How To Write THE PERFECT COUCH REQUEST | Couchsurfing Tips

[@michelepambianchi8728]

As a couch surfing host, I think this video explains how does it work perfectly. Thank you

[@diprefranco]

Great video, very detailed one. I'm new at this so I started watching your videos Mary. You are very clear :) One positive critic: the volume of the music when you don't talk is very high so I have to lower it down. Anyway, the important thing you've already achieved :) Thank you.

[@p.e.1632]

Very useful advices! :) Everyone who wants to start with CS should watch it. I surf a lot, since I overcame my fear of it. I usually send a nice message and maximum up to 3 requests. I get always accepted. But I think it is also because I am a super respectful guest. I leave the place cleaner than I found it, I bring food, little gifts or invite them for a dinner, I share deep conversations, wisdom and overall I am like a therapist, so it is beneficial to them a lot. Then I tried to host and..omg... I got so many generic requests! Those people haven't even read my profile. I got two reguests every day. None of them was from a genuine surfer. What a pity. I would host you immediately! :)

[@javedsiddiqui54]

Excellent round up and intro very excited to start asap

[@candicesj]

Thank you for helping me discover Couchsurfing! I had my first guest last week and it was a really great experience. Next I might become a guest myself :)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Oh I love to hear that!! I'm very happy for you :)

[@alexdejen1803]

Welcome to Ethiopia

[@HomeFreeinmySUV]

Thanks for this..It's all COMMON SENSE, POLITE, THOUGHTFUL WORDS, ETC..You are young, clever, beautiful...Of course, you will be quickly, easily chosen...!!

[@alexandernobel8830]

one of the best videos in youtube about couchsurfing, thanks alot

[@bernice_lelong88]

its really really useful for a newbie in couchsurfing, thanks you so much!

[@lalatou2427]

Thanks for the precious information I will definitely follow your advice especially that I will be a guest for the first time ❤

[@JohnnyFrizz]

This is fantastic advice and totally makes sense! You have to give in order to receive, you are paying for your accommodation but not with money, rather with friendship! :) I will definitely to use your message template for my upcoming trip to Europe! :D

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I'm glad you appreciate the message :)

[@vickygelineau9451]

Woaw! I just learned so much💙 Thank you so much! I'm so excited to start using the platform. Will definitively watch your other videos 👌💓

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You're welcome Vicky, my pleasure! :)

[@KlausRigo]

Your videos are great I m on CS too. Since 3 years. I sended 30 requests for my first trip🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 to find a host in Barcelona. Because i don t had your indications🤣🤣🤣 But finally it was great firs exp. I host and surf. And CS it s one of the best things. Try to find me if you can on CS.🤣 South Tirol Italy I already hosted 2 travel bloggers.

[@Veron_Ina]

Hi! I also use Couchsurfing and hosted view travelers that came to my city. I’m happy to host when the guest sent me ‘polite’ request like they explain about themselves and the reason why they want to stay in my place. If they really read your profile they will talk little bit about you or something that you write on “about” section. Maybe you have the same hobbies or your personality. It’s different when someone just wrote one message and send it too several host.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Exactly! Thanks Ina for your precious contribution as a host. And welcome to the channel if you're new :)

[@scottlarock501]

Thank you for explaining this 🙏🏽

[@FictionSourceX]

Was obliged to watch your videos, haha :) Great that you spread the word too. Well done just to send one CS request, and getting accepted. So nice that you spend time and effort with requests.... I receive so many bad bad copy pasted ones, that I most times reject right away.

[@xen1034]

Very informative! thanks Mary!

[@markszente]

Yes, hand picking the target host for your request is super important! Another factor that I always take into consideration is how likely that this host will give you a positive response if any response at all. CouchSurfing gives you a hint on what percent of all requests this host has responded to. If the number is too low, even if it's a very nice person, you should probably choose someone else. The other thing is, with every host-guest reference you see a date of hosting (or at least a month as I remember). If your target host hasn't hosted anyone in years, it could also be a negative sign. Same stands for the "last seen online" indicator. Happy CouchSurfing everyone! :)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Totally agreed, great advices Mark! I actually have planned a video where I'll talk about these topics and more. Happy Couchsurfing to you too! :)

[@zh_tl]

Hello dear Mary tnx for all the tips u mentioned In clip I did my best for writing a request yesterday as u said And my request was staying for tomorrow In last mins only So today my host accept my request Tnx gentle hearted girl😘

