Travel Richly by Couch Surfing
Have you always wanted to make friends around the world? I have. And so I joined the non-profit CouchSurfing site a couple of years ago. But only this summer did I surf my first couch: a truly enriching experience. Even if I never see my “host” again I feel like I’ve made a friend.
It’s not a mere “hotel substitute.” Their goal is as follows:
“CouchSurfing.com helps you make connections worldwide. You can use the network to meet people and then go and surf other members’ couches! When you surf a couch, you are a guest at someone’s house. They will provide you with some sort of accommodation, a penthouse apartment or maybe a back yard to pitch your tent in. Stays can be as short as a cup of coffee, a night or two, or even a few months or more. When you offer your couch, you have complete control of who visits.”
Feel Good Metrics
With the momentum of several years, Couch Surfing seems to be hitting the “mainstream,” and now I hear friends mention it all the time. Check out the good energy they’ve created:
CouchSurfers 697,357
Successful Surf or Host Experiences 606,243
Friendships Created 748,720
Positive Experiences 1,219,741
Countries Represented 232
Cities Represented 46,949
They focus on safety. A clever verification process uses credit card authentication to make sure your name matches your mailing address and credit card. (Do I need to add that you’re responsible for your own safety and to use intuition?)
Why Surf? Imagine the Potential Synchronicity
Whether you’re hosting or a couch surfer, you’re automatically going to have commonalities:
- You’re both curious about people from other cultures and the world.
- You’re adventurous and open.
- You seeking out friends and connections.
I don’t know about you, but just reading what I wrote made me all the more inspired to continue couch surfing and hosting on future travels.
After a 
And make a local quest… For example I have a goal to 
