HOW TO GET STARTED ON COUCHSURFING

HOW TO GET STARTED ON COUCHSURFING // All the infos you need step by step to get started the right way. How to set your profile, how to get your first references, how to start hosting and surfing.
Subscribe to the channel for more / @whatashamemaryjane
ALL MY VIDEOS ABOUT COUCHSURFING
• COUCHSURFING INFORMATI...
- How does Couchsurfing work? bit.ly/2tpjVxE
- Is Couchsurfing free? The true costs bit.ly/2DCFJKM
- Is Couchsurfing safe? 10 safety advices bit.ly/2GHCDbE
- How to write the perfect couch request bit.ly/2BxmUIv
Couchsurfing vlogs:
- Williamsburg, Virginia, with Chelsea bit.ly/2X0HoTb
- Christmas in Vienna | Hangouts edition bit.ly/2GHs4oU
- Manhattan with Myung bit.ly/2V3sB8J
- Philadelphia with Michelle bit.ly/2DCPsAS
- Brooklyn with Allison bit.ly/2S3EwkO
- Toronto with Renee, part I bit.ly/2SQBVza, part II bit.ly/2Xcesb8
HOW TO TRAVEL CHEAP IN EXPENSIVE PLACES • HOW TO TRAVEL CHEAP IN...
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+ Read my blog and subscribe to my newsletter: www.whatashamemaryjane.com
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GEAR THAT I USE
iPhone SE
Arkon Tripod [Highly recommended] amzn.to/2zxhTPn
Popsocket to improve grip on the smartphone amzn.to/2QqcG5p
Music by Epidemic Sound

[@shoukatalihunzai1]

I loved that blinking 😂❤

[@perseoeridano4182]

This channel is awesome!

[@FictionSourceX]

Yess!! Thanks for sharing!! We need more couchsurfers!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

We absolutely do - long life to Couchsurfing!!

[@babyjinka3453]

Waw olso i want with couchsrfing

[@friendstravelsdhuriPB13]

Most welcome 🙏 state Punjab ,India

[@user-yu8go5jr3u]

Thanks for the thorough explanations! I had a general idea of the community but this video really helped me get a deeper understanding about all the major aspects. Honestly at first I was skeptical about watching because of relatively low view counts. If I had done that I'd probably be banging my head on the wall haha. Bottom line is, your videos are great help to newcomers like me and deserve much more viewers who I'm sure you'll get. Keep up the good work!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thank you for the support! Help me spread the message if you think it deserves it 😊

[@saleemkhanbest7396]

thank you so much, very good information

[@friendstravelsdhuriPB13]

Thanks dear for very helpful information

[@svjbkwd]

Hi thanks for information

[@MarkMayhew]

Great video! Especially the part about Hangouts

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Good to know people are interested in how Hangouts work.

[@moulayemary6024]

Thank you very much for sharing

[@sumitragurung338]

Thank you👍

[@r_a_]

Helpful

[@1977777sa]

thank you for your experience=)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

My pleasure 🙂

[@prayasjain9956]

Hey Mary Jane..I am 20.. I have just started traveling and got to know about couch surfing from u..thank you for all your suggestions..it helped a lot..thank you so much. 🇮🇳

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hey Prayas you're most welcome! I wish you all the best for your trips.

[@prayasjain9956]

Dear Mary, your adorable wishes will definitely bring all the luck in the journey..Thanks mate.❤️

[@freddylubin]

So many profiles by people wanting a free place, but don't have the time to work on a decent profile.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Yes, it's a pity.

[@MJAWTAMILCHRISTIANSONGS12]

Thank you so much for the information and I am going to be surfing dear sister and from india

[@aiferapple1246]

Fantastic video my lovely friend :)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thank you Andi :)

[@brahimsmati213]

Amazing informations Thank you for all. And welcoom all of you in morrocco I will host you in a amazing places here ✌️❤️

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks

[@shoukatalihunzai1]

Nice nice 🎉

[@AbhishekYadav-md3if]

Thanks for sharing details..