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

coyote's tip So happy that you made it even last minute! Well done girl 😉

[@kaziu312]

I've been on Couchsurfing for almost 14 years now and have seen the site evolve (or maybe devolve). This is the type of request that I love to get as a host and miss. I have gotten so many generic ones, sometimes more than once from the same person. The best part was when you mentioned about a person requesting a couch and bringing someone else with them and to have that other person also create a profile. It is sometimes irritating as a host when a surfer will confirm plans with me and then at the last moment decide to also bring someone else.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hey Derik. Unfortunately I've only been on the platform since 2013 (I think) and I missed all the scandal Fenton selling the website to I still don't know whom, and all the things that happened later. I wished I knew more about the website and people like you are precious resources of information. I wished you let me have a private contact and I could ask you a few questions. I'm very pleased to have an important member of the community like you approving the information I'm giving with my videos. I hope I'll hear from you again. Thanks for the comment.

[@kaziu312]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Thank You/Grazie for the friend request. I sent you a message on CS.

[@duynguyen9631]

Thank you very much for your time and your videos, I'm not very good at English but I can get almost your videos. There are many useful tips applying for my Couchsurfing profile and requests. By the way, I'm a beginner on Couchsurfing, so I'm wondering if you can share a few tips or videos for writing a good profile. Thank you again.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thank to you for your nice comment Duy. A video about how to write a good profile is in my list since a lot of time. It will come. ;)

[@duynguyen9631]

@@WhatashameMaryJane That would be amazing! I forward to watching it. Thank you 😉

[@davesadlers]

been making notes like a bloody school kid to this. Really helpful though so thank you!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Very good Dave, very good! :)

[@joseluiz3090]

Thanks a LOT for this informations!

[@perseoeridano4182]

This channel is awesome!

[@CraigTrevorWeichmann]

awesome video. I would add that people need not reply to everything on a host's page, but I think it is better to focus on a couple of hot topics that you share with them. The two most annoying things that potential guests leave off are Logistics and details about all guests. Thank you!!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

That's great tips Craig, I agree with all you said.

[@pranitsadafule7277]

Thank you for giving very good information 😃

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Most welcome 😊

[@ayushchouhan3761]

I love your voice and pronounciation

[@Kevinrhoe]

Thanks for structurizing all this, super valuable. Safe travels!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks for recognizing the work behind this :)

[@habibkhanfluteplayer3918]

Waaaaaah beautiful video presentation

[@JinayShah]

Thank you so much for all this information :) Subscribed!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Awww thanks for the subscription! And you're welcome :) Have you already used Couchsurfing?

[@JinayShah]

@@WhatashameMaryJane I'm aware of the concept since a while now but never got the chance to try it. It's the last month of my bachelor's degree, so I have a big vacation ahead of me until the master's degree starts :D I'm really excited to try CS now that I'll have so much time available :) I'll definitely incorporate your advice when requesting hosts, it does make complete sense.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Jinay Shah Sound cool! Where are you from?

[@JinayShah]

@@WhatashameMaryJane I'm currently in India( moving to Canada for master's degree). The benefit of traveling in India is that homestays are incredibly cheap to begin with, imagine $7-15 per day. Food is cheap too, we can easily have 3 satisfying meals for $5-7 per day. Combine this with the breathtaking views of Himalayas and great transportation, India is the best place to be when your wallet is empty. However, I wouldn't recommend you or anyone to travel India without a local friend or guide without whom you'll be paying way too much than the actual value. Plus it's not safe for solo women. A couple of my female friends do travel solo, but they grew up here, they know the language, so it works out for them. This message got way too long lol. That's all, in case you're wondering how India is like.

[@JinayShah]

PS - Even hotel rooms are $7-$15!

[@marcofamaonline]

Super useful tips, MJ - thanks for sharing them!

[@deendayalmahawar8414]

Nice tips 👌😊 and information 👍

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks :)

[@vasu1688]

Hi Jane, very useful video. I have a query, is couchsurfing only for solo travelers or even couples can surf for hosts

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi, no hosting couples is very common too. You can travel with as many people as you want. I just recommend to make sure that the host gets detailed infos about the other person. Ideal would be that both people have a Couchsurfing profile. If it’s not the case, include a small description of the person in the request.

[@vasu1688]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Thanks a lot Mary

[@maqpi8335]

Where is it in Canada 🇨🇦

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Southern Bruce Peninsula

[@AmanKumar-qu5hz]

Hey buddy. ...what to do. ..im facing à problème in login my account of couchsurfing. ..everytime it shows. ...unfortunately stopped. ...so please help me if you know. ...

