Couch Surfing Tips
Quick answer: The most important couch surfing tips are to choose your host carefully by reading reviews, ask sensible questions before you arrive, go easy on alcohol, trust your instincts, keep friends and family informed and leave an honest review afterwards. Follow these and couch surfing can be a safe, rewarding way to travel.
Safety is the biggest concern among surfers looking for a place to stay through Couch Surfing. Personally, all my experiences have been quite pleasant.
Recently, though, I came across news of a 25-year-old American Humanitarian Traveller beaten to death by her couch-surfing host while she was on an earthquake relief mission in Nepal. This should not discourage you from couch surfing, but you do need to be careful in choosing the right host.
6 Couch Surfing Tips for a Safe Stay
1. Choose Your Host Wisely
Reviews play a vital role. Before you send a request, spend a little time reading reviews from other guests who stayed with the host.
If possible, chat with the host through the website’s messaging system. You will get to know them, build a rapport and feel far less hesitant when you are on their doorstep.
2. Ask the Right Questions
Don’t blindly trust everything a host says, but don’t ask awkward questions like “Will I be safe in your place?” either. A host would never say no. Be grateful that this person has accepted you as a guest, while still being wise about whom you choose.
General questions tell you a lot, for example:
- “How many surfers have you hosted?”
- “Are there any safety precautions I’ll need to take in the neighborhood or surrounding areas?”
Choose your host only if you are thoroughly convinced by their responses.
3. Go Easy on Alcohol
Don’t go overboard with alcohol or drugs, at least on the first day while you are still getting to know each other. If your host offers you a beer, limit it to a pint or two.
Getting drunk could be an unpleasant experience for your host and unsafe for you. Don’t leave your well-being in the hands of someone else.
4. Trust Your Instincts
If you feel unsafe or threatened, don’t let those thoughts sit at the back of your mind. Trust your instincts and react sensibly. If things get out of control, act wisely and seek help from the local authorities.
5. Let Your Friends and Family Know About Your Trip
Keeping your family informed about your travel plans is vital. It is something I strongly believe in, especially after watching the movie “127 Hours“. If something goes wrong, they will know your whereabouts.
6. Write an Honest Review
Your review doesn’t have to be positive, but it must be truthful. Think about the surfers who will choose this host based on your review, just as you did with someone else’s. If something made your stay unpleasant, warn others about it. Be honest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is couch surfing safe?
Most experiences are pleasant, as mine have been, but incidents do happen. Choosing your host carefully and following the tips above greatly improves your safety.
How do I choose a good couch surfing host?
Read reviews from previous guests, message the host before your stay and ask general questions, such as how many surfers they have hosted.
Should I drink with my couch surfing host?
Keep it light, especially on the first day. A pint or two is plenty while you are still getting to know each other.
Conclusion
Couch surfing is a great way to meet locals and travel on a budget, as long as you stay alert. Use these couch surfing tips to pick the right host, stay safe and help other surfers with an honest review.
Have you ever tried couch surfing as a host or as a guest? If not, are you willing to try?
I’ve never tried couch surfing before – I wouldn’t mind connecting with a host who can tell me about all of the awesome places in the area, but sometimes I am a little concerned for my safety. I prefer to rent apartments while I travel. Thanks for the tips though! 🙂
I usually check the reviews about the host before opting for one. Inexpensive travel with the real local way of exploring 😉
I just signed up for CS and these trips will come in handy! Thanks!
Thanks Joe, sounds great 😉
I wasn’t aware of that story – pretty scary and a bad rep for the company. I’ve signed up but never used it yet. Have began considering it as the money gets tighter!
Yes Gemma, I got a bit more cautious after reading the story. I do spend 3-4 days a month couch surfing, so far it has been amazing.
Nice Post
Thanks Dante
My first encounter with CS has always been positive till now. I have always been careful when choosing a host or accepting requests. My only rule is don’t be an idiot really and only trust yourself and no one else.
Hi Kristine, that sounds great. I love your rule , it would certainly keep you wise and safe. Cheers and thanks for writing in.
First of all I love the fact that you have two separate ways to say “got a couch” in Portuguese, one for Portugal and the other one for Brazil. I’m from Portugal and nowadays it’s very common to see just the Brazilian way. Haha. Thank you for that. Couch surfing is on my to do list. Everyone keeps saying that it’s an amazing experience in which you usually make friends and find great people. Nice tips here.
Thanks Marta or like you say “Obrigado”. Glad to know that these tips are helpful to you. Do give it a try after reading some reviews of the host. Trust me if the host turns out to be an interesting person, your trip would undoubtedly be the best one.
Definitely want to experience Couch Surfing at least once and if it turns out to be good then I may continue. Thanks for the tips!
Experience would certainly differ from host to host. Wish you a good luck Vedant. Cheers!!
I am definitely willing to try couch surfing. These tips of yours are very precise so would be a handy guide whenever I try CS.
Thanks Jessica, nice to know that. Cheers!!!
I’ve never tried Couch Surfing. Looks like a good alternative but idk if it’s for me. Great tips though!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jana. Its an one of a kind experience, worth trying once at-least.
I have had some great and also some OK experiences with couch surfing….I think using your instincts is a very good thing to remember… you have to feel comfortable.
True Kimberly, using one’s instincts would certainly be the best thing.
Great tips here. I have never tried Couch Surfing, but this sounds like reasonable advice.
Thanks Tracie, nice to know that.
There is some good advice here. I just wrote a post about using AirBnB and recommended some of the same tips. Reviews and making contact with the host first is recommended. If you are comfortable with both, don’t do it. And I agree leave an honest review it will help the next person!
Absolutely Elizabeth, reviews and making contact with the host do play a vital role, as it gives an idea of what to expect and is the best time to decide if want to be hosted.
I love the translation! I think this is really important when writing to hosts! I am an active member of CS for 7 years now and I still do this up until today! Thanks for sharing! Xx
Thanks for droppin by Trisha, that sounds great. Am sure you might have met some incredible people while surfing.
I have a few friends that couch surf. But, I don’t think it’s for me. Thanks for the tips though!
Its an unique experience though.