Couch Surfing? Has anyone had experience or heard of couch

[Allyssa]

Just wondering if anyone here has heard of or had experience with couch surfing. A friend and I are planning a trip to Europe next summer and she has been looking into couch surfing. Apparently it is a network of people who will open their home up to travelers and let you crash on their couch (or any other bed type surface they have.) I was just wanting to get some anecdotes of people's experiences as a website devoted to the idea may give me a somewhat biased view.

Please, let me know if you've done it and what your experience was like!

Allyssa

[Sneex]

I heard of it, and I met some people while i was travelling who did it, and had GREAT experiences. I'd just be careful, u know. precautionary measures. LoL, but I never heard anything bad about it.

[Canaderdam]

I've been a member of Couch Surfing for over 3 years now. I'm surfed about 15 couches in about 8 countries and I've hosted people from all over the world. I love it! It's the best way to travel! I've met some incredible people. It's important to check people's references and profiles but I've never had any problems.

[Allyssa]

Thanks for the heads up. I've joined and am anticipating good things!
Cheers

[acrossthewall]

I'm new to it myself, but I have several friends who are very into CouchSurfing and they've had nothing but good experiences (with both hosting and travelling). I agree that caution is necessary, but it's quite a community.

[waveringhobbit]

Is this whole idea safe? I also would like to try it someday.

[Allyssa]

So far I have had very good expereiences. There is a system of referencing people that adds a level of security as well as a verification system whereby, people are registered with the CS system and trackable to a particular address. So far I would definitely suggest couch surfing to anyone hoping to see more of the world and stay out of the tourist traps!

Allyssa

[waveringhobbit]

I know I can research about the whole idea over the net, but I would love to hear your wonderful experiences about Couch Surfing. I mean, I somehow want to convince myself, if you know what I mean.