CouchSurfing. It is a big topic. But here is a little intro and our first experience.
First it is community of 3 million open-minded people all over the World, who can welcome you at their homecountry. You can meet with them for a talk over the coffee or even stay over for a few nights at their place. That is all in your hands - community is free of charge and all are welcome to join.
So we have joined. Joined very urgently. Don't ask how it happened, but 5 hours before the our bus departure for New York City we are appeared to be without place to stay for a whole New Years Eve. My profile was blank, I had no references, I hardly had any picture uploaded and.... I made a taboo copy-paste letters to like 15 first people who flashed on my screen after I searched for New York...
First it is community of 3 million open-minded people all over the World, who can welcome you at their homecountry. You can meet with them for a talk over the coffee or even stay over for a few nights at their place. That is all in your hands - community is free of charge and all are welcome to join.
So we have joined. Joined very urgently. Don't ask how it happened, but 5 hours before the our bus departure for New York City we are appeared to be without place to stay for a whole New Years Eve. My profile was blank, I had no references, I hardly had any picture uploaded and.... I made a taboo copy-paste letters to like 15 first people who flashed on my screen after I searched for New York...
Important: it is like the worst reason and the worst way of approach in CS community you could use.
Well after that 15th letter we got the short answer: "you can stay with me. do you have a way to call me on the phone now? call me at ***.***.**** if you can."
It was our first time to stay with the person we don't know. We did not know what to expect. All other 4 hours in the bus, we were trying not to discuss what is it gonna be like. Our host picked us up on the station. Short intro and we felt already a lot better. The guy was filling completely comfortable, sharing all the fun stories about his former guests and seeming to be eager to answer any touristy questions we may have.
Non-touristic tiny streets, cosy restaurants, New York’s legendary bookstore, climbing on the roof of a skyscraper to see the awakening of a night life, CouchSurfing party with tons of guests and locals are the things we discovered thank to our host.