Thursday, June 07, 2007

Surf's up

I am fascinated by the CouchSurfing phenomenon.

In case you haven't come across it, it's a web-based project which allows travellers to network, enrich their lives, expand their horizons (and to stay in someone's home for free). Say you plan to meander through Italy for a week: you check out the registered couchsurfers in various towns, email them to see if they can let you crash on their couch for a night or two, and schedule your trip accordingly. You get to meet a friendly local, and although you don't pay them anything, you try to do something nice for them in return: cook dinner, fix a leaky tap, whatever...

I know, it sounds like it's just waiting for the serial killers to sign up and ruin everything, but it seems to be working. Over a quarter of a million people have signed up so far.

Their mission statement is:


Participate in Creating a Better World, One Couch at a Time

CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance and facilitate cultural understanding.

CouchSurfing is not about the furniture, not just about finding free accommodations around the world; it's about making connections worldwide. We make the world a better place by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives. We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available. We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!

I presume if they have a spare room you could stay there instead. It seems pedantic to make someone sleep on a couch.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been on globalfreeloaders.com for a few years now. I had one couple from Finland stay over, and acted as tour guide for an Italian girl. They were all really really nice.

Also, when I went to Australia (to visit Conor), people offered to put me up for free and even pick me up at the airport in the middle of the night.

And people always say that: "Oh, think if you get a serial killer". And I laugh at them - aren't there easier ways to find victims these days? And anyway you get a good "feel" for a person by mailing them a few times. A well as this, each person on the site has references from other people, which you can check up.

Personally, I can recommend this, no problem. People are almost always nice, wherever in the world you are! And on the selfish side, you get a good feeling from helping people out.

Orlaith said...

It sounds like such a great system! I love the idea - and it would also be a great springboard for a short story collection...