How Does Couchsurfing Work?

How Does Couchsurfing Work? // Ever wonder what exactly is Couchsurfing? In this video I explain to you how it works! From the personal profile to the couch request, from the host-surfer relationship to the several possibilities the service provides: you'll get all the essential informations about this platform.
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TAGS: how does couchsurfing work,couchsurfing service,couchsurfing explained,couchsurfing for beginners,get started on couchsurfing,getting started on couchsurfing,beginner on couchsurfing,begin to couch surf,couch surf how to,couch surf tutorial,couchurfing tutorial,couchurfing review,how to find a free accommodation,need a place to stay for free,find a place to stay for free,free accommodation for travellers,cheap alternatives to hotels,what a shame mary jane

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

What questions do you still have about Couchsurfing? Ask me anything here in the comments!

[@stormjeetkunedo173]

Why Couchsurfing is not popular in arabs country ?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

STORM JEET KUNE DO I don’t know Arab culture. Do you?

[@user-lk8ep6nh1u]

People say couch surfing is like a hook up app. is this true?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@user-lk8ep6nh1u People who say that are the ones who completely ruin the platform. Conduct policy #2: no looking for a hookup on Couchsurfing. about.couchsurfing.com/about/policies/

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@Munim Safa It depends on the host, but usually families accept families, yes.

[@aroseprince]

I am a CS host in San Miguel El Salvador. I love being able to host travelers for free so that travelers can spend their money on cooler things. I like that the foreign travelers can support the local economy of my little area and get to know my beautiful local area and economy.

[@srivasmontagner632]

Thanks for making this video! Is really interesting.

[@odd-hallvardyksny7126]

Thanks this video was awesome!

[@przemkhu84]

Awsome! :) Thank you kindly for your introduction to the topic!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You're welcome :)

[@parsa8533]

That's Genius Yea this couchsurfing thing gives me new hope in humanity. Thanks

[@cinziapetio8929]

This channel is AMAZING, girl! Keep it up!! 😀

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Awwww thank you Cinzia!!! ❤😊

[@itsmanjit1166]

Mary can you tell me, if there is any reason to not to love you????? You are superb, having a bulk knowledge

[@margaretmlachak573]

Thanks for the tips. Retiring and looking forward to traveling

[@johnl119]

That's genius! Thanks MJ, I'm learning a lot from you. 👍🏼😊

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I'm glad to hear I'm being helpful John!

[@danielodhinnson4303]

Perfect video! Very clear!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thank you!

[@perseoeridano4182]

This channel is awesome!

[@brianmears6149]

Sounds fantastic. I'll sign up! thanks!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Please do and try it! :)

[@SharifulIslam-ey1mv]

That's genius! You really explained it very well

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks a lot!

[@loriolds7729]

What a great idea!!

[@javieruriona]

That's genius! I'm posting the link of this video on my CS profile, so Grazie Mille! ;-)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

That’s a good idea to inform your guests. Even better - if I may suggest - to post the link to some other videos I made about Couchsurfing, which are more educational and I think more useful to show to potential guests. I have one about “the costs” of Cs, one about how to write a good couch request and many more. You find them all in a playlist on my channel 🙂

[@wsw8596]

Thank you for this! I subscribed!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Welcome to the channel!

[@marcusperez7799]

Thank You for the info.😀😀😀😀😀

[@stormjeetkunedo173]

That's genius!Thank you,

[@nixtoshi]

This is great advice, I never used couchsurfing before! I also love your face lol

[@abhisheksengupta9795]

Thank you for such a great information. I just created my couchsurfing account. This is amazing. I didn't know this. Thank you so much. I just followed you on Instagram as well. Loved your content so much. I wish you reach every goal in your life and you get whatever you want. Stay happy. And keep traveling. ☺️

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy to spread the Couchsurfing message, it's an amazing way of travelling!!

[@abhisheksengupta9795]

@@WhatashameMaryJane yes it is. Thank you once again. ☺️

[@khanyigamamanyathi3595]

That's genius

[@mohammedtalhaoui9490]

That’s BRILLIANT 😊

[@Nickcycle]

That's GENIUS!!!

[@JenniferHirsch1]

MJ that IS genius!

[@AmanSingh-cb7om]

Thank you, it's now clear to me what is couch surfing!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You are welcome! 😊

[@ItalianBMT.]