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Send me an email and explain the issue better, possibly attach a screenshot

[@AmanKumar-qu5hz]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Good to see your response here 😀😊very much thanks buddy. ...i Will tell you tomorrow all my problems regarding to couchserfing

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

The Alone walker Whenever you want. Just please don’t call me “buddy”

[@AmanKumar-qu5hz]

@@WhatashameMaryJane okay. ...I am really sorry if I offended you just tell me your nickname I can call you 😊

[@MrSaxgirl]

Do you pay to stay on the couch? If your hosting, is it like an air bnb?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Absolutely not.

[@MrSaxgirl]

@@WhatashameMaryJane i love you!❤❤

[@franky110]

Thank you Mary Jane for another helpful video! I have a question regarding couch request though. Do you think a well written request can make up for lack of references? For instance, I am just starting out on couchsurfing but I literally can't spare a time for even a hangout before my trip because of my current situation with work. In your opinion, can a well-written, sincere request overcome it? Sorry for turning the comment section into a Q&A , but surely you'll help out a lost subscriber? 😀 But really I'll appreciate the help and expertise! Thank you

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hi Seonho, thank you for your question. The comment section is perfect to solve your doubts, it's good that you use it!! My answer is yes. Of course this is my opinion, but I believe that a request written sincerely and with heart can replace a couple of references. After all, a request is a personal letter to an individual, which is even more valuable than some general references. Explain why you don't have references and make yourself worth of trust in your introduction. I think you will be fine.

[@franky110]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Thanks for the answer Mary Jane! Thanks for your opinion and I only wish every host in couchsurfing thinks like you! I have one more question. How long before a trip do users usually send/expect requests? For world famous cities like Paris and London for example?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

The bigger the city, the shorter the advice. Hosts don't want to plan their life long term depending on CS guests. For Paris or London I would say from 1 to 3 days before, you can stretch it to 4-5 but keep in mind that these hosts in very touristy cities usually receive 40-60 requests a week or even more sometimes. Even if they liked your request and your profile, if they are not sure what their plans are for the days you requested, they will not think twice answering you with a no.

[@franky110]

@@WhatashameMaryJane I was hoping to find a 'of course this is my opinion' somewhere in this answer haha... bc I already sent a request out of pressure, only with 4 weeks still remaining 😂. Oh well, I took advice from the best put them into use, guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed for this one. Thanks for all the great advice Mary Jane, I'll put them into good use!

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Seonho Kim It may still work, who knows! Let me know how it goes. I know it may be difficult to not plan in advance, but I think in this way of travelling you need to learn how to relax and just have faith that planning 4 weeks or 5 days in advance doesn’t make any difference after all.

[@week3106]

check out your description links they don't work. I mean links leading to FB,IG

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Omg thank you so much!! They were cut in half in all my videos, don't know what happened! I would have probably never realised if it wasn't for you, thanks.

[@week3106]

@@WhatashameMaryJane $100, please. I am kidding. Today is for free :). Keep up a good job! I know it's tough to develop your own channel. That's why I don't do this ;)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Ahahah! It's tough, but I like challenges. Thanks for the understanding. It's very nice to know that someone knows how much work there is behind all this ;)

[@week3106]

Ok, let's be tight burdened friends! :)) I am not very active over here. Let's connect via IG: vic9_1_1 (i am not very active over there also, haha. Darn, my goal destroys each social media connection)) at least I spend the least amount of time on IG. seeya

[@jtinalexandria]

How did you learn English so well if you grew up in Italy? I was born in Italy and grew up in the US, with American parents, but I can barely speak Italian.

[@musabsarawan1611]

I like u ... Very creative and elegant

[@Jenifferlibros]

I would like to know how dobyou make that much money to be traveling around the worldddd ❤️🙏🏻thank you and i longgg to live for some time in germany so I can learn the language with expertise .

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I keep getting this question from people but it's actually not the right question to ask to me specifically. The question people should ask me is: how can you afford to travel so much? And my answer will be: look at all my travel on a budget videos. The key in my case is not how much money I make because I currently live on savings and on small jobs that really don't pay much. But the important point is how much I spend. Which is: very very very very little. Being frugal and money smart. That's all.

