backup host in place before you go. If possible, research your host’s neighborhood prior to arriving, including how to get to and from there on your own.

Start panning your journeys through www.couchsurfing.com , Happy Travels!

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  1. Pingback: Solo backpacking tips in India - movingshoe

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