Planning To Try Couchsurfing? Here’s Your Detailed Guide

Travelling solo is not only liberating, but it also helps you meet like-minded people, know their journey, and become a part of their journey. And while travelling solo, we usually pick hostels and B&Bs for our stays. However- there’s one more stay option that’s widely used by travellers across the world, and that’s Couchsurfing. And if you are unaware and want to know more about Couchsurfing, then here’s your detailed guide. Read on for all the details.

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What’s Couchsurfing?

Couchsurfing is like Airbnb, but here, you get to stay for free at a local’s place. For example- If you are travelling to Thailand or Hampi, you have to install the Couchsurfing app or visit their website. Enter your location, and you get an option to look at the profiles of hosts in that area. Once you shortlist the host, send them a couch request, mention your dates, etc. and wait to hear back. Once the host accepts your request, you coordinate with them to decide your stay days and arrival dates.

How It Works

First and foremost, you need to make an account on Couchsurfing. Add all your details- lifestyle, travel plans, mission, and what’s important to you as a person. Include pictures, share your travel details, and mention if you are looking to host or looking for a place. Once the profile is created, start surfing, choose your city/country, and look for hosts in that area. Pro Tip: It’s always better to look for verified profiles, read reviews and connect with them, only if you think you’ll be comfortable. Once you shortlist profiles, review and send a personalized message and mention why they should host you.

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Things To Keep In Mind

Look For The My Home Section

When you look for Couchsurfing, it means that you’ll be living on their couch for a few days, so don’t forget to read about their home. It is vital if you have pet allergies, dietary restrictions, or want to make sure you’ll be comfortable. Hosts describe the type of accommodation they are offering in the My Home section, so look for that and then finalize the place. 

Plan Ahead

It’s always better to plan your Couchsurfing dates at least a month in advance. Some hosts accept last-minute requests, but it’s always better to plan so that you are stress-free about the accommodation part and can plan other things.

Be Poilet And Kind

If someone is letting you stay at their home for free, be kind, considerate, and respectful. Ask them before using the washroom or kitchen, get to know them, let them know your travel plans, follow their home rules, help them with some chores if possible, and just have a happy time with them.

Always Leave A Reference

Before leaving, thank your host for hosting you, and post that, make sure to leave a review for them on the Couchsurfing app/website. You don’t have to write an essay. Write how was your experience- this will help other travellers and the hosts.

Well, with this you are all set to Couchsurf on your next trip.