Explore your city

Next up, explore your city. Getting in touch with experienced Couchsurfers in your area is the best way to get a feel for how Couchsurfing works

 Most cities have a weekly event that is usually held at a bar or coffee shop. Just head to your city's Place Page and look at the Events happening near you. Click "Join," show up and you're on your way.

 II / advantages and drawbacks

The Pros

Obviously couch surfing is not a concept that is going to tickle every single traveler pink. It isn’t something for everyone, but there are a number of excellent advantages of signing up for a program like this, and obviously the biggest one is the chance to save money, but there are so many more to take into account.

Meeting new and interesting people

This is one of the most fascinating aspects about couch surfing.  You get to meet so many more interesting people from all over the world that you would never have had the chance to meet before. You never know that these could be friendships that will blossom and grow into so much more, lasting a lifetime.

Couch surfing hosts in theory, are sociable, interesting people who will broaden your horizons and your social circle by introducing you to so many more people – like their friends and family. And it will give you an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the people, the culture, the traditions, local places of interest to visit and listen to tales about the history, romance, local folk lore and legends surrounding the area you are visiting.

Local Hangouts

Your host family will be able to take you to all the awesome local hangouts, the best restaurants, the most vibey pubs, show you around and give you an opportunity to experience life as a local by visiting places that won’t have made it to your tourist guide book. Part of traveling is not only ticking off all of the historic sites out of said guide book, but it is to experience different cultures, try new foods and see different ways of life and observe how the other side of the world go about their day to day lives.

The Cons

Obviously as with everything else in life, there are a number of cons. As mentioned before, couch surfing is a concept that is not necessarily for everyone. You will have to have an open mind as you are a guest in a stranger’s home and not everything will be to your liking and their way of life may be completely different to yours – so you will need to really decide before hand if you will be able to deal with the culture shock, or if it will be something you will embrace. If you like to do your own thing, have your own space, spend time on your own and not share bathrooms with strangers, best you book at a local hotel instead.

The rules of the host

Being a guest can be tricky in anyone’s home, especially if they are strangers. Under their roof you are going to have to abide by their rules and regulations. You may be lucky to get the best accommodation, awesome hosts who hand you a key and tell you to make yourself at home and come and go as you please, or you might get those who want you to only use certain rooms of the house and to be in by a certain time at night. That is unfortunately the luck of the draw.