I joined the website out of curiosity long before I worked up the courage to do it. I had heard great stories from Andi as well as friends from Charleston who had hosted people. But was I cut out for it? I felt weird about staying at a stranger’s house in a strange city, but as I learned, CouchSurfing is all about trust. You trust that they aren’t axe murderers and they trust that you aren’t going to steal from them.
The website has a system in place that allows you to choose what kind of person you want to host you: same gender, couple or verified member. Solo female travelers shouldn’t be concerned for their safety.
When I started planning my quick weekend in LA, I knew I wanted to try Couch Surfing in my own country first. My friends and family didn’t seem to keen on the idea, but I assured them I would be fine. I scoured the website and sent a request to a high school guidance counselor named Suzanna.
I met her at her La Brea area apartment, where I was welcomed by her pit bull mix Jake. She shared her past CS experiences, all hosting. Her guestbook was full of rave reviews, so I knew I was in good hands. She set out the air mattress for me and called it a night.
In my three days there, she was very helpful, but not smothering. I liked having the independence to explore on my own, but it all depends on what you expect out of your CouchSurfing host. On Sunday, she took me to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market before dropping me off at the airport. I would definitely Couch Surf again anywhere I travel!
Welcome to the CS community! I’ve been a member since 2005 and have had nothing but the best experiences! In fact, a lot of my good friends around the world are people I met through CS and for that, I will always be grateful that I was trusting enough to give this site a try. I hope you have many more wonderful CS experiences!
Like Connie, I’ve been a member since 2005, but I have yet to pull the trigger. I plan to at some point though because I believe in the spirit of what CS represents. Sounds like you had a great experience in LA!
Glad to hear your first experience went well, Caroline. I just joined CS too, and like you, was a bit nervous. But even if I don’t actually stay with anyone, the idea of being able to meet up for coffee with a local and hear from them about what I should do in their hometown is really appealing.
I do too! I probably should have done that first, but dove head first. It’s especially beneficial for solo travelers like us because we can make new friends very easily!
I travel alone in Latin America and have never had any issues with Couchsurfing, in fact almost always I have my own room which is nice.
The other thing to consider is that Couchsurfing isn’t just about staying with someone. I use the forums a lot for research on cities. And just recently I met up with some couchsurfers for a free tour of Lima, Peru.
Now that I’ve done it I cannot imagine traveling to another country without couchsurfing being part of it.
Now that I fork over between $30-40 to hang out with fellow Americans, Australians and Brits in a hostel dorm room, I totally miss CouchSurfing! I’m eager to do it again! I loved being able to meet a local and see the city their way.
Glad you did it. I love the CS project!
I am very similar to you Carolin. I joined in 2007 but never hosted/surfed until late 2010. I hosted a gentleman who was friendly enough but honestly had too strong of an uncouth personality for me. I would have to give my first experience a C, but intend to get much more active soon and still think the idea is great!
I was lucky to have such a good experience! I’m glad I did my research. I can imagine there are a few unsavory characters in the community, but twice as many good seeds.
Oh yay, I’m sooo happy your 1st time was great & thanks for the shout out love. So excited that your time in Oz is going well. I knew it would! Let me know if you want some names of other awesome CS’ers in Oz. XOXO