If you are like me, the word "CouchSurfing" might bring up visions of someone sitting on the couch, surfing channels with his or her TV remote. However, to others more in the know, CouchSurfing is one of the hottest trends today.
I first heard of CouchSurfing when my daughter was planning a trip to Boston with her boyfriend and was being a little vague about where they were staying. The inquisitor in me kicked in and finally she told me, "Well, we're CouchSurfing." Of course, I was pretty wary when I learned that it involved staying on a stranger's couch. She calmly directed me to the site, and explained the safety measures they were taking. I heard a familiar refrain, "Don't worry!"
Since then, I have learned more about CouchSurfing, although I'm not sure I would try it myself. CouchSurfing.com is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to create inspiring experiences: cross-cultural encounters that are fun, engaging, and illuminating." How do they operate? CouchSurfers support the community by getting verified, which includes making a donation. The site says that each positive experience between members costs 24¢ USD in CouchSurfing operating costs. Since its inception in 2004, more than two million people have CouchSurfed with 99% reporting positive experiences.
Those who do it regularly are almost religious about its benefits. Besides being an inexpensive way to travel, they tout all of the ways it can make the world a better place. Here are some of the quotes I read at this article on CouchSurfing by calamary.
"It's about making connections worldwide."
"We make the world a better place by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives."
"We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available."
"We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures."
"CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!"
These are lofty claims, yet I wonder if they are on to something. Calamary points to articles where people report on their CouchSurfing experiences and how it has changed them. What do you think? Is this something you would try?
Visit: CouchSurfing
Kim, I hadn't heard of couchsurfing until I read your article and then calamary's lens. What a fascinating concept. It seems a little scary, yet it's also a great way to be able to travel and learn about different cultures firsthand. Since it's done through a central social network, it's not like the places are just random. My main concern is safety, but otherwise, it seems quite cool. I think if I was younger, I'd do it!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, Kim, I was with you in thinking couchsurfing was probably something couch potatoes did to pass the time! Now you've put me right on that with calamary's informative article. I don't know that it's for me but can certainly see the appeal and I can well believe that it could be a fantastic experience (especially if you are young and short on cash).
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