Why Everybody should start CouchSurfing.

So what the hell is this magical, brilliant, social, genius idea of CouchSurfing (CS)? It’s a social networking site that offers users hospitality exchange. –Sure, you can stay with me; I have an extra couch and maybe some time to show you around.

It was founded by Casey Fnaton in 2003, who was traveling to Iceland and hacked into the University of Iceland email database, he then send out requests to all students asking if he can stay with them as he was on a low budget. He instantly received over 50 acceptances. On his way back home, he brainstormed and decided to create CouchSurfing. That’s how the foundation for worldwide community of good vibes has started. He helped to ignited budget traveling and worldwide friendships. Praise for the genius idea that he executed. Today, CouchSurfing has over 3 million users from over 246 different countries. Aleluja!!

—I really wished we would have started CouchSurfing earlier in our travels.— I repeatedly say this. Our first experience surfing was so positive and rich that we created a higher ranking for CS. We were surfing in Richards’s house, in Christchurch, initially asked to surf for 4 days and end up staying for 2 weeks. We chat, we cooked, and we trekked and talked about all the great things that filled our lives. He had an extra suite where we had our own room with a private bathroom. It was sweet. Thanks Richard for sharing your habitat and personality.

CS is quite safe; of course nothing is 100% safe. CS goes out of the social networking site’s norm and asks users to get verify by paying a small amount and sending out postage to each user, pinpointing that they are legit. Vouching, good friends who believe you are trust wordy will vouch for them. References are another way we get a good idea of the person character and intentions. — The more general the references are the less likely I want to host that person.— Said Keith, a guy who we are currently surfing with in Beijing. But you can decide for yourself, everybody is different, what tickles you might not tickle me. Browsing through profiles is a good intro but it’s still a lotto, “Hey you never know”. Most importantly we trust our instinct.

— Where are we walking? — Iza and I are concern after crossing a multiple lane highway in Malasia. It was late, dark and there were not many lights around as we were following the directions one of the CS provided. We finally make it to the apt, covered in safety bars and screaming of sketchiness. We entered and were greeted by a couple —Here are the rules on the wall, here is the floor where you can sleep and if you need anything else we will be in the next room. — We were shocked, left alone and clueless what to do next. New country, new city, new smells and new encounter, that night was sleepless and we quickly gather our belongings the next day and found a new host.

Again, you never know.

One thing for sure CS is not about finding just a free place to stay, it’s about exchanging cultural experiences and often creating a new friend. It’s a way to mingle, laugh and learn the things that the travel guides don’t show. Additional to hosting and surfing, CS is a great way to connect to people even if you already have accommodation. There are plenty of members who would love to meet for coffee/tea and show you around their stomping grounds. Joining a group prior to arriving to a city is a great way to connect and attend fun events. For example almost all major cities have CS meeting once a week. There is always a proactive member who makes sure to pick a convenient spot where CouchSurfers can meet have a good time and socialize.

Our experience with CouchSurfing has been one of the best parts of traveling around the world. We have met and mingled with some of the coolest and funkiest people on this plant. Some of these people will remain deep in the memory, hoping to pop back out again. Ryan the fortuneteller from KL who read our life from our palms, Mariusz the Polish scuba diver who slept with us in one bed, Johann from Bangkok who had the most energy, Brian from Koh Tao who shared the 12 hour tea experience, Vic from Singapore who cooked the best dinner and Keith from Beijing who saved my life. Thank you to all for being part of this journey. We have joined events leading to crazy, partying and deep affections. We have crossed the line, and created good friends. Staying for one night, or one month CS is the shit!

Who belongs to CouchSurfing? Everybody! Young, old, local, expats and cool people, this site is for everybody who is willing. Everybody should become a member! Joining CS will enhance your knowledge of cultures, bring good vibes and make you open your eyes. If you have a spare bed, couch or floor, share it with someone that might need it, and I promise you they will share back with you.

Don’t be afraid to open up, make a new friend, lover, mate or where ever CS experience will take you.

To join is priceless, to host is priceless; to surf is priceless and to experience it will be even more priceless. PARTICIPATE!

Not enough? Still confused what CS is? Check this video.

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