KasiaRecommends: COUCHSURFING seen through my eyes.

My Steemit friends,

I hope that in my last posts (#1, #2 and #3) I managed to present you the idea of Couchsurfing platform in an easy and comprehensive way :)

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Today I would like to focus on my own experiences, something that is always interesting to know. It would be amazing if you could share your memories and tips concerning this topic. Anyway, I am looking forward to reading about it! :)

In 2015 I was solo backpacking in Latin America (I started in Costa Rica and then I headed south). I felt that if I really want to make most out of it, I will need to avoid spending my time with other tourists and be with locals instead. No easier way than to live with them, right? Additionally, I cannot hide that, I wanted to travel on a tight budget and one of my prerequisites was to spend as little as possible on accommodation. And you know what, Couchsurfing is absolutely perfect if you have those two ideas on your mind!

My totally first experience with Couchsurfing took place in Europe, just before flying to America. I had a flight from Amsterdam, so I needed to find an affordable accommodation. I, therefore, decided to try Couchsurfing.

Honestly, I was a bit worried if it will work because I was completely new to the community, and I didn’t have any recommendations. My profile needed to be strong, “attractive” and show that I am trustworthy. This is why it is so important to spend some time and polish it. If you prepare it without attention please do not be disappointed that no one wants to be your host/guest!

I was lucky (I prefer to call that good karma :) ) I found Agnes quickly and we connected instantly. She invited me to her place. It was not a flat, but more like a room in a student dorm. She was younger than me, a student but most importantly a traveller. That connects people straightaway. We talked and shared our experiences, we went for jogging together, as we both are sports addicts! We were preparing food and laughed a lot. I couldn’t wish for a better first experience!

it was around 2 C and Agnes was seriously running in those shorts!

My second Couchsurfing was in sunny Costa Rica. I didn’t know what to expect and if I will ever find anyone who is active on the platform in that destination. But yes, there were a few people who were offering homestay. I stayed at Diego’s house for a week, I could stay for longer but I decided to move north to Nicaragua for a short time. Diego was an Argentinian, a surfer who has lived in Costa Rica already for many years, had his beautiful house with a swimming pool and so on. So yes, I was super lucky cause I even had my own room:) He also borrowed me his second bicycle, so I could move around Tamarindo without difficulties, as he lived on the outskirts. This was the most “lavish” homestay I was offered ;) We became friends, shared our “broken hearts” stories, and love to food and sport! He introduced me to both Argentinian and Costa Rican culture. Of course, from “anthropologic” point of view, it would be better to stay with a native, but it wasn’t possible. And honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing!

Where else did I use Couchsurfing as a guest in South America? I did it in Cali in Colombia and in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. I felt safe and welcomed! Apart from Couchsurfing I was also living with locals, but they were friends of my friends, or people I was meeting during my travels, that was becomeing friends and wanted to host me while I was in their home town. Therefore I didn’t use the platform to meet them.

I also used Couchsurfing in Europe while I was in the South of France and, yet again, I have great memories of that time!

My honest opinion?

You may not believe me but I made lifetime friendships thanks to Couchsurfing. I stay in contact with all of my hosts and I hope that one day, when they will be around I will be able to host them and show them around!

So you can tell that clearly, I am a fan of Couchsurfing. I really think it allows you to step out of your comfort zone, to learn more profoundly about other cultures and, if you are lucky, to connect with people and create meaningful relationships.

Being a girl.

It is not easy to say if being a lady in Couchsurfing helps or makes it more difficult. I have heard some frightening stories about girls that were abused or harassed. But honestly, I’ve never met anyone who had experienced that and I was fortunate enough to avoid that as well. All my hosts were really super friendly, helpful and most importantly R E S P E C T F U L.

What you definitely have to do is what I have written in my previous post about how to stay safe while using Couchsurfing. The key is to read the opinions very profoundly. It sounds basic and it really is. The community gathers so many people that if only you get suspicious about a person, just skip the profile. And if he/she is the only person who is active? Well, safety goes first. Choose dorm in a hostel and wait for another reply! Often hosts that are the most incredible and trustworthy are the one who cannot offer much in terms of accommodation. So maybe you won’t get your private room and bathroom, just a couch in a salon. But if it means that you will be safe and spend time in a friendly and non-toxic environment, it is definitely worth it.
At least this is what worked for me. On the other, hand we are all different, and the conditions I am willing to accept during my travels may be different than those comfortable to you. And that is more than fine! The most important is to know, understand and accept yourself and what are your needs, and limits.

Sending joy! :)
Pura Vida and enjoy the travel!

• More about me here: You can travel without being wealthy aka a girl from a "struggling" family chasing her dreams!

Some of my latest recommendations:

• Couchsurfing #1, #2 and #3
• Just take it S L O W. Slow movement and travel
• Evening free-entrance visit in “Museu Picasso” (Barcelona, Spain)
• Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum by night (Figueres, Spain)