Thank you!

[@sudekymk5438]

You have very good and successful video

[@jatinshah9067]

Informative video ....

[@tomberghs9026]

Amazing!!!

[@ileanavelazquez7992]

That's genius!

[@entrepreneurese2895]

It’s a Genius idea 💡

[@khanyigamamanyathi3595]

That's genius Mary

[@brucewoodcock6822]

Couchsurfing still works well, I used it for 3 months in 17 European countries in 2021. Yes, I pay a little each year, $14.99 for it. I have also hosted a Russian couple and a Chinese man. I also was hosted by 4 people in Washington DC. I love couchsurfing

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I still use it too and absolutely love it! I use it less than I used to though and with less enthusiasm, because of the changes they’ve made in 2020. I talked in detail about it in another video called “is Couchsurfing dead?”

[@brucewoodcock6822]

I’ll check out “Is Couchsurfing Dead?”

[@elsondsouza246]

Nice viedo I like it😊😊

[@flav7397]

That's genious ! ;)

[@violettababenko4847]

That's awesome

[@thapelomontsusi6791]

Thats genious

[@chrismechell1947]

Me and my friend are thinking about going to Norway and are considering couch surfing. We're American and couch surfing isnt a big thing here. This was very helpful, thank you!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hey Chris, you're welcome. It's funny to read this cause usually Europeans who travelled in America claim that Couchsurfing is not so big in Europe 😅 Anyway I hope you'll decide to use Couchsurfing in the wonderful Norway. If it's the first time you do it please make sure to watch my other videos on the topic!

[@chrismechell1947]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Already did and I was sure to leave you a like on each one!:)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Chris Mechell 😜 Thanks!

[@prashantranjandas5220]

That's genious.

[@sitilaelychuliah9915]

Thank you

[@youngsheldon2234]

That's super genious

[@samhaskins2506]

That's genius!

[@brosssss844]

thats genious

[@habibkalik9108]

that's lovely .I love your eyes by the way .

[@yacineart9566]

yhank you forr the vd

[@jackmountcastle538]

That’s genius!

[@michaelmelanieshenberger7683]

That's genius! :D

[@mr.sandeepchandra6441]

Superb

[@safariwithlori]

That’s genius :)

[@cutemiltonkeynesguy]

That's genius :)

[@devendiran6190]

Smart & Sweet ;)

[@jewelsarkar1197]

That's Genius :-)

[@naasircarrim966]

That's genuis

[@Ashishyadav-cx1eb]

Nice explanation

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks Ashish

[@robertaleite87]

Your channel is great and your tips are awesome! New subscriber! I have a question: do you know if the hosts (couchsurfing) accept to host families (type 2 adults and a child)?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi Roberta. You'll find all different kind of people, so you'll certainly be able to find a host that accept families. :)

[@annurdec]

That's genius. 😁

[@stephanieramirez2248]

All I know is that I hope to be more adventurous like you M.J. Ciao bellissima.

[@dannygerssang84]

Thats Genius;)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It really is, Danny! :)

[@ranabandyopadhyay6146]

Thats genius

[@arts4152]

You are looking beautiful on this vlog I am appreciating you of this vlog

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Raju Ghosh thank you

[@becwaterman6947]

thanks

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You're welcome :)

[@TeacherLailaChris]

That's genius.

[@pvvakati3987]

New subscriber 🙋

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hello there, welcome to the channel!! 😊

[@robertwerner8667]

Between Vancouver and San Francisco, I've hosted well over 100 set of people (1, 2, or 3 at a time). It has been a very good experience for me and I've made some great friends around the world. Unfortunately because of it becoming more famous, many more people have joined, several of which only take from CouchSurfing with no intention of giving back.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Wow, congratulations on your experience! I started couchsurfing only in 2012, so I have no direct experience of how things used to be, but stories of people like you help me imagine it.

[@user-sb5ls8wv4p]

Some people are very disconnected. They'll take advantage without remorse, as if you owed them a favor.

[@iannicholson7205]

I agree that it is unfortunate that some people have "no intention of giving back". Moochers and freeloaders have always been around. However spare a thought for those (and they are many) who have good reasons why they can't host. Young members living with their parents or in shared accommodation. Members whose skeptical partners who think their home will be invaded by creeps, druggies and the occasional axe-murderer. The list goes on. There is the opportunity for those in this situation to meet for a coffee or show someone round. This could be a marker of good faith.

