Couchsurfing my opinion: I tried it!
Essential to remember
Couchsurfing allows you to sleep for free at locals’ homes in more than 200 countries. Platform: couchsurfing.com (paid since 2020, about €14/year). Ideal for meeting locals, but less active than before. Alternatives: TrustRoots, BeWelcome.
If you are an experienced traveler, you have surely heard about couch surfing! I will present the concept for beginners who don’t know it! Sometimes at noon during lunch breaks, people talk about it but don’t know or have never tried it! Couch surfing is very useful and I recommend it for our traveler friends!
  ;Introduction to couchsurfing: site review
  ;With several million subscribers worldwide, couch surfing is becoming more and more popular! Couch surfing allows you to discover a better, more authentic world, bringing together people who have their differences whether in culture or country of origin! The community is growing more and more! The philosophy of couch surfing is to promote sharing, having fun, exchanging all in a peaceful atmosphere.
  ;What is couchsurfing?
  ;“Couch” means sofa and “Surfing” means surfing, if we combine the two words, it means surfing on people’s sofas! To go into more detail, the principle of the site is to offer a “free” accommodation service (either on a sofa, a guest room, etc.) at private homes or other sleeping arrangements to travelers, that is foreigners. Locals also give plenty of travel advice and/or accompany you to explore the city.
My experience
My best couchsurfing: 4 nights at a musician’s place in Tbilisi, Georgia. Not a penny spent on accommodation, chatty evenings with his friends every night, city tours in local mode. Unbeatable as a human experience.
Several modes of operation: my opinion
- You can search for hosts, that is a person who will welcome you:
Did you know?
Couchsurfing was created in 2004 by Casey Fenton. The platform now has more than 14 million users in 200 countries. The majority of hosts are in Europe, North America, and East Asia.
- You can also surf at people’s apartments, houses, etc.
Searching for a host:
  ;If you want to use the service, you just need to register with a detailed profile where you provide personal information (date of birth, country of origin, age, all the basic information); such as the languages you speak, places you have traveled, your hobbies, your music style.
Advantages
- Free accommodation
- Meeting locals
- Authentic immersion
- Active global network
- Good addresses shared by hosts
Weak points
- Platform now paid
- Less active community since 2020
- Host profile decisive
- Variable comfort (sofa, mattress on the floor)
- Uncertain safety for women traveling alone
The site promotes sharing and hosts prefer and like open-minded people, so it will be easier for you if you have the same interests and like the same things!
Have a long presentation, it will help your host to know you better and also to trust you a little more!
  ;
What about safety?
  ;Most people are paranoid about safety and theft but couchsurfing works like a network! People know each other and trust each other! If you have shared your sofa or stayed with a host, there will be a comment about your encounter and the more positive comments you have, the easier it will be to find a “couch”!
The classic trap to avoid
Never book with a host who has fewer than 5 verified reviews. Check their references and response rate. Prefer very active hosts (more than 50 guests) who have a well-established hosting routine.
Profile of a good couchsurfer!
To avoid problems of theft and safety, there is a whole system of identity and address verification! Normally, you have already talked with your host or your couchsurfer! Verification is done in 3 steps!   ;
Along the same lines, the article on traveling for free abroad provides useful insight. Our feedback on housing search also offers good tips, and the guide dedicated to finding a cheap hotel nicely rounds out the picture.
  ;Other couchsurfing activities!
  ;Couchsurfing is above all an exchange between people! There are meetings in all major cities where there are weekly or monthly gatherings! During my stay in San Francisco, I found myself participating in a couchsurfing meeting! It gathered more than 50 people! It allows you to practice the language a bit and share the experience with other couchsurfers!
Is Couchsurfing safe?
Yes, by checking the host’s profile (reviews, references). Risks for women traveling alone. Read reviews carefully before accepting.
Is Couchsurfing still free?
Accommodation is free. But the platform has been paid since 2020 (~€14/year).
What are the alternatives to Couchsurfing?
BeWelcome (free, non-profit), TrustRoots (cyclists), Warmshowers (traveling cyclists).
| Platform | Price | Active |
|---|---|---|
| Couchsurfing | ~€14/year | Yes but declining |
| BeWelcome | Free | Yes (non-profit) |
| TrustRoots | Free | Yes (cyclists/travelers) |
| Warmshowers | Free | Cyclists only |
