Travel

How to Be a Good CouchSurfing Host

CouchSurfing is a worldwide network of ten million backpackers, adventurers, and independent thinkers in more than two hundred thousand locations...

C ouchSurfing is a worldwide network of ten million backpackers, adventurers, and independent thinkers in more than two hundred thousand locations all over the planet. With its increasing popularity in recent times, everyone seems to want to know how to be a good couch surfacing host or guest. Well, fear not, we are about to make that part a whole lot easier for you with this article!

After all, who would want to miss out on the fun when the free app brings visitors from all over the world together to do anything from welcoming one another into homes, to sharing a drink,  to becoming good friends and lifelong connections.

While tour companies and hotels can provide you with a bed and show you around, but they won't be able to make your vacation genuinely meaningful or unforgettable. That is something that people do and that's where "CouchSurfer" comes in.

So how can you be a good couch surfacing host? Follow the tips below to learn more.

Let's Start With Your CouchSurfer Host Profile

You must begin here before you may host or surf at all. Unless you're attending meetings, this is usually the first place you'll engage with anyone via Couchsurfing.

Everything in this post is made simpler if you and your host have incredibly detailed profiles that describe exactly who you are, why you came to Couchsurfing, and also what sort of experience you anticipate as a host or guest. Having this quick filter and record of text to refer to at any time will ensure that you are connected with the correct folks for a great experience for everyone.

Attempt to strike a balance between mentioning your preferences for things like drinking, smoking, partying, having key access, bringing towels, cooking, linguistics, and so on, and the lighter aspects of yourself and your pastimes. If you do too much of the latter, you'll come off as cold and harsh, while doing too much of the first can lead to misunderstandings with your hosts or visitors.

Be of Assistance

Keep a binder with bus timetables, city maps, and other local information. Tourist flyers, restaurant menus, or even handwritten instructions to your favorite neighborhood hangout are all examples. Spend an evening showing your visitors around. Introduce them to their acquaintances. Take your guest to a Couchsurfing event in your area.

But don't be concerned if you are unable to do these tasks. Couchsurfing is intended to be a pleasurable experience. It's challenging enough to share space with others, but occasionally you find yourself with a pressing work deadline or the urge to be alone.

Simply inform your surfer that he will be required to venture out on his own. That is something that a good guest would appreciate. You'll also discover that experienced travelers, such as the great majority of Couchsurfers, are content to go exploring on their own.

Be Accommodating Towards Arrival and Departure Times

Consider yourself very fortunate if you've never had to cope with any sudden early arrivals or super delayed departures by your guests. Due to no error of their own, Airbnb guests are frequently placed in these situations.

Perhaps they expected to get together with buddies before check-in but discovered themselves being stood up. So, rather than roaming around town with their baggage slung over their shoulders, they end up phoning you to request an early check-in. However, you haven't finished cleaning the property yet. So, what exactly can you do?

On the other hand—perhaps they were planning on checking out, but their travel transport was delayed and now they have extra time on their hands. They'd prefer to stay than head over to the airport a whole six hours early. But maybe you need to tidy up for the next guest. What can you do in this situation?

The right way to deal with either of these situations is firstly, to carefully jot down on your listing that you will not be able to adjust early arrivals. This helps keep things clear from the get-go. Another option is to always have an outhouse or space to help guests stash away their luggage.

Whether it's a late departure or an early arrival, you’ll most certainly make guests comfortable by making more room for their things. Lastly, in both of these situations, being a great host can mean that you have a plan B, plan C, etc. for guests when they end up with extra time on their hands! Keep recommendations for what they could do while they wait elsewhere. 

Meet Them At Their Drop-off Point

Don't expect your couchsurfers to show up at your door. There's a compelling explanation for this. It allows you to have space to be careful of anyone who may be erratic or unsafe, while also ensuring that the right number of people are in the group. It also allows you to cancel on the spot if you have negative thoughts about the person. Although I have never been required to do so, having the ability to do so is valuable.

Another critical reason to do so is to eliminate the likelihood of couchsurfers being disoriented while hunting for your home. Giving instructions over the phone, even through text messaging, might soon cost you a lot if they use foreign mobile phones!

Aside from all of the regulations and snags, being a member of the Couchsurfing network can be quite rewarding and lead to lifetime connections. You're ready to head out and enjoy yourself now that you've learned the fundamentals of how to be a good CouchSurfing host.

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  • traveling
  • couch surfing
  • hosting
  • hotels