Couch surfing?

Question

Is it safe? Is it free? Is it amazing?

A friend and I are looking for a way to save a few bucks on our trip to europe. We want to see if this is a free experience, because if it is, we would love to stay in Europe a while longer. Is this a good way to meet locals? Do hosts ever try to steal from the person they are hosting? This is a new idea for me, so please give me all the information you can! Thanks!

Answer 1

I've not yet done it, but I am a potential hoster of a couch surfer, in Belgium. I would be far more worried of stealing the other way around - I mean you're travelling with one bag.. most valuable thing - your camera, ipod? You could be staying in my house!

'Free' for the bed, yes, but please don't expect us to feed you too! It certainly makes travel cheaper, but of course not all couches are in central areas, so you add bus/tram tickets. I have met several other couch surfers during events in Brussels and Leuven. They are all great people. Much like ebay, there is a feedback system. You say what you think of your hosts, and they say what they think of you. This would discourage stealing and promote friendly encounters. Good luck