I've written about Couchsurfing before on this blog and it is something I feel is a very good platform for travelers to meet people and locals in different countries. In the end, the person hosting you is providing you a link to the local culture and free accommodation. Personally, I've found most of my couchsurfing hosts to be extremely welcoming and polite. I believe that it is like this in most cases. Therefore, it is important that as a couchsurfer, you should do your best to not take the generosity of your host for granted. Having consulted with one of my former, and my first, couchsurfing host, Stefan, he has helped come up with a list of things from his own hosting experience which CS hosts would appreciate from their couchsurfer.
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1. Don't make a mess
Right off the bat, this point seems obvious. Seeing as you would be most likely sleeping on the host's couch, this could mean usually in the living room. Be mindful of your luggage and belongings and make sure it is not sprawled over the whole room. Remember you are still a guest in someone else's house. This also makes things easier for you to find and pack on the day you leave.
2. Make an attempt to communicate and get to know your host
It is important to try and socialise with your host. Couchsurfing aims to allow people from different cultures to get to know each other and hopefully learn from each other as well. There's a difference between being shy and just not making an effort to communicate. Couchsurfing profile has a function that allows you to see the language ability of its members, so be wary that there won't be any language barriers. It would be quite awkward for the host and couchsurfer to not really talk with each other while staying under the same roof. Try to not be strangers with each other.
3. Don't treat your host like a free hotel
Similarly with #2, you should try your best to acknowledge the hospitality of your host. Your host is inviting a stranger into their home in order to broaden their connection with people from around the world and engage in a cultural exchange. A pet peeve for many host is being treated like a free hotel. This means going out the whole day and coming back late at night, and never actually spending any time with the host. Even though couchsurfing DOES allow you to have free accommodation, you shouldn’t just take that at face value.
Example: Stefan said he had two couchsurfers stay with him during Oktoberfest period and despite couchsurfing for three nights, they had only managed to exchange greetings and a few words with him which all accumulated to about 10 minutes of their stay.
4. Be mindful of your host's house rules
Another simple point. Your host will often have a short list of house rules posted on their CS profiles. Some common rules are: no pets, no smoking, no shoes in the house, and no standing/squatting on the toilet seat. Even if there aren't a set of rules, it helps to be courteous and respectful of your host's home. This could mean not getting so drunk when you go out that you get sick on your host's couch afterwards. |
| Goon is the only way |
5. Be open-minded to the local culture
As couchsurfing is a common platform used by travelers, it is likely you’ll be exposed to different things from your host country’s culture. Your host would gladly show you the local customs, or answer any of your questions about them. They are always happy to know that their couchsurfer is interested in their culture.6. Don't expect your host to be a free tour guide
While your host will likely be more than happy to show you around some interesting local spots if they have time, please don’t expect them to take you everywhere. Unless you’re staying over the weekend or some other break time, your host would probably have daytime commitments like school or work. It would probably be better if you went exploring yourself, or find an actual tour, if your host can’t take you out.
7. Have a general idea of what you want to do beforehand
It is advisable for you to have an idea of what you’re interested to see or do in the city before you meet your host. Of course, your host will offer you suggestions of fun or interesting activities available in the city. However, if they don’t have an idea of your interests it would be pretty hard for them to know where they can take you out to see.
Example: When I was in Munich, I told my host I was interested to see a bit more the Bavarian culture outside of Oktoberfest. He suggested I take a tour to see Neuschwanstein Castle and also kindly drove me to see Tollwood Winterfestival.
Example: When I was in Munich, I told my host I was interested to see a bit more the Bavarian culture outside of Oktoberfest. He suggested I take a tour to see Neuschwanstein Castle and also kindly drove me to see Tollwood Winterfestival.
8. Tell your host about any of your important details ahead of time
To make sure your stay goes smoothly, please tell any information to your host that would be important during your stay. This includes the day and time you arrive, which station or airport you will be coming from, your departure time and date, if you plan to do any day or overnight trips outside of the city during your stay etc. Please also inform your host of any allergies or dietary requirements. It would be unfortunate if you’re allergic to dogs and you find out upon arrival your host has a pet dog. Your host will be trying to give you the most comfortable stay they can. |
| Unexpected room mates
by cskk
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9. Feel free to share your own culture with the host
As mentioned on multiple occasions, couchsurfing is about exchanging cultures. If your host is happy to show you parts of their culture, don’t be afraid to do the same. Things that you find ordinary in your culture could be very interesting to your host. Ways you can share your culture with your host could be with photos, a souvenir, or by cooking them one of your favourite dishes from your cuisine.
P.S. Even if it isn’t from your culture, I’m sure your host would appreciate any meal you make for them :)
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| Surprise souvenir! by DaveAustria.com |
10. Don't be shy of sharing travel stories with your host
Travelers and couchsurfers are full of wanderlust, curiosity and fernweh*. In most cases this means your host will be interested to hear any stories you have to share from your travel and adventures. This will help break the ice and it would be a good way to get to know each other and easily become friends. Maybe your host has had a similar experience or wants to know more about a country/city you’ve been to.
Ultimately, I’ve found made a lot of friends through CS, and with many of my lovely hosts. I appreciate the time and effort they’ve made to make my stay memorable and comfortable. I hope those who are interested in couchsurfing in the future take this guide as a way to make sure they make the most out of their couchsurfing experience with their host. If you have any other points, leave a comment.
A little on Stefan: He is a verified CS host and been participating in hosting and surfing since 2012. He has hosted a mix of men and women from Venezuela, China, Germany, Colombia, Australia and Sweden. He also has a fancy blog about hiking and mountaineering, please feel free to check it out.
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| Lights out by DaveAustria.com |
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