If you know me, you’ve probably heard me raving about this super cool organization called CouchSurfing. CouchSurfing is, in a nutshell, a humongous network (almost 1.7 million strong- check out their stats page) of people offering others a place to stay when traveling. That “place to stay” may actually be a couch. Or it may be a spare room, or an air mattress, or some floorspace to lay out your sleeping bag. Whatever the case, it is a fantastic way to travel inexpensively, keep yourself from hiding in a cushy hotel room, meet some fascinating people and get a good sense of the local culture!
Is it safe, you ask? Yes.
Free? Absolutely!
Although I know that there are any number of circumstances (or fears) that might keep someone from being able to (or being comfortable with) taking the awkward step to crash in a stranger’s home, I can’t get enough of it! And the thing that draws me most to this incredible group is that CouchSurfing is proof to me that there are still trusting and trustworthy people all over this amazing planet. Especially in times like these, I believe that that bears great importance and value.
But enough from me . . . this is where I pass you off to Karol Gajda- fellow blogger, world traveler and, you guessed it, CouchSurfer. Karol is currently in India; and we’ll unfortunately just miss each other this Spring in Thailand. An experienced CS’er, he released a great [and also FREE!] 39-page eBook all about how to get started CouchSurfing! Go here and then click on any of the “Ridiculously Extraordinary Black Book #001” links. Be sure to check out the rest of Karol’s blog while you’re there . . . a lot of very cool posts, from a very cool guy. On a side note, Karol is also one of several contributors to my forthcoming eBook on ultralight world travel. I’ll keep you posted!
Ready to get involved yourself? Come on . . . you know you want to! Just head on over to CouchSurfing.org, create a profile, and don’t forget to visit mine, so we can become CS friends!
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Excellent on so many levels! Can’t wait to get your free e-book. Will definitely check out Karol Gadja as well. Very cool. Thanks.
Great! yes, sleeping in bat-filled attics gets a little old for me :-) Looking forward to your e-book. Blessings.
Thank you Mark! I encourage all travelers to check CouchSurfing. It’s an amazing organization full of awesome people!
Mark – Thanks for Spreadin’ Da Luv.
I’ve been a member since week three of CS’ inception, and it has become an integral part of my life. I traveled much of Colombia, Ecuador, and the US, and parts of Canada for free via CS. And I am still in contact with many of my hosts – they are now good friends.
Blessings, and DO check it out!
couchsurfing.org/people/rose
Miss Rose
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