And again I had read an article about the couch surfing, was pulled in the final analysis the following conclusion: a great way to stay free when traveling. I will list at this point now the link to the article, because I find him first, poorly researched, and secondly, I would therefore make me a handmaiden of tabloid journalists, the (un) intentionally with the publication of the text run the risk of distorting the meaning of couch surfing in the negative sense long term.
Rather, I would like at this point ( beginners ) a couple of useful tips for couch surfing (especially with the handling of the platform couchsurfing.org ) type. They are based on my experience I could do during my 80-day tour around the world as Extreme-bed-hopper. And the truth is not everything went perfectly. Of short-term cancellations of the hosts on a night when a "Messi" up to "being robbed is" in Los Angeles. But it must not come to if you have a few important Things in the "acquisition" of the beds in all countries considered. Who can read the following tips in between the lines, will quickly realize the true meaning of couch surfing .... ;-) 
first Do not make hasty! please consider very carefully whether you really want to travel as a couch surfer. Do not forget, is for (strictly) Privacy little or no capacity. In addition, one should be aware that you also (mostly) strangers in their own very private - will be invited - namely housing. Those who believe that to load times just from his pockets, makes his tour and tourists come in the evening or back at night just to sleep, which has cut false in many cases. There are exceptions. But this variety of hosts is very rare in couchsurfing.org . In general, it is tantamount to both parties including the (intercultural) dialogue, to make contacts, mutual help, and more.
second Place a reasonable profile in couchsurfing.org on! Most hosts do get delivered much information as possible about their future guests. As the saying goes: you buy but not a pig in a poke! Well, the same is true also for couch surfing. What a first Impression of the couch surfers? What kind of photos he published in his profile? What are his motivations to travel as Couch Surfer? And much more. The more detailed the profiles are completed, draw the higher the probability the attention of a potential host to itself. Lastly, we (yes, in a sense, free or cheap) to stay at them. As you should already take the time for creating detailed profile ...
third Phone Contact!
Record - after completion of commitment in writing - preferably in person contact with the hosts on! At one extreme project like mine, is not the always been to make. If you can plan in the long run, there should be no problem. I have told most of my hosts that a first (albeit short) call may very well reduce the distance to each other. It has been the character of liability if you are already exchanged the phone. Since it is also a serious call off at short notice. By the way, with the two hosts, who gave me late cancellations in Paris ( Anne I could yes "substitute" for example), I have unfortunately not before the phone.
4th Inquire you! What is true for you, should also fulfill your potential host. The level of detail describe the hosts themselves and their commitment to couch surfing? What experience they have already done? Protect yourself against "nasty" surprises, because you have the profile of the host only "fly over" and did not realize that he has absolutely have the "wrong" interests.
5th Pay attention to the score! Who wants to be sure that the host - or vice versa, the host - a "sociable" man, looks out to registered users only positive reviews. Couch surfers have the opportunity to share their experiences with the guests or to publish with the hosts on their profile. In general, these estimates do a whole is a fairly convincing picture of the person. Beginners course, have not yet according to positive reviews. Which I recommend especially with experienced couch surfers in touch and let invite "for a night or to inquire.
6th Make yourself at home? Not really ...
How often one hears a host say "Feel like home"? Well, as Couch Surfer get this sentence sometimes often said. But beware! As so often, it can involve only one thing: an empty phrase. The guest with dignity should his dirty shoes are not better on the table, drink the milk straight from the pack and not lying around at every opportunity the garbage can (well, yes this is true even for those who behave in such a home)! Else could it be that a couch surfers have the pleasure to the idea of an open-hearted hosts very soon, you lose. A disservice to the entire community. Therefore, the motto is: behave as one would hope it is also a guest ... and vice versa for the host course.
7th Small gifts keep the (guest) friendship! Bring a gift to! Ideally, a regional Special from your hometown. It does not depend on the value of the gift, here is one really good idea. Who needs to visit several hosts in succession (and may take several not present with him), it can just as I do: First get a gift and you ask him something for you mitzugeben for the next host. Works perfectly! Me the way, Anne, my "first" , a tip given to long on my journey ...
8th Be prepared for improvisation ...
It must be on the trip - whether long or short - not necessarily a member of the couch surfing community, which takes you with him. Ask for Example, among friends and acquaintances to see if the turn acquaintances in the target sites. Or be open to random encounters! So I stayed in South Africa as a former media lawyer for Michael Jackson, supported me a prince of the royal family in Rarotonga or a seatmate on the plane from Sydney to Auckland (his sister in Los Angeles, I finally began). Be aware: Everything is going to do differently than in everyday life and you will sometimes miraculous. Save travels!!
So, that's it for now. I can think of many more points but I think the most important tips I have provided herewith. Happy may participate any more in the form of a comment and add to the list of valuable advice. I look forward to!
In this sense, best regards from Osnabrück,
Daniel PS I have set for February and March, two very interesting host for thought in my coffee conversation series. I think this is really exciting ... ;-)
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