My Couchsurfing Experiences February 12, 2012
Posted by admin in : Articles , trackbackI’m walking from my trip to Southeast Asia in April 2009. I had half a year traveling around Thailand, Bali, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. I have been teaching English as a volunteer in various countries that can demonstrate that they have a very interesting and rewarding experience. During this trip I was saying in a wide range of backpackers and budget hotels from luxurious to!
A great find!
After a few months back in the UK, I got itchy feet and decided that my trip to India, the next on my list was to be planned. One day, while looking for cheap hotels on the internet I came across a site called Couchsurfing.com accidentally. I read to find the page with great interest and I was surprised to find a completely new concept to facilitate the travel experience for budget travelers.
PROFILE
I searched the site and explore the various places where I would potentially be able sofa surfing. Then I went to set up the profile. This led to show my data and my interests, philosophy and travel experiences. I have a recent photograph and also pointed out that I have a couch to travelers male or female, but not immediately have.
Then I started through my profiles on criteria. Since I was a woman traveling alone, in search of a potential host of the women in India in the field of New Delhi. I found three drove away and send everyone a “request sofa.” I had already planned my route across India, and therefore continue to send requests to people in cities, I’d want to visit. The site was very easy to navigate and because each potential host references from previous users had posted on their public profile, I was able to check their reliability and integrity.
ANSWERS
A few days later I started to get answers. Most of them were positive. All responses were negative, persons who would be traveling at this time, or were too busy because of work commitments or family. Overall, the response was good. I had my first “couch” in New Delhi offer from an Indian woman, a teacher who lived with her husband and her elderly mother. The second was a young couple in Jaipur. The third, a pair of Varanasi and the last in Hampi. In some areas I had applied, I had no joy, but then you can not win them all!
SURF
Are you traveling alone in a foreign country can be a daunting experience and sits alone in a hotel room, not knowing anyone can be a pretty lonely. However, when CouchSurfing, the experience is transformed. As a surfer, you will be welcomed with open arms, in someone’s house, and have first hand information about the city where you are, a comfortable accommodation with the use of all facilities and features of home-cooked food. The food is not part of the agreement, however, most people invite a user to join them at meals. As surfing is completely free, with a small gift for your host is a nice touch. I usually take something typically English, like jam or scone.
Each of my couchsurfing have exceeded my expectations. I had a comfortable bed, food and even a tour through most of my guests, which is not mandatory either. In all cases, they were friendly, generous people. I stayed on average for two nights. My last Couchsurfing were still in Turkey and Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival.
ALTERNATIVE
The philosophy of surfing it as quickly as possible to answer. But nine out of ten you are not surfing enough room for people with you. I have not recently traveled and have been hosting surfers who are new to me. I welcomed the most single women, both single men and two couples. We spent a pleasant evening for our travel experiences and exchange information and discuss ideas. I try to give my users a cultural experience of any kind, be it a weekend, we usually go to the pub for a Sunday roast, or visit historic sites in the region. Due to work commitments, I have not always had time to give tours, but we have still managed to spend quality time together.
VIGILANCE
CouchSurfing can be more interesting and rewarding, but it’s always a good idea to be vigilant. It is recommended that you read all the references to left on the profile / of a potential host for surfers. For additional precautions, you just select the host or surfer that were tested. It is always advisable to set the ground rules before the adoption of a surfer. Specify exactly what is offered in relation to the time of lodging, food and socializing. Personally, in my experience CouchSurfing I’ve met people who are genuine, caring, were generous and open minded. A wonderful concept, in my opinion!
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