One of the best ways to get free accommodation is to stay with someone who lives where you're going via Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing connects travelers with people in different cities who offer a free place to sleep. Sometimes it's a bed, sometimes it's a couch, sometimes it's literally just space. You get to meet a new friend and get a local perspective on sites and activities. It's a amazing way to mix up your travels between meeting people in hostels and meeting the locals.
A lot of times people are scared to couchsurf because they wonder if it's safe. There you are, in a new city with all your stuff (and you!) in a stranger's home. What if they try to murder you in your sleep? Steal your stuff? Sell your kidney? Don't worry! These people have the same fears as you. Remember, they don't know you either. Yet the people who would open their homes to strangers tend to be very open minded people and are usually former travelers themselves. They know what you are going through. They want to help. Moreover, Couchsurfing is aware of this and takes many steps to provide security. It offers various levels of verification and allow users to rate and leave comments on traveler's profile
There has to be a picture. This just shows me that it's a real person.
The profile has to be filled out. It shows they are interested and involved. Most people aren't going to spend the time to fill this out if they aren't going to be comfortable with strangers in their home.
They have to be verified. Couchsurfing offers different levels of verification. They can be verified by other travelers, with a mailing address, or credit card. Knowing that a person has been verified reduces the likelihood that they are going to be a crazy psycho killer.
They should have comments from other travelers. If other people have stayed with or have at least traveled with the host and were O.K., chances are you will be O.K. too.
No matter what is in the person's profile, you need to use your judgment. I haven't heard of any really bad couchsurfing experiences besides the host was unfriendly. Typically, you end up corresponding with the host over e-mail and get to feel them out a bit about how they will act. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it! Couchsurfing can be a great opportunity to meet other travelers and get the inside view of a location. However, it is important to use caution and exercise judgment when staying at stranger's home. Trust your instinct.
Matthew Kepnes is a life long traveler who has spent many years traveling around the world. For more information about cheap places to stay, visit this site about how to travel the world.
