What Exactly is Couchsurfing?
Couchsurfing.org describes it as..."an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding."
I describe it simply to people as " a site where you can find people to stay with all over the world for free"
I describe it simply to people as " a site where you can find people to stay with all over the world for free"
My Couchsurfing Experience!
I had the time of my life hosting over 50 people in 2010 from over 15 countries representing 6 continents. For you that are geographically impared, that's every continent except Antarctica! Some brought me amazing gifts from all over the world, including but not limited to: A Matryoshka doll from Russia, a book about beautiful Slovakia, a coffee mug from Canada, and wine and chocolate from all over the world. Another common occurance is cooking a meal from their home country. I've had delicious homemade meals from all over the world and they never dissapoint!
I always tell people they don't have to bring anything because the biggest gift I get out of couchsurfing is learning about other cultures and meeting interesting and amazing people. I've had people who sold all their possesions and drove across the States in a VW minivan, a couple cross-country bikers, students, teachers, and even a couple with two young kids! I've never had anyone old though, thats because in my book, as long as you're couchsurfing you're still young.
I've had some of the best conversations with my surfers and it seems while we all may have different views on politics, religion, or whatever subject, we all share a common bond deeper than anything else. Everyone I meet is very open-minded and willing to listen and not argue their opinion. I've been introduced to some amazing music from all over the world, been given some great book recomendations, and learned some really cool card games too!
One of my favorite things is playing the game, stereotypes! This involves telling the person about the sterotypes that we have in the States about their country and vice versa. It's great to break down all these stupid stereotypes we have of people, sorry guys not everyone from the States is fat, stupid, and ignorant!!!
I've also had two great experiences surfing with people in California and Hawaii. Susi, a German girl living in Waikiki saved me when I got stuck at the airport on my way back from the Philippines. And Joy who I hosted in Key West hooked me up bigtime in Salinas with some awesome mountain biking and a tour of Monterrey.
I always tell people they don't have to bring anything because the biggest gift I get out of couchsurfing is learning about other cultures and meeting interesting and amazing people. I've had people who sold all their possesions and drove across the States in a VW minivan, a couple cross-country bikers, students, teachers, and even a couple with two young kids! I've never had anyone old though, thats because in my book, as long as you're couchsurfing you're still young.
I've had some of the best conversations with my surfers and it seems while we all may have different views on politics, religion, or whatever subject, we all share a common bond deeper than anything else. Everyone I meet is very open-minded and willing to listen and not argue their opinion. I've been introduced to some amazing music from all over the world, been given some great book recomendations, and learned some really cool card games too!
One of my favorite things is playing the game, stereotypes! This involves telling the person about the sterotypes that we have in the States about their country and vice versa. It's great to break down all these stupid stereotypes we have of people, sorry guys not everyone from the States is fat, stupid, and ignorant!!!
I've also had two great experiences surfing with people in California and Hawaii. Susi, a German girl living in Waikiki saved me when I got stuck at the airport on my way back from the Philippines. And Joy who I hosted in Key West hooked me up bigtime in Salinas with some awesome mountain biking and a tour of Monterrey.
Why I Would Recommend Couchsurfing
I realize that not everyone has the ability to travel the world. Although I think anyone can travel if they are really passionate about it. But it does involve huge sacrifice sometimes. You might have to sell everything you own or start a totally new life, but it is possible for anyone in my opinion. But maybe you are happy with your job and you have a family and it's just not in the plans right now.
When I'm not traveling, couchsurfing allows me to still grow and learn about different cultures and people in general, and in turn, myself. You may not be able to travel but hosting offers a great alternative to what I think traveling should be about. When I travel a lot of the reason is for the place, but even more than that it's the people, food, traditions, and culture that make it special. You can still get this just by hosting!
Fortunately, I live in a very popular place for tourism, so I get a lot of requests. But even if you live somewhere not as desirable you never know when someone will be stopping by your town. I plan on expanding this page with past experiences and also tips for choosing who to host. I know it may seem strange to some people letting strangers in your house, but check out the site and I think you'll see it's nothing to worry about. Below are links to the site and also my personal page.
www.couchsurfing.org
http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/erictraugh/
When I'm not traveling, couchsurfing allows me to still grow and learn about different cultures and people in general, and in turn, myself. You may not be able to travel but hosting offers a great alternative to what I think traveling should be about. When I travel a lot of the reason is for the place, but even more than that it's the people, food, traditions, and culture that make it special. You can still get this just by hosting!
Fortunately, I live in a very popular place for tourism, so I get a lot of requests. But even if you live somewhere not as desirable you never know when someone will be stopping by your town. I plan on expanding this page with past experiences and also tips for choosing who to host. I know it may seem strange to some people letting strangers in your house, but check out the site and I think you'll see it's nothing to worry about. Below are links to the site and also my personal page.
www.couchsurfing.org
http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/erictraugh/