The Couchsurfing project keeps growing, with more than 904,000+ members in 230+ countries.
As part of the mission the project intends to “internationally network people and places” and “facilitate cultural understanding”, which I would say is pretty much in line with Flashpackers interests.
Is Couchsurfing a good solution for Flashpackers though? I’d like to hear what Flashpackers out there think. Have you ever tried it? Did it feel like “Backpacking with a Flash”? Here’s some points to get the discussion started.
Yes, Couchsurfing is for Flashpackers. After all Flashpackers are independent travellers, and love to really get to know the culture and lifestyle of the place they’re visiting. What better way to do that than a person living there showing you around, having you to sleep in their place and participate to their lifestyle?
Unlucky Couchsurfing or... Very Lucky Couchsurfing? Or is it luck at all?
Definitely not. Couchsurfing can limit your freedom and independence as a Flashpacker. First of all you need to plan your trip quite in advance rather than just hop from one place to another. Then in case you decide to stay longer in a certain destination you have to negotiate with your host or find another one. What if tonight you’d like to go to a place different from the one your host is suggesting? Wouldn’t it be bad to be stuck for dinner with your potential messy-chef host when you’re dying to visit that restaurant you read about?
Couchsurfing is the ultimate way to Flashpack! Instead of sleeping in hostels you get proper homes, the company of somebody who knows his/her way around the place and all this.. for free!!
No way! Sleeping on a couch? Being stuck in the house of somebody you don’t really know? Is that really travelling in style??
I haven’t been Couchsurfing, so I’m just brainstorming here, hoping to start a good discussion. Looking forward to hear from more experienced Couchsurfers and Flashpackers in the Comments section below!
Happy Flashpacking & Couchsurfing!
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