Urban Survival Tips for 2012...and beyond

How to Be a Couch Surfer

A couch surfer is someone who travels on a budget, utilizing a broad network of contacts in order to spend the least amount of money possible. You can join couch surfing-related websites and meet other people who are interested in traveling cheaply. Eliminate any stuffy hotels on your next trip, and get ready to couch surf.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Join a couch-surfing website (see Resources below). You can create a profile, but be sure to provide enough information about yourself so that members can feel comfortable hosting you. Include photos and any friends or contacts you may already have in the network.
   • 2
     Participate in a discussion group. You can browse topics by interest and engage other couch surfers, and potential hosts, in Chat mode. Establishing common interests with other members is key to scoring yourself a place on their couch.
   • 3
     Decide on a destination. You can choose to spend all of your time in one location or arrive in one and leave from another. Once this is established, you can then browse thousands of member profiles, which are conveniently indexed by country.
   • 4
     Make contact. Explain to your potential hosts what your interests are, such as: museums, national monuments or the local pubs. Use the "Request to CouchSurf with..." button in order to provide detailed information.
   • 5
     Confirm your stay. Once you and your host(s) have agreed on the date(s) of your stay, you can purchase your tickets and rest assured in the knowledge that you now have a place to sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit couchsurfing.com for more specifics and details regarding how to use their network and service.
  
• Clean up after yourself.
  
• Ask your host about bedding. He or she usually agrees to provide sheets, pillows and blankets but it is best to never assume. In a worst case scenario, you may need to bring your own sleeping bag.
  
• Give back to your host(s). You can do this by washing the dishes, making dinner or cleaning up.
  
• Ask for a recommendation. Members want to feel safe, so positive feedback from past hosts can significantly increase your chances of finding your next couch to surf.
  
• Host a couch surfer. If you've requested a couch surf and have received no offers, it may just be that you need some positive feedback on your profile first. This is an excellent way to build credibility with other members.
  
• Never ask for a key. Remember that your host is placing a tremendous amount of trust in allowing you into their home. If your host chooses to, they can provide you with a key but expect to give them something in exchange, such as a passport or other identification.

Read more: How to Be a Couch Surfer | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2085877_be-couch-surfer.html#ixzz1x84dMGsJ