Freeloading/Couchsurfing

[aurorachrisma]

Okay, so it's not a hostel or a hotel, it's freeloading.

I know a lot of people have reservations about doing this sort of thing, and I don't blame them. I did too, when I found out from my friend that we would be doing this in London. Since then I've come to love the concept. It's the only thing that kept me out of the poorhouse while I was in London. After coming home I signed up to host people and I've also gotten in contact with numerous people all over the world who do the same thing.

In my opinion this is a great way to relieve some unforseen financial stress and make friends abroad at the same time.

I was wondering if anyone has had a bad experience with this kind of thing. Maybe I'm just missing the threads but it doesn't seem to be discussed much on the board at all.

Anywho, if anyone is ever in London I highly reccomend staying with Mark. http://www.staywithmark.com/ He's quirky and keeps to himself most of the day, but he's very plesant and accomodating and quite a nice guy. If he has time he'll even take you out and show you the sights.

[bluepea]

Thanks for the info. I know some people discuss couchsurfing but I don't think many people here have done it. I know a lot of people have reservations about. We were going to when we were in Lyon, France, but I was just too chicken to go for it.

[blinkchick2134]

I've only couchsurfed on other Tpunk's couchs/spare beds/floors/etc. If I ever go to London I'll look him up.

[elfmaiden]

I haven't actually couch surfed by like looking people up on the internet. But while I was travelling I did hook up with people along the way who had a room or couch to spare. One girl invited me to stay at her parents house (she was visiting them as well, but didn't live there anymore) and it was really cool!

I haven't had a bad experience yet though, but I imagine they are out there. Not everything is always perfect. lol

Jenn

[ajb3000]

I plan on trying it out while I'm in Holland at Easter, if it works well I'll probably use it quite a bit when I go back to Eastern Europe in the summer.