Hi Isabella,

I've hosted a lot of people through a similar site, hospitalityclub.org . I met a lot of diverse people (from 17-mid 50's in age) and was pleasantly surprised each time. I think Couchsurfing can be a little more of early 20's people saving money and maybe hooking up... I sound old and judgmental …. If you're looking for a more cultural experience, I think there are better sites to host/be hosted, but couchsurfing might have more options in a lot of areas.

I agree with Melinda's recommendations and would stress that if you want to have a great experience, do your homework! Read the profiles of people in the area you want to visit to see if they are people you'd get on with and, more importantly, read the comments people post about them! I always appreciate when people contact me and have shown they read my profile (makes me feel special and ‘chosen’ ) .I try to avoid people I can’t get much info on and focus on people who have a lot of (positive) feedback and feel some sort of connection with. Most hosts don’t want people contacting them too far in advance because they won’t necessarily want to commit to anything too early. Normally a week or 2 in advance is enough, but do contact a few people to have options and a back-up - things do go wrong once in a while.

Overall, I've found that if you put a little effort into it, it can be a lot more than just a free couch to sleep on and have met a lot of people I wouldn't have otherwise and learned a great deal about other cultures.

Good luck and happy surfing!

Matt

Hi Melinda,

Thank you very much for your advice. Very much appreciated!

I am planning to go to the US next summer (California, Nevada, Arizona...). If you have any specific suggestion regarding that destination, I would be interested as well.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Isabella

Hi Matt,

Thank you very much. What websites did you have in mind when you wrote: "If you're looking for a more cultural experience, I think there are better sites to host/be hosted"?

What I find great about travelling are the people you get to meet as much as the destination. I like freedom and spontaneity and thus not really interested in package tours.

Do you have any specific suggestion about the US?

Thanks a lot!

Cheers,

Isabella

Hi Isabella,

I agree with your attitude! When I heard about couchsurfing I did a little asking around and found the site I mentioned, hospitalityclub.org . I tried it out and was very impressed (very basic site, but good people), so I've never looked further. I haven't been that active the last few years, but I know there are similar sites that seem more about content and compatibility than free accommodation in the guise of superficial contact. You might want to look at different hosting sites and see what appeals to your needs. Test them out and make sure that the community is active and you'll have a decent chance to be hosted.

For U.S. specific sites I'm not sure and afraid I can't be of help at the moment.

Best,

Matt

Hi Isabella,

This might be of interest to you :

http://www.couchsurfing.org

cheers!

Hey guys

I am a very active couchsurfers, and I know quite well the Geneva community even though the last 6 months, I slowed down...

You can find me on CS under Mrs Jane. So please, if you have any question about Couchsurfing. Contact me directly through CS:

I have to admit that in Geneva the CS community is more mid 25's but it is not true everywhere.

Regarding being hosted through CS in USA, I need to tell you that americans don't have the European culture of CS, maybe they feel less safe to have an unknown person at home, so they tend to host less, but meet more for drinks.

At the beginning, I was also suspicious with this website, but I started to love it very fast. I started by meeting people, and then hosting people and then finally being host. I had my own pace, but each step convinced me that it was a great chance to know couchsurfing, especially when you travel by yourself.

Cheers !

Jeanne

Actually Jeanne, I have a good friend who spent 3 months in the USA and met some pretty amazing people whilst couchsurfing. He was able to surf couches all over the country and had no problems to report. He got laid a lot, which is always a nice bonus. Another couchsurfer who stayed at my place in GVA for a couple nights had an equally good experience with CS in the US.  

B.

Hey, I only said they tend to host less not that they don't : ))) Of course, you can find hosts : )))

I'm also a great fan of couchsurfing.

I use it many years now, I hosted a lot of people, and I surfed even more.

Nothing than good (and great) experiences, except for one: but he didn't have any references, so I won't surf/host people without references anymore.

Had great experience in the US - everyone was extremely tactful and polite.
We were 2 girls and just posted last-minute requests and we were very very much welcomed, let alone that we saved quite a lot of money.
But the best thing is that you meet people who know around and can show you really nice places.
However, you should understand that they really want to spend time with you, to hear stories about your travels etc. Meaning you can't just sleep over people's places and have to dedicate your time to them.
It is very important to read reviews from people who stayed with this particular person (meaning didn't just meet at a party). Although 99% of reviews are positive and optimistic, you can always read between the lines if something went wrong... Good host really care about their reputation and you'll be safe with them.

POSITIVELY AMAZING!!!

i`ve surfed through asia and europe and have NEVER had a bad experience...i highly recommend it!!! :)

Couchsurfing is the most amazing and great thing i ever expieriend all over the world....its just fantastic conny