Home Tourism Couchsurfing — travel the world for free and live like a local

Couchsurfing — travel the world for free and live like a local

By
Gleb Parfenenko
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Каучсерфінг - подорожі без готелів: як знайти безкоштовне житло і друзів по всьому світу
PIC FROM CATERS NEWS - (PICTURED: Seward Highway, AK) - Three friends have come up with a unique way of documenting their road trip - by taking selfies on a couch at each location. After buying a cheap Dodge Ram van off the internet, the group spent four months travelling around North America on a quest to see-t the true beauty of their homeland. Pictured sitting amongst various stunning locations, the friends used the futon as way of remembering their 18,000 mile round journey. The brain child of university pals, Becca DAgostine, 25, Andy Fuhrmann, 25, and Dave Fine, 24, the trip was planned so that they could celebrate Andys recovery from a serious spinal injury. After setting out from Burlington, Vermont the group visited anywhere from the snowy mountain tops of Alaska to breathtaking sunsets of California before ending in finally ending Massachusetts. SEE CATERS COPY.

Couchsurfing is a global travel network where people host travelers for free. The idea is simple: today you stay on someone’s couch in Lisbon, and tomorrow you open your own door for a traveler from Tokyo.

Founded in 2004, Couchsurfing.com now connects over 12 million people in 200+ countries.
It’s not just about saving money — it’s about sharing experiences and cultures.

Why travelers love Couchsurfing

  1. Free accommodation.
    You can explore cities without spending a cent on hotels.

  2. Local experience.
    Hosts show guests the real city — not just tourist traps.

  3. Global friendships.
    Couchsurfing creates lifelong bonds with people from different backgrounds.

  4. Cultural exchange.
    You share meals, ideas, and traditions.

How it works

  1. Create a profile.
    Register at Couchsurfing.com, upload pictures, write about yourself, and verify your account.

  2. Find a host.
    Search by city and date, read reviews carefully.

  3. Send a request.
    Be polite and genuine — explain why you want to stay and what you can offer in return (stories, company, friendship).

  4. Be a host.
    When you’re home, you can also welcome travelers. It’s a community built on exchange, not money.

Staying safe

  • Always read reviews.

  • Meet in public first.

  • Share your location with friends.

  • Choose verified users.

  • Trust your gut — if something feels wrong, walk away.

Beyond saving money

For most travelers, Couchsurfing is more than free lodging.
It’s part of the hardcore travel lifestyle — traveling smart, light, and with purpose.
It’s about proving that kindness and hospitality can still cross borders.

Alternatives

  • BeWelcome.org

  • Trustroots.org

  • WarmShowers.org (for cyclists)

Tips for newcomers

  • Write an honest profile.

  • Bring a small gift from home.

  • Offer to cook or share stories.

  • Leave honest reviews — your reputation matters.

Couchsurfing isn’t just an app — it’s a movement.
A reminder that travel isn’t measured in money, but in connections.
Because sometimes, the best adventure starts with a stranger’s couch.

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