[@howtolivemylifenow]

Genius

[@perseoeridano4182]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@nidhibahl5875]

That's genius

[@TheK3rb]

That’s genious haha

[@naveennaidu9768]

That's geniussssssssssssssssss :P

[@francescocecere7298]

Its Genius

[@alexanderSnilsson]

Thanks! That's genius ;) . .just what I needed to know. OR well, If I don't have any ability to host, but am going on a japan trip soon, will A be able to couch surf there then? thanks:)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Sure

[@Glamour-swe]

Never heard of couchsurfing until now and i am 35 years old. 😂

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Never too late to start! I've met couchsurfers in their 80s!

[@vaibhavshetye1]

Nice

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks

[@riococa1978]

that's genius

[@lafasi4366]

I love to meet you in real life🙄cuz you are sooooo awesome to watch

[@TheVoiceblast]

thats genius

[@abrahama456]

Awesome possum!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Possum?

[@abrahama456]

@@WhatashameMaryJane It just rhymes. .. Sometimes people say it 😅

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@abrahama456 Oh yeah! Sorry, in my head I was pronouncing 'possum' the latin way

[@KIGSI7113]

Who will carter for the air ticket and passport as well incase I the host want to welcome me like in Germany? Thanks

[@skycouncil8523]

If I'm going to clearwater FL for a month... is Couchsurfing a site for me? :D Or is there a better option :)

[@tobiasdemetz44]

Hi! thxx, i still have a question; if I am travelling to the place, then I am like sending a request, but should I send to 2 people a request, in case they say no in the last second?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It's your choice, depending on the situation, how much time you have to find a host, how hard it is to find one in the area and so on.

[@ukboy305]

Hy I'm from india I'm a traveler

[@waelxcm]

that is literally a game changer! accommodation and transport is a major set back for poor travelers, that's one thing to solve already! i mean we could hitch hike to go from a place to another but that won't do it in a populated city where u NEED a train or something, but still, life is getting easier i see (if u have a powerful passport that let's u access countries visa free that is)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Check out my full playlist about Couchsurfing and especially the last video, because things have changed since I made this one kzbin.info/aero/PLLn9YKWH2mmStaVj1w2HvU4IjfT8bOI6r

[@Felix-ib7ji]

I have a problem, in big Citys i dont know where exaxtly the host lives. It makes a huge differenz in London for example, if the host is located north or south. Do you have an idea how i can solve this Problem?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You need to ask the host directly

[@jaimegamer8340]

Mary Jane... ... ... Watson?!?! *Spiderman shock sound*

[@matiasarizu9438]

😉👍🏻

[@sammaxwell7812]

maybe I can be a funder in the future ms jane

[@damurichannel]

I have a question, do you have some private time like going out in the city without the person is giving you a room? Or you always have to stay with him

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It really depends on the individual you find. If you do Couchsurfing you definitely have to be very flexible and if you're not very much, that's when I suggest to text with your host as much as possible in advance to understand each other's expectations from the experience. An average experience is that if you go during the week the host goes to work so you stay alone all day and then spend the evening together. If you go in the weekend usually the host will be willing to take you around showing you the area and his favorite spots, so you will probably spend the entire day with him/her.

[@damurichannel]

@@WhatashameMaryJane thank you ❤️

[@arifalikhan.]

I sow your video that is very nice so I want a couch surfing mumber so how can I make member please learn me plz

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Watch and learn darling kzbin.info/aero/PLLn9YKWH2mmStaVj1w2HvU4IjfT8bOI6r

[@devendrasinghthakre9348]

❤️❤️🌹💐💐💐

[@marcusperez7799]

I really like this video of you. I guess you know why !! YOU KNOW WHY.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You're a Couchsurfing enthusiast?

[@marcusperez7799]

@@WhatashameMaryJane No, not really. I was curious about it but, I was referring to your looks. I don't know but, you look more Latin in away. Maybe, it was the lighting or your hair color. I don't know really, I was just given you a compliment. I enjoy your videos though.

