This being a top-notch backpacker blog, and you being a reader of said swell blog, we’re all quite up to speed on the phenomenon called couchsurfing, yes? And we’re also aware that Couchsurfing.com isn’t the only homestay/hospitality network under the sun. Some involve dues. Others have extensive application processes. Some have specified interests in promoting world peace and such, but they all sing the common tune of “crash at my place, roomie!”
So, if you’re a budget-minded traveler wanting accommodation and local interaction abroad, which network barks up your tree?
Not to make the choice more difficult, but I just heard about another hospitality network option.
What is Crashpadder?
Crashpadder.com allows travelers (a.k.a. crashers) to “find cheap, comfortable accommodation in someone’s home” while providing the hosts (a.k.a. padders) a chance to “earn a little extra cash by conveniently renting out their excess space.”
Born out of the recession age, this network allows just about anyone with legitimate cushioning to be a B&B owner, without the necessity of country home decor. Already, Crashpadder boosts over 1,000 rooms in London alone (starting at £20 per night) and more in 700 other cities worldwide. And with upcoming events like the World Cup and Olympic Games that inspire global travel hysteria, there’s all the more reason for alternative options to overpriced hotels, fully-booked hostels, and even the free accommodations offered through networks such as Couchsurfing.
Why Pay When CS is Free?
I know many people use such services as Couchsurfing because they are free (aside from the simple exchange of a gift or a hospitable gesture). Therefore, some backpackers will find it preposterous that Crashpadder involves monetary transactions. Why pay when you can do the same thing for free?
The network’s founder calls it “Couchsurfing for grown-ups.”
Some people worry about the safety of relying on a complete stranger for your accommodation, but through the use of credit cards for payment, it seems there’s an increased level of verification (of both the crashers and padders) that at least assures those involved their new friend is an actual human being with a name and some credibility.
Not everyone is entirely comfortable sleeping on Little Susie’s Hide-a-Bed, regardless of how stunning the company is. Because of the commercial nature of Crashpadder, over 95% of the rooms available are private double bedrooms that offer more privacy for the crasher. And though it’s not a requirement for the site, most accommodations can be expected to have a higher standard than those that are offered for no charge.
For some, the addition of a little money into the equation could seem as though the experience is less about growing friendships or “owing one” to the host and more about finding refuge in a foreign city (as well as helping supplement the padder’s income). Whether this is more appealing to you or not, it certainly has a different feel than Couchsurfing and could seem like a preferable option for, say, a business traveler. And there’s nothing that states friendships and interaction can’t be a part of the Crashpadder scenario just because dollars are present. It’s still an incredible gesture to open your home to another citizen of the world.
Some Helpful Features
The staff at Crashpadder is focused on making it easier for people to find each other and utilize the network. Some notable features include:
The Host Calendar – enabling crashers to check the availability of a padder’s pad.
PadderPoints – a reward system for involvement in the network that could result in a free night’s stay.
Concierge Services – personalized service available to crashers who: are in groups of four or more, are looking for accommodations for more than a week, are going to multiple destinations…you get the picture.
The Bottom Line
I couldn’t imagine my father rolling his suitcase along the deeply-rutted roads of Kampala en route to his Couchsurfing host’s abode, but I could imagine him finding an intriguing couple in Cape Town that could house him while in town for a business convention. For those skeptical about the free-love lodging movement, Crashpadder.com offers a great opportunity for travelers and locals alike to reap the benefits of global friendships and authentic experiences.
I personally love couchsurfing and have done it for years (both hosting and surfing). Couchsurfing works better because we want to host you to host you, we want to meet you and we want to have cultural exchange. A host that charges money obviously only cares about the cash. Why can't grownups use couchsurfing? My mom uses it :)
Another thing, remember it's now couchsurfing.org.
I kind of like this idea. I'll have to keep it in mind if I do move to Peru later on, while it won't be my house I think the idea of netting a profit off a guest house would intrigue my friend's family.
