What is Couch Surfing?

couch surfingWhat indeed is couch surfing?

Well, couch surfing is a common social and travel phenomenon. It’s not so common in some place and no wonder many people ask about it. As a phenomenon, couch surfing is the cheapest way to travel. Basically, travellers choose to travel close to their hosts. Basically, it connects travellers with free places or cheap places to crush when they travel.

This phenomenon has been around for slightly more than a decade. It can accommodate more than just able people. You can get connected to travel mates of different status, depending on your needs. This phenomenon has even led to the rise of Couchsurfing.com. This is a travel social networking website. The intent of this website is to connect travellers, student portals and host in over 240 countries around the world.

The benefits of couch surfing

The most obvious benefit of coach surfing is finding a free place to crush when you travel. Considering that the cost of accommodation in new lands is often staggering, this characteristic is of great importance to any traveler.

Couch surfing also improves the benefit of the travel experience. For instance, when you are connected to a host who understands their locality, there is no limit to how much experience you will get there. This has a far deeper insight than what travel guidebooks give. As such, instead of being stuck in a hotel with other tourists, you are actually in a real place with real people. Besides, having a friend to guide you locally can enable you discover cost effective, cool and fun destinations. If you had travelled in an agency situation, getting these cost incentives would be next to impossible.

The last third benefit of couch surfing is the kitchen benefit. Many people assume it’s a privilege. It would be bad enough eating in a restaurant for all meals. Couch surfing allows you to prepare home, sweet, affordable meals.

Is couch surfing safe?

The media often paints couch surfing as unsafe. Let’s face it, how good would the news be without an element of danger? Even then staying with total strangers can be dangerous. That’s the reason why systems and websites like Couchsurfing.com exist.

This service allows you to determine what the best student communities or others you can choose to stay with if you are a student. The website allows you to select hosts based on marital status, age, etc. you also get to read reviews by other travellers. This is a great way to keep your travel experience solid safe. Despite all this, couch surfing is a great way to travel.

Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

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