[@omardelmar]

I think that’s a lemon lime tree 🍋

[@jeanettemcgown4623]

Hello Mary Jane and thank you for this video. Quite informative but I would be concerned about a guest not "giving back" as you put it while they're staying with me. I have a few questions of you...What happens if they don't pull their weight like cleaning up after themselves? I understand that you could certainly write something bad about them so that others know but it's obviously not something that's desirable. Also what happens if they break or steal something? What insurance cover is available? Can a host claim on their own insurance for this? What happens if they stay too long and won't leave? What happens if you need to evict them and the police won't help? As they're using your facilities how is the cost of this going to be covered or is it just that the host is happy to accept this? Can you ask the guest to do some unpaid work for you while they're there like baby-sitting or dog-walking? What happens if they want to have friends over or a party? Are you expected to let them use a bedroom if they don't want to sleep on the couch? What happens if they are racist towards you or offend in some way? What about discrimination like refusing to host a gay couple if you're devoutly religious?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi Jeanette, from what you write I assume you're someone who is thinking about becoming a Couchsurfing host. To answer your questions in order: - When you host someone, you accept the eventuality that they might not be good guests and therefore not clean up after themselves. - The platform is based on trust between human beings: you need to trust that your guest is not a thief and accept the eventuality that he might steal something. If they break something, what happens depends on them: they might decide to replace it, fix it, pay for it or just apologize. - There's no insurance that I'm aware of. Insurances in the rest of the world are not as common as in the United States (I assume you're from this country from the fact that you ask this question). - The guest will request a certain number of days for hospitality. As a host, you can discuss that number before accepting the couch request. I can see no scenario where a guest would overstaying what they agreed upon beforehand, although it's common that after a day or two, if the two people are getting along very well and the guest desires to stay longer, they can ask the host to stay a few more days. - Evict? Police? Oh man, you really must be from the US. - Hospitality means inviting someone into your house at your own expense. If you want your costs to be covered, I suggest to Airbnb your place at a low price, not couchsurfing. - No, you definitely cannot ask your guest to do unpaid work for you. There is a different platform for that and it's called Workaway. - If they want to have friends over they might ask you, although it's very unusual. When they request hospitality they need to specify if they're alone or with someone. - You have a written conversation before they come and they have to agree to sleep wherever you offer them to sleep. There's no such thing as they come to your place and refuse to sleep on the couch if that's what you agree on. In the remote case that would happen, I would help them find an alternative accommodation and drive there if I'm able to. - Hospitality is about generosity, solidarity, tolerance, humanity and trust. I see no scenario where someone would be racist or offensive intentionally. Remember that what is consider racist or offensive in some cultures might not be considered such in other cultures, so if you're hosting someone from abroad and feel offended by their words you should make sure that they said them with the actual intention of offending you before getting upset. - You can choose to host or not host whoever you please.

[@jeanettemcgown4623]

Ok thank you for this information. I won't be doing it any time soon. Too big a risk.

[@user-sb5ls8wv4p]

@@WhatashameMaryJane LOL What i thought, she must be from the US? Too many concerns. We must live in the moment. That's how real experience comes to us.

[@anangelsstar]

Has anyone ever couchsurfed for a long period of time like in 1 area

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

In one area sure, you can change host every few days and stay in the area

[@maxonmillion]

I like you

[@rodolfosarudiansky]

Is there wheelchair frindly hosts?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I'm sure there are. There are any kind of people on Couchsurfing really. When you search in a city, add a filter where you include "wheelchair" in the keywords. Let me know how it goes, I would be interested.

[@rodolfosarudiansky]

@@WhatashameMaryJane will check it

[@lafasi4366]

What a shame🙄🤣very unique title lol

[@timebanditrvtravels3449]

not free anymore

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Update video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZXHo6BprLtlZrM

[@MarcelloBillia]

Ok ma adesso solo per iscriversi bisogna pagare.. Non c'è nemmeno un periodo di prova.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

No. Molti dicono che Couchsurfing sia morto. Io ne ho parlato qui kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZXHo6BprLtlZrM

[@MarcelloBillia]

@@WhatashameMaryJane wow! grazie per la spiegazione super completa.

[@iamkevindchan]

You're beautiful btw

[@Ninja-zl1vu]

I dis liked it 😅

[@christophermiley]

That's genius!