CouchSurf is an organisation for travellers who wish to stay with other members, rather than spend overnight stops in hotels or guest houses. It now has more than two million members worldwide. I won't expand too much here. If you wish to know more, click these links.
CouchSurfing website
CouchSurfing - Wikipedia
Becoming a member of CouchSurf has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in the past few years. Although I have never 'surfed'...yet, I have hosted hundreds of travellers, and the pleasure that has brought me is unmeasurable.
The opportunity to meet, and make friends with people from all over the world has been a wonderful experience. The nature of the organisation attracts younger people, they being able to travel more easily that those who are older, and who have become more settled, with homes, families and responsibilities.
Fortunately I am able to interact very easily with people in their twenties, and being able to listen to educated view points on a wide range of subjects from people 40 years my junior has taught me a lot, and I am grateful to my many surfer guests for the occasions to do so.
Formerly living in southern Spain, it was not surprising I attracted surfers there. When I relocated to rural Ireland, I thought guests would be minimal. How wrong I was. I have been inundated since coming here, particularly to Westport, a town that attracts many visitors for a variety of reasons.
Apart from occasional times when I have been unable to host, my door has always been open to all, for as long as they wish to stay, although I object to certain people who abuse the organisation solely to get a holiday with free accommodation. After a while you can pick them out.
As my CS profile says - I accept everybody...with reservations.
If the concept appeals to you, I highly recommend becoming a member.
CouchSurfing website
CouchSurfing - Wikipedia
Becoming a member of CouchSurf has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in the past few years. Although I have never 'surfed'...yet, I have hosted hundreds of travellers, and the pleasure that has brought me is unmeasurable.
The opportunity to meet, and make friends with people from all over the world has been a wonderful experience. The nature of the organisation attracts younger people, they being able to travel more easily that those who are older, and who have become more settled, with homes, families and responsibilities.
Fortunately I am able to interact very easily with people in their twenties, and being able to listen to educated view points on a wide range of subjects from people 40 years my junior has taught me a lot, and I am grateful to my many surfer guests for the occasions to do so.
Formerly living in southern Spain, it was not surprising I attracted surfers there. When I relocated to rural Ireland, I thought guests would be minimal. How wrong I was. I have been inundated since coming here, particularly to Westport, a town that attracts many visitors for a variety of reasons.
Apart from occasional times when I have been unable to host, my door has always been open to all, for as long as they wish to stay, although I object to certain people who abuse the organisation solely to get a holiday with free accommodation. After a while you can pick them out.
As my CS profile says - I accept everybody...with reservations.
If the concept appeals to you, I highly recommend becoming a member.
