Not many people have heard of Couchsurfing, or they have but they've never tried it because they're worried it's unsafe. Personally, I have been a Couchsurfer for years and a host for a little over a year now, and have hosted dozens of groups of surfers. I love hosting so much! The people I meet are great, and I love sharing my city with them. That's one of the benefits to Couchsurfing- you save money and get to see the local spots from someone who really lives there.
Here are a few tips on how you can be the best guest there is:
- Write a personalised couch request to your desired host(s). It makes such a huge difference when I can tell someone took the time to read my profile and decide that we would get along well. It really sets things off on the right foot and shows that you went that extra step.
- Be clear about when you're arriving and how you'll be arriving. I know you're travelling, and you're going to be totally stressed out. By communicating with me I can help you have a smooth arrival. Honestly who would know the transportation system better than a local? I can give you the best directions whether you're coming by plane, train, or automobile.
- Have an idea of at least one thing you'd like to do in the city or give your host a good idea about what you're into. When people show up with no idea, it's really difficult to give them an experience they will enjoy. I can suggest tons of things in my city but I don't want to waste my time suggesting swimming if you hate water. Surely you know why you chose to travel to the places you're going. Tell me what you're interested in and I can help you out!
- Be ready to do some things alone. This will also differ from host to host. Some hosts do have an entire afternoon and evening to spend with you whereas others may invite you in and then leave you on your own. I love to hang out with my surfers and show them around the city, but I don't have time to be with them the entire day. This generally hasn't been a problem with Couchsurfers.
- If you are able to, do something nice for you host. It doesn't even need to be something big. It's really more about the gesture. Some people have taken me out for a beer. Some people do a few dishes and clean up the area we were in. We brought our hosts some veggies from our garden. It means so much when guests go that extra step. It's certainly not required for the stay, although it is very much appreciated.
- PLEASE If you can't make it, let your host know! I get excited and prepare for each group of surfers that comes to my home. It can be a bit rude when people don't show up after I've gone to the trouble of preparing for them. I'm opening up my house to you and I intend to treat you with respect and to be treated with respect. That includes communicating with one another so that we don't have any confusion or missed meetings. Once I had one couple that were supposed to stay a few days who never showed. Halfway through the week of their arrival there was a snow storm and I got really worried. They never called and never showed. I called and called to make sure they were okay. Finally weeks later they responded and told me that they had found a nice host a few cities over and decided to stay there longer. It is totally fine if your plans change, but please inform your hosts. It's just common decency.
This concludes my couchsurfing tutorial and tips! And if anyone hasn't tried Couchsurfing yet, head on over to couchsurfing.com, and sign up! Your travel experience will improve dramatically!