Couchsurfing 101: Surviving Your First Host
When I tell people where I stay most nights while traveling, they find it very hard to believe I choose Couchsurfing most of the time. I mean, how could you just walk into some strangers home and ask to sleep on their couch? Sounds like a college night gone very bad (not that I would know or anything). Here is Couchsurfing 101: Surviving Your First Host.
Getting Started On Couchsurfing
Now, couchsurfing can be considered many different things. You could even be visiting a friend in another state and consider it couchsurfing! For this article, I'm going to focus on the Couchsurfing app, and how to best utilize it.
Soon after visiting the website, you will want to register with an e-mail or Facebook to get the full scoop. You can register for free, but becoming verified means paying $25. Yes, that may seem like a lot for something you aren't positive you are going to use. But think about it! That's two nights in a hostel. Pony up the dough and you will see what this amazing resource really has to offer.
Ok, I'm all registered. Now what?
Start searching! Do you have plans to go somewhere? Take advantage of this even if something is only a few hours away from home. It's time to get some references!
Now, I'm not telling you to request a couch from the first person you find. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when looking for a host:
Host's last login:
Anything over a month since the host's last login, probably means they aren't active enough to see your request. It's still always worth a quick message, but don't bet the bank on them.
Typically, I choose people who have been online within the last week. These hosts seem to be pretty active on the app, and respond relatively quickly.
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Host's rating:
Check out the references of your potential host! Truthfully, most people on here are awesome fellow travelers, but it doesn't hurt to take a look at how many times they have hosted!
Beware of the one bad review from someone who might not have been having the best day, take a look at a few before making your decision.
Do you share similar interests?
Now, if you're in a pinch, this shouldn't matter as much. But if you have a few days and more than a few options? BE PICKY!
Choose someone who enjoys similar things as you do. If you don't like museums, and your host is obsessed with them, they might take you there because that is what they know about their area. Go for someone who enjoys underwater basket weaving as much as you do!
Be patient!
Chances are, you are going to get a few people who accept your request, unless you are looking somewhere pretty remote. Be patient! If you have the time, wait for a few people to accept so you can choose which one you want the most. It's better to not respond immediately rather than accept something you are going to cancel later on.
I've found my host!
Nice job! You've found your first couchsurfing host. It can seem a bit daunting, although in this day and age, it's becoming pretty common to meet random people online, right? Surviving this will be much easier than that weird date you matched with last week.
If you followed the previous steps, you're going to be fine! Figure out a time where you can arrive to the host's home, pack up your stuff and hit the road!
Upon arrival:
Greet the host, their dog, and the fish (ok, maybe not the fish). Most likely, the host will show you to your room or couch, where you can start bringing your belongings in and get settled. Many hosts, will give you a moment to get things settled, while you get to know each other a little more.
During this time, it is always nice to figure out what you're going to do for food! Depending on what time you arrive, lunch or dinner is definitely a must if you're going to be there all night!
If you both decide to go out, it's always nice to at least buy some part of your hosts meal. Even if you can't afford their whole meal, a drink should suffice.
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but you get the point!
Many of my experiences have involved host's cooking a meal, which is an amazing gesture. If this happens?
DO THE DISHES!
As much as I hate doing dishes, I can't stress this enough. I mean, these people are opening their homes to you and even feeding you. The least you can do is clean up afterwards!
The night can evolve as it will. Communication is key. I've had 10 hour riding days to get to a destination, and I've apologized for being so tired, but I had to just go straight to bed. It's not ideal, but it happens!
Other nights, hosts have taken me to see parts of their city, or even to do some awesome hikes! Talk to each other about what it is you'd like to do. Every host I have had has always wanted to exchange stories and get to know you as much as possible.
You only have a day or two (maybe more) with these people, but I have noticed something:
Because of the limited time you have, and sharing similar experiences of travel, these conversations can get very deep at times! I believe the best part of the journey has been the people I have met. Timeless conversations that were unforgettable, with people that I hope to see again in the future.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! You officially survived your first couchsurfing experience, and you realize it wasn't as scary as you thought it would be. Just like anything else, take the leap and you won't be disappointed!
'Til next time,
Pete - A Traveling Teacher
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