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You re welcome :) Are you getting started with Couchsurfing?

[@AbhishekYadav-md3if]

@@WhatashameMaryJane yeah just logon there ..Still to uppted profile,

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Abhishek Yadav When you have some time to do it, it would be nice if you dropped here in the comments what difficulties you will find, so others can relate too.

[@graffinwilliam2722]

All thanks to whazhack He helped me resolved mine in less than 40mins. Add him on Instagram @whazhack

[@ronald.c]

Thank you for all your awesome videos Jane! I have watched many of them as I am having two trips in North America in summer. I am positive to give couchsurfing a try! I have done two solo trips before. They are short trips yet I enjoyed the miraculous moments meeting many new people on a spontaneous trip! By just asking for the way in a terminal, I met another solo traveller German who we turned out travelling tgt for a while. But I got a problem in hosting someone. I live in Hong Kong, a city very famous for its crazy high price of property. As most of the other Hong Kong people, I can hardly host a person in my home. Worse still, I live super far away from the city centre. If I cannot complete step three, do you still recommend me to be a surfer in the coming trip? Will I be looking not reliable enough?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hello Ronald, such a pleasure to have you in our community of spontaneous travellers! Thank you for sharing your experience with us :) Don't worry too much for the lack of references, sure you can still find a host without having any reference at all. It's just going to be a bit more difficult, but many newbies don't even pay attention to the references when they decide to host someone, so you have good chances of finding a host anyway. Just balance the lack of references with a good profile and a very good request. As for hosting in Hong Kong, you don't need to wait for surfers to find your profile, you can reach out to them. You just go to the Couchsurfing page of your city and you'll find a section where the surfers who are coming to Hong Kong and are looking for a host. When you find someone you like, offer him/her hospitality in your tiny apartment :)

[@joscastro5121]

Thank you so much for the information "Mary Jane" (I don´t know if it´s your real name xD). As you said, much of the tips are logical of obvious, but when you start is better ask the experienced ones. I hope to be an active member of the community of Couchsurfing soon.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I hope that too!! And yes, you can call me Mary Jane :)

[@joscastro5121]

Ok. Thank you again Mary Jane. I wish you success in your next trip.

[@JohnnyFrizz]

This videos are awesome! Question for you, Imma first time couchsufer and I'm planning a trip to Europe in a couple months, I'd love to host people but unfortunately I live with my parents so thats pretty much off the table ^^' What would you recommend me do if I cannot have a guest reference?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hey Johnny don't worry, there are other ways to get references too and I list them all in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIGrfHeYh5ifaac 😉

[@user-xw1pl]

amazing tips . I am going to complete my profile today . thanks for these awesome tips. and I would like to host you if you are planning to visit India someday

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks :) Don't forget to collect references before asking to be hosted. Watch my other CS videos to know how to do so

[@nathanjw940]

Go to a local event, look at travelers to your area. Offer to meet and show them the city you're from you can get references. I honestly don't look at how the references are made but you need references.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Excellent advice.

[@perseoeridano4182]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@reneeltc]

CS for life!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Renee L Oh yes sister!

[@tinapotter3084]

sadly you started with explaining about all those empty profiles which i know very well from my extensive history with cs but did not tell me how to search easily and effectively for active members these days. thanks

[@gintama82]

thank you for this advices i realy want to use it but my problem is that i can't host due to space in my house am i going to have difficulties to find a couch ?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I literally just published a video that will answer to all your questions related to this problem, here! HOW TO FIND A HOST ON COUCHSURFING FOR EVERY TRIP | Couchsurfing tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIGrfHeYh5ifaac

[@pupilimran1841]

Thanks a lot to provide us a precious data regarding the 'Coachsurfing' Because i'm also a new person in Travel network system(Coachsurfing). I want to become a Host🤝 Even i'm suffering to 'Get verified' step 😂

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Welcome to the Couchsurfing community! :)

[@pupilimran1841]

Would you give me some tips to solve the "get verified" problem 😊 @@WhatashameMaryJane

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@pupilimran1841 What's the problem about?

