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Viewing Couch Surfing is the True Budget Travel: Always FreeCouch Surfing is the True Budget Travel: Always Free
By Kathy Steinemann
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Free - no cost - kostenlos - gratis - no charge. These words or phrases are never what you expect to see when it comes to accommodation (especially in a foreign country). Guess what! It's no typo. This article describes how to get FREE lodging. The Couchsurfing Concept Couchsurfing is a great way to meet new people, make lasting friendships, and see the world on a shoestring budget. You travel and stay on the couches of benevolent strangers who do not charge a fee. In fact, the sleeping accommodations can range from sleeping bags on the floor to an actual guestroom. In return for overnight lodging, the polite couchsurfer leaves a small gift or does something nice for the host, like a bit of housecleaning, washing the dishes, or cooking a meal. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture, language, and customs of a foreign country! Some hosts offer only a place to sleep. Others will provide breakfast, free guided tours around town, travel pamphlets, and an open fridge. They may only be interested in a specific age group, or may be willing to accommodate travelers of any age. Families are welcomed by some hosts if they have the room. Others will only accommodate individual travelers. Couchsurfing providers have complete control over who they invite into their home. Although couchsurfing is most popular in the USA and Europe, it is also practiced in hundreds of other countries around the globe. The Internet has couchsurfing-dedicated sites where you can register as a host or guest (free of charge). If you are uncertain about the entire process, you can talk to other hosts and couchsurfers about their experiences. Some travelers go couchsurfing just to meet new people and do things like: • Have a cup of coffee. • Practice language skills. • Go on a walking tour of the local neighborhood. • Share a potluck meal. • Talk about similar interests. How to Find a Host Once you have decided to try this modern travel trend, start searching for a couch in the area where you plan to travel. Do not leave your search until the last minute! The number of hosts may be limited, or you might not find any hosts at all in many areas. Some sites worth checking out: • CouchSurfing.org • Tripping.com • HospitalityClub.org • GlobalFreeloaders.com • BeWelcome.org • Place2Stay.net • BetterThanTheVan.com (for music lovers, bands, and musicians) Worried about Safety? Use the same kind of care and attention that you would at an online dating site: • Carefully read profiles and references of prospective hosts. • Look for reviews and comments from other couchsurfers. • Leave a reference (whether positive, neutral, or negative) as soon as you finish your couchsurfing stay. • Hosts can also leave reviews about guests. • Some Internet sites have special validation processes that include procedures such as passport or identity card validation. Couchsurfing may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly opens up new vistas because of the lowered accommodation expense. About the Author: Kathy works as a webmaster and content provider for several travel sites, including 111 Travel Directory and the popular travel tips site, 1000Tips4Trips.com. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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