The CouchSurfing project is one of the most clever ideas I’ve been introduced to lately. Of course CouchSurfing has been around for about 5 years now, it just took a while until the news reached me.
This is an online community of travelers who offer and request free accommodation to and from other members. Which essentially means if you plan to travel to Rome, there is probably a fellow CouchSurfing member with an extra bed or couch you can crash on.
Quite unconventional way of traveling, skeptics might say. Having browsed through several member profiles and reading through testimonials of people who have chosen to travel this way, I am convinced “unconventional” is not bad at all.
This international hospitality exchange is catching on so fast, there are members in practically every corner of the world.
Many hosts may take the time to show you around their hometown, or give you insider’s advice on the best things to do and see while there. And whether you’re hosting or surfing other people’s couches, you will be a part of a vibrant, multicultural, community of world travelers.
CouchSurfing operates as a non-profit organization, with a worldwide reach, and has several safety measures and advice in place for members. You can read more about the project, and how it works by visiting their website here.
I’m not saying this type of globe trotting is for everyone, and I really would not recommend it when it comes down to planning your honeymoon, but it now has my attention and I’ll be telling everyone about it when the conversation rotates around traveling.