Top 5 tips for Couchsurfing.org

When sleeping hopping via "Couchsurfing.org" you can stay overnight free of charge, but you should note some tips as a couch surfer as well as a host, ie if you provide other travelers with a place to sleep. Here are the top 5 tips for you.

"Verified Member" on Couchsurfing.org

Trust plays a major role in the tourism community couchsurfing.org. You should therefore be verified as a registered member.

• You can use the verification as an identity check and thus offer other users more security and trust. You can transfer any amount to Couchsurfing.org via direct debit or credit card (the minimum amount is currently around 20 euros) and are therefore considered "verified". This is also shown in your profile (see screenshot).

"Vouching" on Couchsurfing.org

"Vouching" is considered a "mutual guarantee system" and is an even greater security feature that users can use as a guide. Vouching vouchers can vouch for other members you know and trust, but only if you have received three vouchers yourself.

References and friends on Couchsurfing.org

• Do you know friends who are also members of the couch surfing community? Then just let them add you as a friend and write a short reference. Because not only people who have hosted you or who have surfed on the couch can give references, acquaintances and family members are also authorized to do so. The more positive references, the more trust is built.
• When choosing a host, pay attention to the assessments of other hosts and surfers (see screenshot). You should avoid a person with a lot of negative references, whereas no references indicate that the person has just joined Couchsurfing.org and has to prove himself as a host. This person could still be a successful stop on your journey.

Couch requests without "copy and paste"

In your couch inquiries you should prove again and again that you have dealt with the person's profile and have not just copied and pasted the message in no time. Please take a few more minutes for each request to consider the following points:

• Compare preferences and hobbies: Why did you choose this person and would you like to be "hosted" by them?
• Why are you interested in sharing culture, ways of thinking and interests with this person? You have to make it clear to him / her that you are not just looking for a free place to sleep.
• Let your creativity run free: Use varied cover letters so that the host does not get the feeling that this message has already been sent to ten other hosts.

Well revised couch surfing profile

• Both the "General Information" and "About Me" sections should be carefully considered, authentic, and fully completed, and reveal something about your personality. What are your hobbies? How did you find out about Couchsurfing.org and why are you a member of this community?
• Always keep your profile up to date. Are you currently traveling or is your "couch free"? (see screenshot) How many couch surfers can you accommodate per night and can you smoke or bring animals? This information helps other couch surfers looking for a suitable host.