Couch surfing: The extreme budget vacation
Posted
Apr 21 2008, 05:32 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
We're all for budget vacations, but is staying on the couches of strangers a bit much?
Apparently not. It's an intriguing concept, made possible by CouchSurfing.com. Essentially, you join a network of people around the globe who are willing to put up strangers in their homes with the expectation that they'll form lasting friendships -- and find free accommodations -- with other members of the group.
"I know what you're thinking -- seems dangerous, creepy and idealistic," writes "Trynity978" at Me, Myself and Blog. "And I'd have to say that I might have agreed with you before I met a bunch of couch surfers from Chicago." Trynity978 is now ready to take the plunge.
According to the Boston Globe, CouchSurfing.com was founded by American Casey Fenton after he decided to go to Iceland and found hosts by e-mailing 1,500 students at a university.
Paul at Saving Freak is intrigued by the possibility but a bit concerned about the safety. CouchSurfing.com "does have some measures to calm the nerves with security," Paul writes. For a $25 fee, the organizers will verify the identities of people who register. Participants build up a profile of references at the site.
"If I were still in college I would definitely give this a try, and I am tempted to give it a trial run now," Paul says.
Tim Ferriss heartily recommends a home-based travel experience after sleeping on the floor in the flat of a friend's sister in London. "I wanted the comforting and fun experience of 'home' through someone else's culture and life. Even the Four Seasons, as much as I like it, can't provide this," he writes.
While most people's experience has been positive, the organizers at CouchSurfing.com recommend you have a backup place to stay in case you and your host don't hit it off.
