Couchsurfing? Why Not?

There are several things for certain in this world when it comes to contagion. You are destined to get HPV in college, Covid-19 in New York city, and the travel bug after taking the leap into your dream adventure. And it doesn't take long to fall into its hypnosis, distracting you from your current vacation to plan the next one. Where to go, who to go with, what to do, and how much it will cost. It's contagious, and exciting, and you often end up sleeping in a train station. But isn't that the beauty of adventure. Living in the moment, allowing memories to be made, whilst taking in the good and the bad occurrences that happen. Own the fact your cellphone was stolen, embrace the local drink of fermented wine and pineapple ice cream, indulge in the nudist beaches of the world, and document every single friendship you make along the way. If you limit yourself to a travel opportunity manufactured specifically by Trip Adviser, then your memories will vary very little from those before you. Let's create our own road map and put a little gas in the tank.

Traveling abroad can be a lot of things, but scary should never be the word to describe it. Because I promote the use of Couchsurfing.org to help alleviate any and all doubts that you will have a good time. But you are probably thinking, couchsurfing? Like staying on some random dude's couch? In an entire city and country that I have never been to? Yes. That is exactly what I mean. What better way to envelope yourself in the city culture than stay with someone who actually lives that culture every day, not just the limelight of tourism. But Dalton, what if they murder me? Well then you have had a good run and it will be a story for your friends and family to tell later. Just kidding. I will break down the benefits for this service, not only from a traveler point of view, but someone who also was hesitant at one point as well.

1. Is it safe? I am not ready to die. I am not ready to die either and I would not steer you into any traffic that leads you to that destination. Couchsurfing is a reputable site with verified hosts and surfers. You can read reviews, communicate ahead of time, and even see photos of the host as well as the couch you will be surfing on. You not only learn about what part of the city they live, but their philosophies in life, why they are on couchsurfing, where they have traveled, and all the friends they have made along the way. If 100 people left glowing reviews, and you are the one they decide to murder, then that is just bad timing.

2. How much does it cost? Couchsurfing is all about cultural exchanges and opening yourself up to new experiences with hosts. The people on this site want to bring joy to you or to improve your overall adventure. They do not ask for any payment, and if they do, then the whole idea is lost. You want to connect with people who are wanting to connect with you. Show you all the sites, take you to their favorite dive bar, try a local delicacy, or at least help you navigate public transportation. Couchsurfing is completely free, but is not to be used as a handout. Let it add to your flavor, not be a way to save a dollar.

3. Isn't it weird staying on someone's couch? Not really. Once you get past your own walls that you have built up to say it's weird, then it ceases to be weird. Again, these are verified hosts that have probably had hundreds of people stay with them. They have a system and it has worked for many people before you. Embrace it. In my experience, I have not always been limited to the couch. Sometimes they have extra beds, shared spaces, even an entire apartment that they have let me use. The idea is making memories with locals, not where you lay your head at night.

4. Do you have to do everything with your host? Can we ditch them? Again, this is a cultural exchange, but they have lives too. Most of the time when you are traveling, they are working. They will want to show you around as much and as little as you want. It is all about communication between the surfer and the host. I have found hosts that simply give me a key and say drop it off when you leave, and I have had hosts that plan entire excursions with me, it all depends on their schedules and yours. Just be nice.

5. Can you do it by yourself? What if I am a female? If you are a female, good for you in declaring your gender identity, however, the great thing about the site includes filters for hosts and travelers. You can only stay with females if you want, you can stay with LGBT friendly hosts, hosts who are into nudist lifestyles, outdoors people, people who love Sci-Fi, and much more. Couchsurfing is for anyone, even solo travelers, which could be easier for hosts, however, if you are nervous, I encourage you to try the site out with a friend. The idea is to do your homework, read the profiles, and get to know them. While it can be an easy way to save money, you want to be smart and find the perfect host. Nothing ruins a trip more than making rash decisions and having to deal with them later.

I have been lucky enough to stay with several hosts around the country and around the world. Without opening myself up to this new avenue of possibilities, I never would have adventured to the waterfalls in the Philippines, or went to a fire bar in Barcelona, or seen the longest running show in the world in Venice, or even went to the Opera in Budapest. I can't forget to mention, making friends in Rio, or game nights in Chicago, or eating frog legs in Paris. There are so many opportunities that I have opened up to because I have allowed myself that opportunity. Embrace the cultures and embrace the people in them.

Exploring new cultures and experiencing what the world has to offer is one of the most beautiful adventures we can have in life. Once you realize how small the world is, the bigger your travel list becomes. You never have to do it alone; thanks to Couchsurfing's wonderful dashboard of questions and inquiries, hosts and surfers, and local meetups that allow you to branch out in your own city. Give it a try, and see if it is something you will enjoy. And if you create a profile, make sure to fill it out to the best of your ability; people want to make sure you are not some psycho crazy person as well. And if you are lucky enough to host someone on the flip side, you are simply paying it forward, and that makes you a cool human. And feel free to add me as a friend on the site as well, I am more than happy to vouch for you. And in conclusion, traveling doesn't have to be scary, and thinking everyone is out to get you and steal your fanny pack should be a nightmare of the past. Broaden your horizons, do epic shit, live your best life, and never settle in your comfy bed, dreaming about seeing the world someday. Do it now!