Are you are already familiar with couchsurfingt? No problem, in this article we tell you fun info about couchsurfing. Chances are that after reading this, you also want to do this.
Couchsurfing; what is it? and why you should do it.
Are you social? Do you want to travel? Interested in other cultures and do you want to meet new people? Then Couchsurfing might be something for you.
On the website couchsurfing.com people from all over the world can offer a place to sleep in their home or come into contact with people who offer a place to sleep in their home. If you are the one who offers a place to sleep then in couchsurf terms you are called a ‘host’ and if you use a sleeping place yourself you will be called a ‘couch surfer’.
The following reasons make you want to do couchsurfing:
Ask questions
Sometimes you miss a little background information when you are traveling. Of course you have travel guides, tourist information points and the internet where you can ask your questions. But how nice is it to hear it from a local where you’re staying as well? They can tell you so much more and it is even more fun because it can give you very nice and interesting conversations. In addition to that, they will give a fair and comprehensive opinion that’s more valuable than a simple review on the internet.
Live like a local
To just have a look, observe the ‘normal’ life in a country and experience it. Isn’t this what every traveler wants? As a couch surfer you get that chance. You participate in the daily life of a local and this way you get a quite real experience of how it is to live in the country you’re visiting.
Meet new people
You may have a very good connection with your host. Chances are that you not only meet your host but also his or her friends and family. The ultimate way to meet new people and maybe make new friends yourself.
Discover hidden places
One of the best things about couchsurfing is that you’ll probably see the most special places. Places which are not in ‘top 5’ lists and which you don’t find on Google. But very impressive places that you will centainly mention when you share your stories.
Interesting conversations
Most people who practice couchsurfing are very open-minded, social and are certainly open to other opinions and cultures. This can cause very interesting discussions about cultural differences. It can give you a completely different view on certain things.
It’s for free
An additional benefit of couchsurfing is that it’s free. It can save you a lot of money for an accommodation. But you have to keep in mind that it’s not intended that you see it as a free hotel. You have to be social and you also have to try to give the host a good experience as well, just like they try to do that for you.
Are you still not convinced of couchsurfing? We would like to share the experience of Hylke with you:
In 2013 I traveled to Madrid with a friend. He is a fanatic Real Madrid supporter and this was the first time he went to visit his favorite football club. He had mapped out the whole journey: train tickets, air tickets and accommodation. The accommodation was arranged via couchsurfing: first one night in Brussels and the rest of the week in Madrid. We stayed with Alfredo, our host. He lived alone in the center of Madrid, less than 500 meters from the beautiful Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
We had a bathroom for ourselves and we were allowed to use his kitchen. Alfredo was very friendly and he told us nice stories about Madrid and the Spanish culture. He also took us a couple of times with him to show some special things. Among those special things, he took us to a rooftop bar where you had a beautiful view. We could see the city and the mountains near Madrid.
Together with his good friend Angelo we drove a few hours to come to an impressive view and pure nature. At the end of the day we went out for dinner together and we enjoyed typical Spanish tapas. The hospitality of Alfredo and the spontaneity with which he treated us, made this trip unforgettable.
Couchsurfing in Spain
Spain is a very appropriate country to stay overnight through couchsurfing. Do you want to be well prepared for everything that Spain and its cities have to offer you? Take a look here for fun and useful articles about Spain.
Now we only have one thing left to say: happy couchsurfing!