[@rachid310548]

👍😉

[@Misanti888]

Hi. New sub here. May I ask how long do you stay on the average in each of the countries that you visit? Do you just use a tourist visa to travel around? More power!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi Michael, yes I've always only had tourist visas. It really depends, but I stay on average one to two months in every country.

[@Misanti888]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Thanks for sharing, maam. I think its a common practice especially among many digital nomads. Stay safe n have a blessed week ahead of you!

[@ilive4god2007]

Greetings from Ukraine and thank you for the video!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hello there! You're welcome. Are you starting out with Couchsurfing?

[@ilive4god2007]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Yep, just starting, but may be a bit late: I've started to dig into this thing only after a few referrals of the bloggers who clarified the values and purpose of Couchsurfing, which I really like ) But still, I want to use this chance to have a cultural exchange and thanks to your videos my chances are higher I hope )))

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@ilive4god2007 I hope that too :) Why do you say it's a bit late? And if I may ask you: what did you think about Couchsurfing before reading these blogs? I'm very interested about it.

[@ilive4god2007]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Thanks for your question, Mary ) Since I was thinking that it's just a cheapest way to get a free bed (which is least comfortable and quite selfish) I did not consider it as an option at all, but one I watched a few videos where the core purpose of this community was clarified, I was thrilled ) Because it is not just about uncomfortable and cheap housing, but it's about cultural exchange and being community, what I am passionate about! A bit late for this particular trip: I've already bought my tickets (april 2nd I will be in Frankfurt) and I will not have much time for collecting feedback or some good reputation that will let my potential hosts a confirmation that I am a good guy who has a lot to share etc ) Nevertheless, everything in God's hands and I think I must use this chance. And I always can go for a cheap hostel, but I am sure you understand the missing part this option. So I want to not just be isolated from others and visit the event, but I want to have this exchange to happen because life is so short!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

ilive4god2007 I’m glad you discovered the core values of this community! Please consider to use it not only when you are travelling but also in your city: it’s actually a great way to “travel” even when you cannot move from your city, you can spend a weekend or a night with other groups of couchsurfers, meet new people and have a cultural exchange without having to take a plane. Good luck :)

[@usamaabaid1427]

Very nice video as always 👍 Do people have to show pics of the room or place where they can host people.? So people can understand they can stay comfortably in place for which they request for?

[@ivishalraj]

Yes try to upload few pictures of house & room.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It’s not a written rule but it would be nice to do so. Some hosts don’t even put pictures, some others show all the rooms in their house and even the neighborhood. Personally I tend to rely more on people who have pictures of the couch.

[@RisXXX]

@@WhatashameMaryJane They don't have to. Why do people (especially those who are not on CS) always think what should others do please me better and to make me me comfortably? Usama, If somebody asks you, which extra mile you are prepare to do to make your host happier?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Damir Ilic I think “it’s not a written rule” explains very well that they don’t have to. I honestly don’t understand the rest of your question. Could you try to explain it again?

[@RisXXX]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Of course we don't have to. The question was for Usama, not you. So, Usama, as (potential) guest wantshis potential host do an extra mile for him as a potntial guest, so he can decide is the offer goud enough for him to feel comfortable. My question for him is, what extra mile is he prepaire to do to potential host, so he (potential host) can feel better? I thing nowdays guest are to selfish., they always think what host should do for him, but not not other way around. He didn' ask you, what should I do someone accepts me as a guest, he asked, what potential host must do for him.

[@exoada9246]

hi can you tell me how long you can do couchsurfing?(days/weeks) I dont really kow about it so pls if you know answer💜

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Sure, I made a specific video about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2amd2WJjtRlaaM I suggest you to check out all my videos about Couchsurfing, there might be some useful info for you kzbin.info/aero/PLLn9YKWH2mmStaVj1w2HvU4IjfT8bOI6r 👋

[@aleemfoundation3948]

Thanks for sharing #Aleemfoundation

[@matiasarizu9438]

😉👍🏻

[@david82633]

Write a public trip! Even without references, ive gotten a lot of requests for places to stay

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Yes public trips are controversial though, I should probably make a video about it.

