Hi
Hey Carmen!
I couchsurfed in Israel and had some friends do it in Holland.... I've not had a bad experience yet! Just have a look around on the site where you want to CS and find someone who has good reviews from others, sounds like someone who you may get along with and more than likely you will!
My hosts were great! Picked me up in the middle of the night because I got a little lost, introduced me to friends, took me on a little tour around their town and taught me to cook a little feast which we had with plenty of drinks while sharing stories!
Usually hosts say 1-3 nights but if you get along well and they don't mind, sometimes you'll be able to stay much longer! I've known people who were allowed to house-sit while their host went away for a week... all depends who you're crashing with!!
It's an amazing way to travel and get to know more about where you're travelling!
G
Hi Carmen,
I can only join GeorgiPoppy's view.
Since you will be a new member to these social websites, it is advisable to give an honest info and a good impression in your profile, especially since you will have no reference yet. Something that you would also feel comfortable with if you hosted someone.
When you are looking for a host. You can sometimes select (depending on the website) to search for someone who "definitely has a couch".
The number of good references also count, however I stayed with hosts who had had just a few guest before. I usually chose them according to their profile (and reference) to make sure we have similar interest, age, personality or lifestyle.
There is always a question - when you send a message to someone - should you also at the same time send requests to a number of other hosts. Sending a lot or even a few at the same time may turn out a bit unethical. Some people still do send multiple requests saying that sometimes they get only a few responses back or the host can't invite them. You can always check the response rate of the host as well. I personally prefer to send one message, wait a day or two, if no answer, move onto the next...
All hosts without exception have been very kind and very hospitable. So, I hope you will also have the same experience.
Happy travels!
this is good to know, thanks guys! just signed up with couchsurfing the other day.
How far in advance would you usually contact potential hosts?
im planning an RTW, so trying to prepare myself as much as possible in regards to knowing whats out there so i can enjoy it to the fullest.
i would say: maybe a week or two before should be fine.
Couchsurfing is a great way to meet locals and travel cheap! I couchsurfed all over Canada and the US last summer. I've only had one bad experience, and that was as a host; one guest I had was rude, inconsiderate, very messy and unwilling to help out (most people do the dishes, cook a meal, offer to tidy up etc without being asked), and got unreasonably upset when he asked to borrow my car and I said no, even though he didn't even have a driver's license. So there's my advice: go for it, but be respectful of the people who let you crash at their place for free!
Also, I agree with kichikacha: about a week or two is great, but if you're desperate don't be afraid to ask with little to know notice. Hosts are nice!
Best thing I would recommend, is join, get verified, put a profile up and start participating, I belong since 2005, sometimes it is difficult to get a couch in say, NYC or Europe during summer high season or in very popular travel destinations, so always contact hosts at least a month in advance your arrival.
Shepalie
Thx for the prep.. :D
dbloom
o.o... I haven't get verified yet.. =((( Well is Sept consider as summer high season coz if I'm not mistaken is almost to the autumn right?? :D
Carmen
Depends where you travel, travellers, tourists all year round in NYC USA, now much of the year in Europe, always be polite and contact hosts in advance, plan B book a hostal.
Thx dbloom!!
How about camping?? I'm more to the adventurous type, so might taking to whole level? Or maybe hostel because I'm still a newbie?? ><
Carmen
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