Couchsurfing: low-cost travel thanks to the hospitality of others
Traveling saving money is no longer a dream. Thanks to couchsurfing, in fact, it is possible to set out to discover the world without spending a penny. Natural predisposition, adaptability and open-mindedness are what you need to experience an "adventure like couchsurfing, a practice with which it is possible to receive hospitality from people all over the globe. escape the opportunity to come into direct contact with a local culture and come out enriched. If you want to know more, let's discover together the true meaning of couchsurfing, how it works, how safe it is and all the pros and cons of this experience.
But before proceeding, watch this video and find out how to survive until the next trip!
Couchsurfing: meaning
The English term couchsurfing derives from the words "couch" (sofa) and "surfing" (infinitive of the verb to surf) and literally means "to surf on sofas" and refers to that increasingly popular practice of receiving free hospitality around the world. The expression is also the name of the site on which this service can be accessed and whose users are known as "couchsurfers", "CSers" or simply "surfers". The idea of being able to travel for free or almost was born in 1999 thanks to Casey Fenton, who sent 1500 emails to students of the Icelandic university to find out if there was someone available to host him at home without any additional expense. The couchsurfing site, based in San Francisco, was officially launched in 2004 and since 2011 it has been paid for. To date, it is active in more than 97,000 cities around the world and it is Paris that holds the record for the number of users.
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How couchsurfing works
In order to start traveling the world, getting free hospitality, you must first log in and create an account on the couchsurfing site. Both the profile of the host (the host) and the profile of the travelers must be as detailed and personalized as possible, in this way it will be easier to find like-minded users and make their stay as pleasant as possible. To find a host, you must first go to the home page of the site, select the search bar and write the name of the city you want to visit. At that point, all the profiles of those who are ready to host in the aforementioned city will appear. Several filters are available on the platform with which to refine your search, such as: age, location, gender and last access to the site. Before making a request, you must fill out a sheet containing your personal information, date and reason for the trip. The time elapsed between the request and the actual organization of the trip may vary from situation to situation: sometimes, in fact, it is advisable to start planning months in advance, other times, however, it is possible to opt for a last-minute option. After hosting or being hosted, do not hesitate to leave a public review on the profile of the person involved: any feedback you share, whether positive or negative, can be useful to other members, who can thus make a safe choice. The couchsurfing site also offers a series of features that go beyond hospitality, for example continuous updates on events scheduled in the city where you are traveling or the "coffee or drink" option, by selecting which you will make yourself available to meet new people and accompany them to discover the main places of interest.
Is couchsurfing safe?
Despite the popularity and success of the site over the years, there are not a few people who are reluctant to practice couchsurfing. The question that hovers most when addressing the topic is, in fact, whether this travel method is safe for users who use it. The first doubts and fears arose after a sad episode that occurred in Leeds on March 5, 2009, when a woman was raped in an apartment by the host she met through the couchsurfing website. The man was then sentenced to 10 years in prison, but the news had such an echo that it definitively compromised the reputation of the network. It is undeniable, therefore, that hosting and being hosted by a perfect stranger or a perfect stranger is not a decision for everyone, but it is possible to adopt some precautions to travel safely and prevent the risk of sad misadventures. First of all, it should be emphasized that the couchsurfing site offers travelers a toll-free number and a call center that is always active. In addition to leaving verified reviews, the platform allows you to report abuse and can ask you and the host to confirm your identity through a document. Furthermore, to discourage malicious people, the server takes care to memorize all communications, including private ones, between the different members of the community. Once you reach the host's house, share your location with friends and relatives and, if you don't feel safe, follow your instincts and pack your bags. In addition, you can think of traveling in the company of a friend: many hosts, in fact, are willing to host even more than one person at a time. Therefore, to answer the initial question, in general and with the right care, organizing trips through couchsurfing is to be considered a "sufficiently safe option."
Couchsurfing guide: here's how to behave
If you are thinking of traveling or hosting someone for the first time in couchsurfing mode, here are some tips on how to behave to live an experience of well-being and fun. Obviously, these are indications addressed to both the host and the travelers since the exchange is reciprocal.
- Be respectful of the spaces, goods and ideas of others;
- Train your adaptability;
- Avoid uncomfortable questions or topics, especially if related to politics and religion;
- Don't intrude or snoop into someone else's house or suitcase;
- Keep tidy and clean all spaces and utensils after using them;
- Show your gratitude: since couchsurfing does not involve any exchange of money, thank the host in an alternative way. You can think, for example, of giving him / her a typical product or a souvenir from your country, of cooking for him / her etc.
- If you are a host, do everything to put the other person at ease and, if you wish, involve them as much as possible in the habits of the locals, leading them to discover the most evocative places in the city.
- Leave a review: as noted above, this is an operation of fundamental importance both for those who receive it and for those who will read it as it will allow users to travel in an informed way.
The pros and cons of couchsurfing
Of course, an experience such as couchsurfing is not within everyone's reach and requires a strong sense of adventure, however it is best not to leave biased and consider all the advantages and disadvantages of this travel method. So before choosing your next destination, consider all the pros and cons of couchsurfing, we've highlighted a few:
Pros:
> You can enjoy the pleasure of traveling without spending a fortune.
> The opportunity to explore the city following the advice and guidance of your hosts. In this way, you will go to the discovery of hidden corners and you will keep away from the more touristy itineraries.
> If you are lucky, thanks to couchsurfing you will be able to meet interesting people with whom you can cultivate friendships from a distance.
> By living in close contact with a local, you will get to know the local culture in depth, discovering more about customs and traditions.
> Practice and improve their knowledge of foreign languages.
Against:
> You will not have the same comforts and conveniences as a hotel stay.
> Privacy is not always guaranteed.
> Any problems of various kinds with the landlord.