[@david82633]

Yeah, higher risk so definitely something to think through

[@elisabettamorandini4546]

Bello

[@cindybarger7666]

I also do not have a home to host anyone so does this mean I cannot participate in this app?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It doesn't matter

[@yassinnouari1284]

You can come

[@MrEverest]

How can i connect with you

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Email [e-mail] or Instagram @whatashamemaryjane

[@Da_Evil_Chicken]

Hey there, currently watching the series. Unfortunately there are no travelers in the area I live, no one who use hangouts and only 36 active hosts out of 1160 registered within a radius of 10km. To get personal references I have to drive at least 30km in the next bigger city to (maybe) find someone to hang out. Nevertheless I am going on a hitchhiking trip soon and try to find some hosts, maybe a link to my airbnb profile will help to find one (I´ve got some references as a guest there), or when I arrive at one of my destinations I am looking for hangouts and hope to find someone to host me if they see me in person while we hanging out.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi! It's hard to use CS when you live in a smaller place, I know. I also grew up in the coutryside and there wasn't much going on there. But I think you already found two very good alternatives to try out. :) If you want I'd be glad if you let us know how it goes! Good luck for the hitchhiking trip ;)

[@Da_Evil_Chicken]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Of course I will let you know if it' s worked. I' m starting my trip in October. Plan B is to ask for a private piece of lawn/land (garden, farm,...) to pop up a tent. Ich habe in einem anderen Video gesehen dass du aus Italien kommst und auch Deutsch sprichst; Eigentlich wollte ich von Deutschland aus bis nach Mailand trampen, leider reicht meine Zeit nur bis in die Schweiz.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@Da_Evil_Chicken Wie heisst du und wo kommst du her? Ich habe nie mit einem Zelt gereist. Wie ist es? Ist es nicht schwierig und unbequem zu transportieren? Ich meine, wenn man kein Auto hat...

[@Da_Evil_Chicken]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Ich heiße Christian und komme aus der Rhein-Nahe Region. Ein normales 2 Personen Zelt lässt sich außen am Rucksack befestigen, ist also nur eine Frage des Gewichts. Alternativ gibt es da noch ein Tarp (eine Art Zelt ohne Gestänge) das passt auch in den Rucksack. Es kommt halt immer darauf an wie lang man unterwegs ist und was man sonst noch mitnimmt, aber da ich keine langen Wanderungen mit vollem Gepäck geplant habe, sollte es gehen vom Gewicht her.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@Da_Evil_Chicken Vielleicht werde ich bald eine Reise mit Zelt probieren. Am Ende September, wieder in Norwegen. Mal schauen.

[@dinijaskowski7600]

I would like to host the but, the question is to feed your guest? I do not like to cook. Offering a bed, hot shower clean room for the night. Take the time to show the guest around where we live. is all good Being a guide would be great. What do you do about not being the restaurant?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi Dini, the only requirements for the host are to have a safe place where their guests can sleep and go to the bathroom. Everything else, wether is missing or it's something extra that you offer, you write it in the description of your house. Food is not a requirement that the host has to offer, by any means.

[@husamalbaker4412]

I can't upload the photo why

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

On Couchsurfing? You can't upload pictures?

[@dinijaskowski7600]

The Couchsurfing ask for a payment of $60.00 USA I paid it OH my

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Watch this to understand kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZXHo6BprLtlZrM&ab_channel=WhatashameMaryJane

[@shahidgujjar5825]

Hi

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi

[@shahidgujjar5825]

@@WhatashameMaryJane where are you from

[@rosaannarilli4905]

What a shame Mary Jane, have you ever made any videos that teaches people to do what you do. I'm sure there are many people that would love to be a Travel KZbinr but has no idea where to start.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

If I have enough request I would do it, but it's not the case yet.

[@yassinnouari1284]

You can come