Couch-surfing is basically an option for frequent travelers to find cheap or free accommodation in their places of destination.  The purpose is obviously to reduce traveling expense.  What is unique about this practice is that it relies on the hospitality of friendly people.  It is said that this practice has long been existing.  The main reason why there are willing hosts for couch-surfers is the opportunity to learn about the culture of the visitor or simply the enjoyment of meeting new friends.

Traveling expense can be considerable especially when it comes to accommodation.  Frequent travelers therefore need to find other ways to financially support their love for travel.  One way of doing this is to find willing hosts to accommodate their stay for several days.

Although the term couch-surfing implies sleeping on couches rather beds, this is not exactly true although a couch offered by kind hosts usually suffice for adventurous backpackers.  Being welcomed in a home is still a less-costly option than the cheapest commercial accommodation.  The owners of such homes likewise offer friendship and company that can be called upon every so often in future travels to the same destination.

There are organizations  that offer their services in finding individuals and families who offer couch-surfing to travelers.  They usually facilitate hospitality exchange and social networking.  They have found a niche in an old practice of staying and going from one friend’s house to another while being accommodated in whatever space is available.

The couch-surfing arrangement is agreed upon between the host and the visitor.  There are usually no monetary considerations included in the agreement except for some consumables and amenities that the visitor may have requested  from the host to be made available during the visit.  Both hosts and guests need to establish their trustworthiness so that other people will be willing to request hosting from them or accept them as guests.

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Teresa is a professional researcher-writer in a wide range of topics.