I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I much prefer being hosted by a local than staying in a hotel!
Have you heard of Couchsurfing? If not, you really have to give it a try!
[Also, you can read this article in in French or Italian]
Surfing on the sofa, a great concept.
The idea is simple: say we want to go to Paris—my current hometown, by the way :-)—we go to www.couchsurfing.com, create a profile, and send a request to local Couchsurfers to see if they can host us. Usually, we ask to stay for around two days, but sometimes it’s more, sometimes less.
Not necessarily a comfortable experience
It’s not always the most comfortable experience – after all, the name says it all: you’re surfing on a couch, so don’t expect more than a pillow on your host’s sofa. That said, in all my experiences, I’ve rarely ended up on a couch. Most of the time, I’ve had a private room.
An experience with Couchsurfing
September 2012: As I walked into the home of a complete stranger, I couldn’t help but notice how large the house was for a single woman. She quickly explained that her children had grown up and left, which left her with extra space—and the desire to host people. But why was she so open and welcoming? She had been a truck driver, and during her long trips, she often knocked on doors just to ask for a quick shower. Very few people said yes. Couchsurfing became her way to do what others hadn’t done for her – to show generosity and set an example.
“It’s beautiful here so warmly and thoughtfully decorated,” I told her as I wandered through the living room.
I noticed two large framed photos on the wall. “Are these your children? They’re beautiful,” I said.
With gentle kindness, she shared that her son had joined the army, and her daughter had tragically died in a road accident.
For her, Couchsurfing was more than just hosting – it was a way to keep her heart open and continue moving forward.
Say yes to life!
That night, we talked, laughed, and sang around a barbecue. She had invited all her friends over, using the excuse that they simply had to meet “the Frenchy.”
The next morning, as I prepared to leave, I asked her what I could do to give back for everything she had shared with me.
She smiled and said:
“Two things. First, from now on, say yes to every adventure that life offers you. Saying yes to life means truly living.
Second, pass the favor to someone else – you can’t always give back what you’ve received, but you can pay it forward.”
Our paths never crossed again, but as modern-day nomads, we shared something real, honest and fleeting.
I want to dedicate this article to that extraordinary woman and the two pieces of advice she gave me, which I try to follow to this day.
10 tips for any future couchsurfer:
- Always check the profile of the person you’re asking to host you – carefully.
- Write a personal and thoughtful request, rather than copying the same message to several people.
- Expand your search to suburbs or even small towns – your chances of finding a host are often better there.
- Read the references closely and between the lines. People rarely leave negative reviews, so pay attention to subtle cues.
- If you’re a woman travelling alone, be extra mindful. You’re staying in a stranger’s home – read the comments carefully. When I travel solo, I usually message couples or single women.
- Try to plan a few weeks in advance. Last-minute hosting is possible, but it’s much harder to find.
- Unfortunately, the rise of dating platforms has changed parts of the Couchsurfing culture. I personally avoid hosts who seem to have other intentions. Again, read profiles and comments carefully.
- Every Couchsurfing experience is different. Sometimes hosts show you around, take you out, and share amazing moments. Other times, they’re busy and you’ll only exchange a quick hello.
- I often bring a small gift –a breakfast treat or a bottle of wine – for my hosts. I try to make sure that my visit isn’t a burden, so I help out and adapt when needed.
- You’ll probably never be able to repay what you’ve received, so pass it on.
The best way to pass it on? Become a host yourself when you’re not travelling.
And all you need is a couch.
Are you also a “Nomad of modern times”?
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