Posted on April 8, 2009 - by admin

Couch Surfing: A Cheap Alternative to Hotels

When presented with the idea of traveling, people get initially excited, but eventually, many are put off by the costs that come with it. Traveling is definitely not a joke budget-wise because it can get pretty expensive what with the costs for plane tickets, accommodations, on-the-ground transportation, tours, etc.

However, a new alternative for accommodations for those who love to travel but have tight budgets has come to light. Couch surfing has steadily risen in popularity because it is a more economical (and adventurous) option than staying in hotels that charge astronomical rates per night. Apart from scoring free accommodations, travelers also get to expand their network and experience new cultures more integrally. What exactly is couch surfing? It refers to staying in a host’s home and crashing on their couch (hence the term). There are several websites dedicated solely to forming international hospitality communities, and members can offer their homes as accommodations for travelers or request for accommodations. The most popular of these websites, CouchSurfing.com, simply requires individuals to register online. To ensure members’ safety, this website implements security verification measures. CouchSurfing.com checks to ensure that each member’s name and address are valid and correct. Additionally, members are vouched for by people whom they personally know in the real world (and not just on the Internet) and who have already been vouched as well.

However, since couch surfers are guests in their hosts’ homes, they are expected to treat their accommodations with respect. Couch surfers should remember that their stay in their hosts’ home was an act of goodwill on the latter’s part. Therefore, guests should be considerate in return. Some couch surfers bring gifts for their hosts or treat them to a meal, but this is not a requirement. Other couch surfers choose to reciprocate their hosts’ goodwill by helping out around the house.