Comments on: Reflecting Upon My Couchsurfing Experiences

By: Martijn

Martijn — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:01:31 +0000

Couchsurfing is excellent! I truly enjoy it, wherever I go.
I met some cool people on my adventures, surfing from couch to couch. I hope others have positive experiences as well.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:17:28 +0000

Kendra –

You raise another strategy I hope to use. The idea would be to meet contacts early in my trip with whom I can stay later on. I know there will be no shortage of Europeans, especially the Brits, in southeast Asia. I could see myself stopping over in England (or better yet Ireland) if I knew I could stay with people for a week or two.

From my trip to Costa Rica in ‘05, I received invites to Portland and Arizona (though I’ve taken neither guys up on it yet). Still, I think travel buddies have a longer shelf life in the relationship world because of the bonds formed as you share experiences together away from home.

I feel like I’m going to be the last person to visit New Zealand! Glad it’s first on my list. :)

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:11:22 +0000

Rob –

Definitely! My goal is to use CouchSurfing to offset the higher costs in more industrialized (ie. expensive) countries such as New Zealand (where the service originated), Australia, and Europe.

Also, beyond the monetary savings, I’ve realized how enjoyable the experience could be if I’m staying with hosts who have the time and interest to show me around (as I did with Andre).

By: KendraL

KendraL — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:11:04 +0000

Hi Dave,

LOVED it! Just checked out couchsurfing for myself. I did a little of that on my recent trip to New Zealand.

Although, I organized it on my own and beyond a fair share of hosteling, I also stayed with friends I’d met in Europe and a pen pal I’d literally just met. They were awesome! Oh, and I did get an actual bed so it was a step up from couch surfing, but still, I think that would beat at least ONE of the hostels…FYI: Hostels in Picton, NZ ( South Island ) suck.

By: robmeyer

robmeyer — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:40:40 +0000

Dave, thanks for this 3 part series you have put together about couchsurfing, it has been really informative! Are you going to try to include couchsurfing in your upcoming RTW trip, this time on the side of the guest?

By: Stacy

Stacy — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:00:05 +0000

This is good advice. Just being aware of potential problems definitely helps people avoid them. Even though a lot of it is common sense, sometimes people don’t think about the little things that can make things go more smoothly.

Clear communication and consideration for each other… mmmm… wouldn’t it be nice if everyone did that?!

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:40:42 +0000

Great stuff, Dave. Reading stories like this puts my mind a bit more at ease about inviting strangers into my home. This really inspires me to fill out the rest of my profile. It’d be nice to make a few more traveling friends before I head off on my trip.