I'm posing this question out here in the blogosphere: Has anyone tried Couch Surfing??
I'm dying to give it a try, but I would at least like to hear about others personal experiences with it first! If you haven't tried it, and have no idea what I am talking about....this is basically what I understand it is.
There is a website for Couch Surfing here. And you can post your "couch" (or futon or spare bed) on the website, saying you are willing to have visitors to the area, and be their host for free! Its one of those things for people persons. Anyway, you can put specifications, and then people can contact you and you can get to know people first before telling them you will host them. It can be one or multiple people, but you as a host get the final say.
With that, I'm not looking to host (even though Lincoln is a "hoppin" place, however, I'll probably wait to be a host until I have my own place ready for visitors) but to visit New York City. Since hotels and hostels can be quite steep, and I plan on going with another person...I figured it would be a great opportunity to try it! You can also rate your hosts, so it makes it a little more legit!
So with that...has anyone actually tried it before?!
*Please all of you mothers out there, including mine, don't give me the whole "stranger danger" speech. I'm not actually doing it yet, but getting a general feel for the idea*
7 comments:
I think that Matt has done something like this before...I will ask him! And we all know you don't need a stranger danger speech after the one the reporter/cop gave you! haha! Still laughing about that by the way!
interesting concept. never done it or heard of anyone doing it. hostels (or rennting someone's house or apt. for a few days) sure, but couch surfing - nope. cool idea though!
I have a very good friend who is very much involved with couch surfing. I'll send you an e-mail with the link to her couch surfing profile. I know that she's had tons of wonderful experiences.
I was really skeptical about couch surfing but I did it in Paris in 2009. I was with my boyfriend, not sure if I'd do it alone, and we stayed with a couple who had a separate bedroom for guests. They liked having couch surfers because it was a way for them to practice their English. We had a really good experience, no creepiness or weirdness at all.
Before we did it together, my boyfriend did it by himself in Austria. The girl he stayed with had a separate bedroom as well. He had a really good experience that time as well, which is how he talked me into doing it in Paris.
Where are you thinking about doing it?
Nevermind, just read that you said New York. I say read the host reviews carefully and give it a shot!
I had this idea years ago. I think it's a great idea! I think it would be nice to have a "native" of the city be able to share the ins and outs of their town with you. We have a young woman who comes into town and surfs our couch every two months or so. You may know her.
I've done this before a couple times, once in Dublin, once in Cardiff. Both times I ended up having my own bed and room to sleep in and my hosts were wonderful. Just look for people who have a couple positive reviews and you should be set. It's the best way to travel!
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