Q: I am now officially a Couchsurfer, but is it really that safe?
A: The short answer is yes! Couchsurfing is really that safe, thanks to several precautions that the site has taken and several precautions that you can take yourself.
I will discuss these in depth, however, let me preface this article by stating that I think the best way to approach Couchsurfing, especially for the first time, is to view it as if you were going on a blind date.
The majority of us, before accepting a blind date, do some background work.
We ask numerous questions about the person who is arranging the date.
If the potential date does not live up to our standards, then we do not accept the date.
If we happen to know other people who might also know our date, then we ask them their opinions as well.
This is the attitude you should have when Couchsurfing.
Under no circumstances do you Couchsurf without doing your research.
The site has created 3 safety measures to provide Couchsurfers with a sense of security.
These measures can be viewed on every single profile and you should make certain that at least 1-2 have been met for yourself and for the Couchsurfers that you will meet.
Personal References
When Couchsurfers meet, they are strongly encouraged to leave each other references whether the experience was positive or negative.
These references are permanent. Thus, if someone is left a negative reference, anyone can see this and they cannot take it down.
I do not believe that you should necessarily discredit a person if they have 1 negative reference in the midst of many positive ones, but if someone has more than 1, I suggest moving on to another profile.
Make sure to thoroughly read each reference. These really inform you of what kind of person you will be meeting.
Address Verification System
This can be done by either donating some money to the site via a credit card, whereupon the site checks your address to make sure that it matches the one you have originally provided them with.
Or, the site will send you a letter in the mail with a code that you must then enter into the site once received.
This measure is optional. If you plan on really making Couchsurfing a significant part of your life, then this is a good measure to take to ensure people that you are 100% honest.
Personal Vouches
If a Couchsurfer has received 3 vouches, then they are granted the power to vouch for other people.
Vouches are taken very seriously. A lot of thought must be taken before vouching for someone, therefore you can feel confident that a person is trustworthy if you see them with multiple vouches.
I cannot reiterate enough that research is of the utmost importance!
Not only should you check for the 3 safety measures, but you should also read members profiles to get a sense of their personality and what their home situation is like.
When looking for accommodation you can search for hosts using various parameters that may appeal to you such as age, location, sex, and activity level.
As a female, I recommend female Couchsurfing newbies to surf with other females for maximum comfort in the beginning.
And remember, you might not click with the Couchsurfer 100%, just like you might not with a blind date since it is a gamble after all.
Though keep in mind that it can still end up being a positive experience, since meeting new people always opens the door to learning new things about life and yourself.
BlakesJourney says
Great post! I've never couchsurfed but am going to try it on my next trip. This question and article addresses my main concerns. Before we (my wife and I) go, we'll probably try to build up our ref's by having some CS'rs at our place.
Are there any other expectations when couch surfing or hosting? Such as, are you expected to do the dishes or something like that? What happens when the person has to wake up to go to work? Does the surfer have a key? Does the host usually leave the guest alone in their house? This would be pretty hard for me to do, I think.
Great post, anyway.
Blakesjourney / tBD
foggodyssey says
The great thing about CS is that you can lay out all restrictions and expectations. If you have to work and prefer to keep the house locked up from, say 8am-5pm, then just state so on your profile. Then it's up to the people looking who must decided if that is acceptable with their needs.
This is the key to a good experience on CS (either staying or accommodating), laying out all the details and being upfront. As Andi said, ask lots of questions if your wanting to stay at ones place and vise-verses if your hosting lay out all the rules and be honest on what you have. I have a friend who hosts all the time but she is pretty honest. Example she states:
* Bring your own sleeping bag, as I have a bed but no real bedding sheets.
* I only have cold water, so a cold shower is better then no shower.
* I have a cat and dog that I love. Pet lovers are a must!
* I prefer hosting mostly ladies and couples only, as I'm a single lady. If you are verified I will consider hosting solo male travelers.
* Kitchen is open for use but please bring your own ingredients for cooking.
If you have limits or needs, then state so and you should have a good experience. If dating was this easy we would all be a happier race! lol :)
BlakesJourney says
Be straightforward. Good advice. I created a CS profile last night after reading your post. I'll let you know when I get my first raging lunatic... I mean traveler. he he. Anyways, I hope people will find my couch as I have no feedback as of yet. Also, we're located in teh outskirts of atlanta GA, not the most desireable touristic destination of the USA.
Whatever.
Blakesjourney / tbd
flip says
i agree...
i've couchsurfed myself to different places and i've had a great experience...
Adam Halliwell says
I've never surfed, but I've hosted and met with around ten people, can't knock it so far, met some amazing people that I intend to visit when I get the chance, one I still meet up with now and again after work sometimes, another that I'm seeing.. it all adds up, I'll be a bit apprehensive when staying with someone though, not sure why!
Adam Halliwell says
I've never surfed, but I've hosted and met with around ten people, can't knock it so far, met some amazing people that I intend to visit when I get the chance, one I still meet up with now and again after work sometimes, another that I'm seeing.. it all adds up, I'll be a bit apprehensive when staying with someone though, not sure why!
Joseph Albertino says
There are many cases of agressions using CS and the corporation don’t communicate about them;