Introduction to Couch Surfing
Have been wanting to introduce Couch Surfing (CS) here for quite sometime. Finally I'm doing it now!
I joined the international, non-profit, member supported and driven community since 14 January 2008. Just like other sites, I click, see, read, try and participate to learn about it after joining.
In short, you can say, CS is a place for travelers around the world to lend each other a hand, especially in providing accommodation. If you feel uncomfortable staying with some others for free, you can approach them for the local information, as the info provided online are too commercial or touristy (I feel).
Sometimes we might want to travel off the beaten track, discover something truly unique etc. Reading others travelogue might be a good help, but normally travel just for awhile doesn't allow someone to know a place really well. So, my preference is to ASK THE LOCALS, or the foreigners who have stayed there for certain period.
Sometimes you'd be amazed at how helpful the members could be ^^ Referring to the CS Map, seems like CouchSurfing is very popular in North America and Europe.
Casey Fenton, being the original founder of CouchSurfing, launched the site in beta on 1 Jan 2003. In January of 2004, the site Version 1.0 was made live to the world. Later, a re-designed, re-built and re-organized Version 2.0 was launched in July 2006.
Basically, to contribute, first you join as a member and create your profile. Your profile will indicate to others who are you (age, gender, occupation, language spoken), where are you, how would you like to help others etc. For example, you can state your willingness to host, and some detailed information:
Otherwise, you could offer your help in other means:
After making a friend, you could leave each other a reference, so that others would know how kind is this person, and whether he/she is active/experienced in CS.
Also, you could indicate your travel plan and experience. Others might find it helpful and come to you to ask questions or provide info!
I've been in touch with some CS members during a few trips:
Shame to say, I never meet with any local CouchSurfer (CS member) in Malaysia, coz I'm kinda anti-social. Ask me to go for gathering, party, movie over the weekend? Sure I'd say no. I'd choose to go back to hometown instead.
If the activities take place during weekdays (very unlikely), I'd be lazy after work too. Many excuses, huh?
Share with you my limited experiences with CS in the next post!
By the way, I really like how CS has been positioned and described on its website:
Let's CS!
I joined the international, non-profit, member supported and driven community since 14 January 2008. Just like other sites, I click, see, read, try and participate to learn about it after joining.
In short, you can say, CS is a place for travelers around the world to lend each other a hand, especially in providing accommodation. If you feel uncomfortable staying with some others for free, you can approach them for the local information, as the info provided online are too commercial or touristy (I feel).
Sometimes we might want to travel off the beaten track, discover something truly unique etc. Reading others travelogue might be a good help, but normally travel just for awhile doesn't allow someone to know a place really well. So, my preference is to ASK THE LOCALS, or the foreigners who have stayed there for certain period.
An example of help provided by CouchSurfers online, when I asked about Islamabad before going:
Welcome to Islamabad-Pakistan :)
I am not in Pakistan otherwise I would love to show you around. For photography there are a lot of places & you will love it.
If you want to capture culture, go to Saidpur Village which is near the City Zoo & Play Land, just underneath the Margallah Hills. Amazing place.
Otherwise you have all the beautiful places like
. Peer-Suhawa (Hill Top)
. Rawal lake/Dam (they have rejuvenated the place)
. Lotus Lake (not many people would know about this place but it is one of the most amazing lake with just the lotus flowers and is covered from all sides but thick green trees & lush green grass) Photographers heaven, I must say!
. Another religious/cultural place is the tomb of Imam-Bari, a very spiritual place for those who believe in that, if you can manage some company do try this place too.
There are lots of other places people will tell you. I have tried to pen down the unconventional ones :)
Amir is right when he says get any Prepaid/Topup SIM. They are the cheapest in the whole wide world :-) I use Warid.
Weather should be a little hot/moist, not the best time to come to this part of the world but the evenings/nights will be better.
You will love the city. there is a very calming vibe about the city :-) Enjoy & don't hesitate to ask if you find any problem.
Cheers,
Jnd
Sometimes you'd be amazed at how helpful the members could be ^^ Referring to the CS Map, seems like CouchSurfing is very popular in North America and Europe.
Casey Fenton, being the original founder of CouchSurfing, launched the site in beta on 1 Jan 2003. In January of 2004, the site Version 1.0 was made live to the world. Later, a re-designed, re-built and re-organized Version 2.0 was launched in July 2006.
CS Mission Statement:
CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance, and facilitate cultural understanding.
Source: CouchSurfing's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basically, to contribute, first you join as a member and create your profile. Your profile will indicate to others who are you (age, gender, occupation, language spoken), where are you, how would you like to help others etc. For example, you can state your willingness to host, and some detailed information:
Otherwise, you could offer your help in other means:
After making a friend, you could leave each other a reference, so that others would know how kind is this person, and whether he/she is active/experienced in CS.
Also, you could indicate your travel plan and experience. Others might find it helpful and come to you to ask questions or provide info!
I've been in touch with some CS members during a few trips:
- Northern Thai Backpack - Jan 2008
- Short 25 Hours Trip to Bandung - Aug 2008
- Two-day Business Trip Extension in Islamabad - Aug 2008
Shame to say, I never meet with any local CouchSurfer (CS member) in Malaysia, coz I'm kinda anti-social. Ask me to go for gathering, party, movie over the weekend? Sure I'd say no. I'd choose to go back to hometown instead.
If the activities take place during weekdays (very unlikely), I'd be lazy after work too. Many excuses, huh?
Share with you my limited experiences with CS in the next post!
By the way, I really like how CS has been positioned and described on its website:
CouchSurfing isn't about the furniture - it's not just about finding free accommodations around the world - it's about participating in creating a better world. We strive to make a better world by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives.
We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available. We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!
Let's CS!
5 comments:
Oh...so you join CS. Come for at least one gathering...haha
I actually browsed the entire website of CS two months ago. And I read your profile as well :) But I didn't straight away sign up. No specific reason. Anyway, it sounds like a good network.
Sounds cool, Haan. But I can't travel until I've the money. Sad.
jiunshan, i also hope but always too lazy..
kun, when u go to europe u can travel in this way, can save u lotsa $$..
YT, u always have the money! just a matter of enough or not :)
sounds interesting. read about something similar before. can consider since i like traveling too :)
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