3 Reasons Why Couchsurfing is Incredible and Why You Should Try It

I still now and then hear from people who have never heard of Couchsurfing, or they ask me if it even exists… mostly I go like ‘’whaaaauuut….’’ to both questions.

However, I get it, if you just got into traveling, then it might be something quite unknown. But, soon enough you’ll learn why Couchsurfing is so popular and exciting to use, and not only for travelers! I kind of separate Couchsurfing into three sections.

All 3 of them are different, but they all revolve around the same thing – connecting to other people, which is what Couchsurfing is all about.

1. Events

This is probably the feature that least people know about Couchsurfing, but it’s such a fantastic one! Events. Anyone anywhere can host their own event, and whoever wants to, can join it.

These events can be just about anything, and vary from comedy shows to language exchanges to mojito parties (that was a fun one), yoga lessons, weekly meetups… the list goes on and on! And the beautiful thing is, they are all free!

These events can be used as such a great way to meet locals and other travelers when visiting a city. If you are a local yourself, this is also a great way to get connected and meet new people from your very own city.

Whenever I plan on visiting a city, I always have a look if any good Couchsurfing events are being held. So far, the ones that I have been to, (and I’ve been to a lot) were tons of fun, filled with interesting people and conversations.

2. Surfing

What Couchsurfing is probably best known for – surfing on someone’s couch. I have used it so many times on my travels and can honestly say that I have had an absolute blast with every host I have stayed with, and have had so many memorable moments from them.

A small tip I give you regarding safety – only request a stay with someone who has a filled in profile, some pictures, and a few ratings.

Couchsurfing, in general, isn’t dangerous, however, just make sure you know who you are staying with. Also, I recommend you read their profile and check if you have some common interests.

If you do that, you’ll be sure to end up with a great and unique experience! Who knows, maybe you’ll go on a free wine tasting tour, or perhaps you’ll be an actor in a horror maze, or be having a chat with a pilot, or get a whole apartment to yourself in the middle of Wellington city center…

These are just a few experiences I have had.

Yours will be different, but for sure, you’ll end up with some kind friends, some good stories, and a lot of great memories!

3. Hosting

Having someone from anywhere in the world coming over to your place – the thought alone is already exciting! Hosting brings some variety to your life, and it’s such a fantastic way to exchange cultures, right in your own house!

I use the same rules as for surfing when someone requests a stay with me. I check their profile, have a look at some of their pictures, look at their ratings, and in this case, the most important one – I see if they have any similar interests to me.

I don’t host anyone. Why? Because it’s just the same when you go surfing and choose a host.

If you only pick the first one to pop up without taking a look at who the actual person is, your experience might not be that great.

Be sure to know who is coming to your house. If you do that, the experience will be excellent!

Give hosting a try, it’s tons of fun, and you could learn all sorts of things from your guest. If I had never opened up my house to others, I might never have learned how to make dumplings… I’m just saying.

There are some wonderful experiences to be had by opening your door to strangers from all over the globe. And in most cases, those strangers, turn into great friends. At least, they all have for me so far!

There are more features on Couchsurfing, but those to me, are the three biggest ones. Other than that you can search and get in contact with other travelers visiting the same place as you, there are discussions, and there are groups you can join. As you can see, Couchsurfing is something to take a look at. It’s a potent tool not only for travelers but for anyone looking to connect with other like-minded people. There’s absolutely no reason not to give it a try!

Question about this article: Are there any more questions you would like to ask about Couchsurfing? If so, don’t hesitate. Or, would you like to share a story of your own experiences? Please, do so!