Seasoned budget travelers know everything about Couchsurfing. This amazing platform can be used to find free accommodation, offer free accommodation, or simply meet like-minded people from all over the world. It currently has 14 million users from 200,000 different cities, and the number is constantly growing as more people are looking for ways to see the world without breaking the bank. If you are one of them, you are probably looking to get more information about the platform before giving it a try. So here it is.
How Does Couchsurfing Works?
Couchsurfing works rather simply. Users set up a profile and then proceed to use it as a traveler, host, or community member. Travelers look for hosts from different destinations that are willing to provide them free accommodation in exchange for culture exchange. Hosts offer free lodging to travelers around the world who are looking to meet new people and interact with different cultures. Finally, community members share travel experiences with others and attend events organized through the website.
Is Couchsurfing Safe?
While some people might feel uneasy staying at strangers’ houses, Couchsurfing is considered highly safe. People need to fill out a detailed profile about themselves and provide proof of identity to start using the website. Members of the community also help by providing feedback and reviews, so you can always use that as a reference when choosing a host or deciding whether to provide accommodation.
Does it Cost Money?
The whole idea of Couchsurfing is to save money, and the website doesn’t allow its members to charge for providing accommodation. However, it is common courtesy to pitch in for food or utilities if you are staying for longer. Also, the website has started charging subscription fees in certain countries recently, so while the accommodation itself won’t cost you money, finding one might.