If someone had asked me a few years ago how I felt about having strangers in my home or staying with strangers in their home I would have resoundingly replied "Um, NO."
However, during a motorized two-wheeled journey to Alaska I crossed paths with a plethora of other adventurers. I spent a few days with one in particular (who happened to be cycling from AK to Argentina) and we continued to developed our friendship even after I returned from my journey. I received a call from him one day a few months later and he asked if I could possibly help out a long-distance cyclist friend of his who was heading my direction with both knee and bike issues, even if it was just to offer tent space in my backyard. I took the opportunity to pay it forward, and I welcomed one kick-ass recent college grad into my home. It was during his time with me that he asked if I knew about CouchSurfing, then explained I was essentially "hosting" him. He answered all my questions, showed me how to navigate the website, told me of his wonderful stories of "surfing" with people while on his ride from Vancouver down the West Coast, etc. I joined CS after having such a great experience with him. That was almost 2 years ago. I have since hosted over 25 people, ranging in ages 19 to 73 from every demographic and region known (sans Antarctica). The stories I have heard are better than any documentary you'll *ever* see. I could write a book about them, some would require their own book they were so freakin' amazing and inspiring. I have surfed myself about 10 times in the US & Canada. I stay in contact with most of the people I've met, several I have no doubt will be life-long friends. I have standing invites to revisit all the places (er, people) I've surfed as well as invitations to visit the those I've hosted (which includes Belgium, Germany, Finland, Canada, France, Argentina, Africa, Madagascar, as well as 9 US states).
It may sound trite, but CS has most definitely made an impact in my life as it has renewed my sense of the human spirit. In a world full of fear and ever-present "breaking news" of why you should be very afraid and trust no one, we forget that there are some damn good people out there who, by keeping our doors locked and saying "Uh, NO", we miss great opportunities to share and learn about each other and ourselves. That being said, there are people who are actively involved in CS who are unable to host or surf for whatever reason (typically it's a disagreeing spouse/roommate or their living arrangement isn't conducive to hosting even their own personal friend). I know quite a few folks who are active CS'ers who fall into this category. They participate by joining their local CS group (there is a big group where I'm located that meets frequently to do/attend various social activities. You make new friends VERY easy, many of which you may not have the opportunity to do so otherwise since you don't run in their circle of activities, people, etc . Within CS'ing there are seemingly endless "groups" that you can join based on interests, location, types of travel, style of travel (hike, bike, fly, etc), and, yes, even sexual orientation/gender. In fact the largest group on CS is the "Queer" group (I think it's 10 times larger than any other group). That being said, there is no need IMHO to seek safety in a particular group as those who travel typically are a welcoming, open-minded group of people. ("Nothing breaks down stereotypes as effectively as travel".) I've had nothing but positive experiences and I've not personally heard of anyone who has had a negative one.
I'll see if I can answer a few questions in bulk that might be circulating at this point...
"How do you know it's safe???!!!!" (Typically the first question I get while trying to explain CS). Each personal who joins CS creates a profile. (Btw, you do not need to pay to join, donations are encouraged which starts a process to get you verified. Personally, I don't look to see if someone is verified or not) when considering to host/surf with them). A profile tells you a lot about a person, their interests, ideas, type of "couch" offered, etc., etc. When you host/surf/meet someone you can leave them a "Reference". Think of the reference system like the eBay feedback system. If there was an item you wanted on eBay and the seller had glowing, 100% positive feedback over multiple transactions would you be hesitant to buy the item? Same with CS'ing... the written references let you know what other hosts/surfers have experienced. Those with negative references get weeded out quickly (so quickly I've never seen a negative entry). Profiles are for letting people know what parameters or expectations you have (no smoking, must leave in the morning when I go to work, must be okay with my pet alligator, etc) and what you are about (love wine, vegan, have several felines, go to bed early, etc... btw, none of that is true for me!
). I clearly state in my profile who I am and what I'm about (I think I use a phrase like "I look forward to meeting other GLBTQ travelers as well as ANYONE who lives with respect for others"... or something along those lines).
There is no commitment. You are not obligated to surf or host anyone at any time. You can say "No" to as many "Request To Surf" as you'd like, and you determine when they arrive and leave. (You getting the idea you have more control than you may think). Hosts may have a comfy couch, maybe an air mattress, a spare bedroom, or something else (I stayed in a detached guest house once).
So, who is a CS'er? There absolutely is NO demographic or stereotypical surfer/host. I've stayed in minimalistic places and I've stayed in multi-million dollar homes (yeah, some "famous" people yearn for connections to "real" people who don't see them for what they've accomplished but rather for who they are). I know for me personally I'd much, MUCH rather surf with someone than stay in a hotel. Since I've found CS, I despise staying in hotels, not because of a financial issue but because I know I'll likely leave with nothing but a generic experience and no substantial memories. Staying in a home of a local resident gives me the inside scoop on what to do/not do in the area, possibly a tour of the town/share a meal, etc (not gonna get that at the Holiday Inn Express!), and the chance to meet and share stories with a fellow human being. CS is not about a free place to stay, it's about connections with people. For those with a philosophy that it's not how far we travel in life but who we meet along the way that matters most, CS is a perfect fit.
Holy crap, did I just write all that above?? Well, for the record, I have no connection to CS other than being a very happy member (I just re-read the above and it kinda sounded like a sales pitch-lol!). Be glad to answer any questions. Also, if you are a CS'er, shoot me a PM so I can give you my screen name.
ComparedToWhom