Hey Kevin, it's Stephen here from Crashpadder.
I totally agree, Couchsurfing is a superb site and community – I was an avid Couchsurfer in my youth, I was recommending it to my sister only last week as she's about to head off on a GAP year. To be honest I don't really see Crashpadder as directly competing with CS as what we offer is so different – as a rule it's increased comfort for a small fee. Some guests may also want a little more privacy rather than sitting up chatting to the host, something which you may feel obliged to do on CS as Lindsay mentioned above.
Finally, from a hosts point of view, it;s a way to earn a bit of extra cash towards the rent or their next trip. As guests pay for the stays (or at least pay a deposit) on their credit/debit card their identity and home address are also verified which means the host can rest easy!
In summary I think (hope!) there's room for us both to flourish.
hmm couchsurfin-people are more the one of people i like ;) maybe in 20 years…
Thanks for the tip of another really cool and innovative site, Lindsay. Really like the idea of doing these kind of home stays. You not only get to travel much cheaper, but also the added bonus of being able to feel like a local in the places you visit. Much better than cruising the exterior as a tourist in a strange land.
It sounds like a good idea and I can see us using it in conjunction with couchsurfing when we want some more privacy. As a couple, and as my partner has to work on the road (we are permanent nomads) that is one of the concerns that we have about couchsurfing. We will probably try both, athough crashpadder doesn´t have many options in South America.
Hi Erin – yes, it seems Crashpadder has awhile to go before it hits critical mass like Couchsurfing has done. You might be surprised at the number of couchsurfing hosts that can offer a bedroom to guests. Your options may be a little more limited as a result, however it’s still worth a try, especially in Europe and North America.
I'm totally down for shelling out a few bucks for place to crash that's not “Little Susie's Hide-a-Bed.” A decent couch surfer brings a gift or takes his/her host out to dinner anyway, so handing over some cash isn't much different. And I don't think it's necessarily about the money for a lot of people- as you pointed out, I think the transaction helps to legitimize the arrangement. At any rate, it's nice to have another another option.
I have never heard of crashpadding though I have used couchsurfing quite frequently. I could see how it could be of benefit when location starts to come into play. With couchsurfing I just kind of accept a place even if it is way out of the way. Maybe with couchsurfing you can choose your room close to the appropriate place you need to go. You can definitely be more choosy. I agree, my Father on a business trip might take something like this into consideration, but definitely not couchsurfing.
Great review! Gonna check out the site now, though CS will always be #1 in my book!!! :)
we are newbies to both coachsurfing and crashpadder too cause we were always a bit skeptical about how safe it could be and how much privacy you could have for a traveling couple but now we regret not having try it before as everyone seem to rave about it, we are surely going to change this
Uugh. I hate seeing Crashpadders described as 'Couchsurfing for grown-ups.'
They both allow hosts to advertise availability of accommodation in their homes, but that's where the comparison ends. The reason why is simple: Couchsurfing with money involved is NOT Couchsurfing.
The beauty of Couchsurfing is that NO money exchanges hands. The hosts put up their couch because they want to meet people, because they believe in the value of travel, because they want to do this as part of a community, not as a way of making money. There are tons of other reasons, but they're confined to the ideological or personal because the system doesn't endorse charging money for a place, and that's the true beauty of Couchsurfing!
I'm sure there are great people on Crashpadding, but the second I enter in a relationship with them for money, our relationship is skewed. It might still be a great way to find a nice place to stay, but I don't go to Couchsurfing for that… I go there to get in touch with like-minded travelers with whom I might share a moment of my travels – and incidentally have a place to crash.
Judging from Stephen's answer in the comments, I'd say that Crashpadders itself doesn't portray itself as a 'grown-up alternative' to Couchsurfing. So representing them thus does them a disservice. It also makes me sad to see that growing up means monetizing our rapports with fellow human beings.
I agree with Triseult.
I agree with Triseult.