BS: Couchsurfing

Subject: BS: Couchsurfing
From: *Laura*
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 04:11 PM

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in the phenomenon (if you like) of couchsurfing?
There's big internet networks set up, essentially 'trust circles' for budget travellers, where people can offer a couch for free to travellers in the area, or if not a couch then just a meet and greet or a coffee or a city tour...
members of the networks give each other references and trust is gradually built up.

I love the idea of it - especially as i've caught the travel bug in a major way (on a student budget)! I've signed up to one of the networks but as yet I have no couch available (I really don't actually, I'm in the middle of moving flats), I realise there are obvious safety issues but I was wonedring if anyone has any actual experience of this kind of thing? Or if anyone does it or knows anyone who does it?

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 04:18 PM

Crabs. It's a long story. Cast of thousands.

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 04:33 PM

I haven't heard of couchsurfing, as such, but there are a number of vocation-specific entities. For instance, there is a flourishing network that links teachers to each other all over the world. They travel from spot to spot knowing that a welcome awaits them wherever they go.

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:06 PM

There are always Mudcat couches.....all over the world.

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:16 PM

Great response, Sorcha. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:38 PM

I haven't been in one of those networks, but I've been on a few couches. Mudcat, as Sorcha has pointed out, is great for that. No crabs--they obviously all went home with Peace.

Subject: RE: BS: Couchsurfing
From: Peace
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 02:10 PM

Every damned one of 'em!