| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/22/2009 10:56:26 PM | I was recently turned on to this site as a great means of securing accomodations while travelling the world. I know a few people who have had very positive experiences using this service. They were able to obtain references of their host families. And have travelled across Europe and Asia using it.
Anyone else heard of it? | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/24/2009 12:03:36 PM | | I've heard of it. Considered it briefly for my upcoming trip to Europe. However, my travel partner for this trip wasn't too keen on the idea. Being a single girl, I don't think I'd go it alone, but with a trusted friend who wanted to give it a try - why not? | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/25/2009 12:02:03 PM | A friend in my town recently turned me on to it and I'm very impressed both with the history he's had with it as well as what I've seen on the site. The membership is clearly focused on cultural exchange as much as anything and everything appears quite genuine.
There also appears to be a pretty solid method of keeping any potential 'bad apples' out of the site via a referral system.
I'm planning on using this site on my upcoming trip across Canada not only for meeting locals that are interested in providing temporary accomodations (and hopefully making lots of friends in the process), but they also have a ride sharing group that will hook up potential passengers as I'll be doing a lot of driving and some company will always be appreciated!
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/27/2009 6:51:16 PM | surf the couch I got the world at my fingertips......lol | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/30/2009 10:38:12 AM | | I have scanned their website and read a few positive comments about couchsurfing.com from the web. Similar websites are globalfreeloaders.com and bootnall. Not yet have I had any actual experience with them. | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/30/2009 12:56:06 PM | | Couchsurfing is amazing! I highly recommend it! | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 6/30/2009 8:19:25 PM | bring some good convo...looks help and surf away.... | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/2/2009 10:49:19 AM | There is another thread on this page ref Couchsurfing.. i have used it quite a bit but a word of warning its about give and take, not just take!
Its a great site.
Another one which to me give s valuable information is virtualtourist.com | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/2/2009 12:52:25 PM | | I know a member who traveled a lot all over the world and she says that it's a great way to do it. | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/6/2009 9:38:48 AM | Yes, yes, and yes. This is an amazing network of people (almost a million) that share a different belief/perspective about traveling. I see it as traveling a world without borders; being able to tap into a deeper understanding of sharing cultures and learning from each other. Yes, it saves the cost of paying to stay in a hotel, etc. but really, the beauty of CS is being able to live in the culture itself, with its people.
I host as well as couchsurf when traveling. I stayed with an architect in Zurich, the manager of the national TV station in Paris, a school Principal in Vienna...to name a few. I've been able to meet people from all over the world by being a CS; either through my own travels or when they come to Hawai'i as visitors to my home town. I've been able to attend CS events/get togethers where I've met so many others, from just about every corner of the planet; we all have something in common including a perspective of there being unity within diversity.
The website offers personal references, cross references, and the ability to directly contact (through the CS website link) people who are members. In other words, people who have stayed with me have written references about me and their experience and I have written references for them.
Check it out. It's by far one of the coolest (and newer) groups that reaches across borders with a welcoming attitude and hand. | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/6/2009 12:02:56 PM | | Good idea but I dunno.. Id be a bit cautious of knocking on a strangers door and sleeping there.. | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/7/2009 3:59:45 PM | I have been hosting people in my home for two years now and love it :-)
Couchsurfers are the best guests I've had - clean, self sufficient, polite and friendly :-)
I am also helping with translation of this site it into Polish so can tell you that this site has got a very good support of volunteers. Those who are helping to run it smoothly and do the technical support.
I've been also on many events organized by members - it is at least in London a very thriving social club :-) and everybody's made welcome to join.
Safety is taken very seriously - look at vouching system. It is build in to protect hosts and guests.
And it is give and take scenario.
I am about to host French family from this Saturday . So far this year I had 6 guests, mostly students and learned from them a lot about their countries and what their live is like.
I agree this way of travelling is not for everyone - but those who try it have best experiences possible (most of them anyway :-))
I am vey passionate about it as you can probably see :-) | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/7/2009 8:05:55 PM | Another similar site, but only for long distance bicycle touring, is WARMSHOWERS. I recently hosted a gentleman cycling from NY to Seattle. I hope to do a long bike ride in about a year, and will be using this and couchsurfing.
Canoist | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/10/2009 8:49:01 AM | I am a recent member and have hosted some young travelers. Great idea.
I recommend it! | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 7/14/2009 3:09:23 PM | | Couchsurfing is an amazing community. When I lived in Toronto with my boyfriend at the time, we hosted (on different occasions) two girls from Chicago, a guy from France, and two guys from Dominican Republic. I had signed us up and he wasn't so sure at first that it was a good idea but his mind was definitely changed afterwards. They were all very different, but all were fabulous guests and it is something I'll do again for sure in the future. I haven't gone surfing yet myself but when I get some time to do more traveling, I definitely will give it a try :). | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 9/28/2009 9:58:54 PM | I want to travel to New Orleans soon and hope to use couchsurfing.com
I would like to see more POC and black people participate in it as for using and hosting. | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 9/29/2009 4:20:18 PM | | I heard of it and met some nice people in Pittsburgh. Haven't used it for travel or had anybody use my crash space yet, but I'm off the beaten path. Who wants to travel the world to go to Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Motto: "We're not under water any more!")? | |
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| Couchsurfing.com
Posted: 10/18/2009 7:54:10 PM | I am an active member of Couchsurfing and love every minute of it. I have participated for 4 years and only had a few experiences, when you look back are funny but at the time frustrating.
There has never been a time where I have felt unsafe hosting(I am a single woman) or surfing. I am planning a 3 week long mini tour of Scandinavia and without Couchsurfing, I would not be able to do that. The people you meet along the way are amazing and have so much to share. Some of the surfers find a way into your heart and stay there for life.
I cannot recommend Couchsurfing enough. Hell, my mom is 60 years old and even signed up. Its a great experience!
If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them. | |
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