How To Travel The World Like A Professional Couch Surfer

So, you’ve signed up for Couchsurfing after hearing it’s an awesome way to connect with locals while traveling. And you’re right! However, figuring out how the platform works can be a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through this unfamiliar territory and tell you how to become a professional couch surfer.

1. Making an awesome profile

When you’re just starting out, your profile is your most valuable asset, so treat it like one! Make sure to include at least one photo—though 3 to 5 is ideal—and fill out every section thoroughly. This is what potential hosts will use to determine if you’re the type of guest they will welcome into their home, so it’s your chance to showcase your best self!

In the ‘Countries I’ve Visited’ section, be sure to list all the places you’ve been and keep it updated. The more diverse your travel history, the more likely people will want to connect with you. If you’ve visited countries that aren’t typical tourist spots, hosts may be especially eager to meet you to hear your unique stories and get advice. In the Couchsurfing community, it’s often believed that well-traveled individuals make better surfers because they’re more attuned to handling a variety of situations.

2. To verify or not to verify?

In short, paying for verification won’t necessarily help you land hosts or surfers when you’re just starting out. While Couchsurfing might suggest that verification is key to finding hosts and guests, that’s not always the case. I’ve heard from verified members who’ve messaged several people only to be ignored or rejected.

Meanwhile, as a non-verified member, I receive a ton of couch requests and have no trouble finding hosts. Clearly, there are other factors at play. What will really help you get started with Couchsurfing like a pro is gathering references.

3. Getting plenty of references

In the Couchsurfing community, references are essential for finding hosts. New members might struggle to get references, but there are two types: hosting/surfing and personal. Friends on Couchsurfing can leave personal references. If you don’t have friends, attend Couchsurfing events to meet people and ask for references. While personal references aren’t as valuable as hosting/surfing ones, they can still improve your chances of finding hosts or surfers.

4. Finding the right host

You’ve done a great job creating your profile and gathering references. Now, let’s find a host. Unfortunately, some hosts have outdated policies and might refuse to host certain surfers. For example, female hosts might not want to host male surfers for safety reasons. To avoid rejection, look for hosts with references from both men and women.

Use the app or website to search for hosts based on your location and desired dates. You can also use filters like languages, age, and more to narrow down your options. Make sure to search for your specific dates to find hosts who are available when you need them.

5. Requesting a couch

Write a personalized introduction message, highlighting shared interests or experiences from their profile. Mention what you can offer, like teaching a language, cooking, sharing travel stories, or bringing souvenirs. Remember, you have a limit of 10 requests per month. If you’re planning a longer trip, it’s better to contact potential hosts directly before sending requests to avoid wasting them.

6. Offering up your own couch

Just like the previous idea, let’s highlight the unique aspects of your neighborhood. Are there any historical sites, natural wonders, or hidden gems that you love to explore? Perhaps you have a vibrant nightlife or excellent transportation options. Think about what you value in a community and how our area can meet those needs.

7. Capitalizing on public trips

The Couchsurfing website lets you create public trips that other users can see. This can help you find both a host and a travel companion. When hosts see your public trip, they can offer to host you if they think you’d be a good fit. You might even get multiple offers using this feature.

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