Couchsurfing is a relatively recent phenomenon in the grand scheme of the history of travel and tourism. Couchsurfing is all about community – making connections between travelers and hosts. Couchsurfing does not necessarily involve sleeping on someone’s couch, although it certainly can be in many cases. In their own words:
“Couchsurfing is a service that connects members to a global community of travelers. Use Couchsurfing to find a place to stay or share your home and hometown with travelers.
Couchsurfers organize regular events in 200,000 cities around the world. There’s always something to do and new friends to meet.”
They even have a great introductory video series that helps explain how it works.
Couchsurfing goes even farther than sharing economy accommodation options with a focus on creating beneficial interactions between hosts and guests. Couchsurfing hosts will often serve as a tour guide for their guests, providing an incredibly authentic experience that is hard to replicate with any other type of accommodation. If you’re interested in this type of accommodation, Couchsurfing.com(<–Affiliate link. If you click that link and join Couchsurfing.com, The Trip Doctor may receive compensation.) is the place to get started!