[@Jenifferlibros]

What a shame Mary Jane thank you

[@mikailx2071]

Nicee 😊

[@FictionSourceX]

And I'll subscribe too, let's see what videos will come next :)

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You better do cause the next one is directly inspired by you. I literally just filmed it 😉

[@mellibee100]

Why did you say be careful about going to the movies in America?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Well I've had the chance to experience that young Americans say "let's watch a movie" to invite you to some other kind of activity on the couch...

[@mellibee100]

What a shame Mary Jane Oh! Thank you for the explanation ;)

[@mysterycambodia]

You are still leaving out very basic information when sending out a request to stay. I'm an experienced couch surfing host and the biggest problem with guests sending out a request to stay is once they send they are mostly using Wi-Fi, send their request to stay then they pack up and more on, they need to stay in data contact because I reply to a request to stay within the first 30 minutes and if i accept then they have just 1 hour to confirm their stay or I decline the offer to stay, if the guest doesn't have the decency to wait 1 hour for a reply and confirm their stay then it shows they don't care and only using you for a free stay, being a couch surfer host in the tourist season in Cambodia or Asia is November to May I receive some days 20+ request to stay each day so if they send a request to stay and don't confirm their stay, within 1 hour then they are stopping others from staying, in just under 2 years I've declined the offer to stay too well over 1.000+ guests just because they never confirmed their stay, using excuses like sorry I didn't have any internet access or we had to leave the Wi-Fi hot spot, sorry others have confirmed their stay so your offer has been declined Another thing you fail to mention is if your host is working then they won't want guests coming home after 11pm, couch surfing isn't a hostel or hotel where you can come and go any hours of the night, I have very strict rules on arrival times my cut off time is 11pm each night if you can't be bothered to book a plane, bus, boat, train early to arrive at your hosts place before 11pm then I'm going to cancel your request to stay. Do you expect the host to wait up until the small hours waiting for you to arrive, or some guests arrive in the couch surfers home town then go out to the clubs and party and don't arrive at their hosts place until after midnight then it becomes the next day and are a day late arriving and then the host will then cancel your request to stay leaving them with no where to go. Its very irresponsible to arrive after 11pm or go out and not return before 11pm if you want this then use a hostel or hotel not couch surfing. You really need to to do another video on these things When sending a request to stay ask the host do you work, what times how many days, this all depends on the type of contact you will have with the host I really good host will have this in his couch surfing profile page. If you were a host would you want me to arrive at your place at 1/2/3 am or go out on the town and come back to your place at 1/2/3 am every day as some do and with me if they do this then I cancel their request to stay and tell them to leave You have to mention that CS isn't a hostel or hotel. If a CS sent you a request to stay how long would you wait for them to confirm their stay, 5/12/24 hours or 1/2/3/4 days no of cause not, send you request to stay then wait to confirm your stay if that host doesn't reply within 1 hour cancel that stay and send out another one or send out 3 and wait for the first one to say yes this means the host is on the ball a great host who is waiting for guests to send a request to stay those that don't reply within 1 hour are not very responsible or reliable and if you don't confirm your stay then you are very unreliable and not very responsible So it's a two way street you the guest or you the host both must be reliable and responsible and it will end in a perfect match and great time One other thing you keep on using the word Hiking all the time most hosts live in the major cities you can't go hiking. Once again encourage your CS to become verified as I and I don't except requests from anyone who's not verified, it's the 21 century and nothing in this world is free, CS want everything from CS but won't pay the one off fee to be verified. Some Moan about the one only fee but thing nothing of spending that amount on cigarettes, alcohol, in a single night out on the town when CS. Everyone needs that green tick that means they are certified CS Guests that send a request to stay for the same day or next day are usually very unreliable as they have had plenty of time to send a request to stay so send a request to at least 3/5 days in advance some send a request to stay a month or two months in advance, these guests turn out to be the very best CS guests, You also fail to mention that CS surfers are on holiday not working unlike your host who is probably working and not on holiday so the CS guests need to understand this it's very important of you don't understand that then CS isn't for you and then use a hostel or hotel, If you haven't seen my couch surfing profile page and references plus photos under 2019cs and 2018cs then check out my couch surfing profile page it's probably the best profile page on couch surfing John Davison Phnom Penh Cambodia 24/11 /19

[@MarcelloBillia]

Non é più gratuito adesso? 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

[@crazytravels]

Such a beautiful youtuber and no subscribers

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Fifty thousands people is no subscribers? 🤔

[@crazytravels]

@@WhatashameMaryJane Jane I meant you deserve much more than 50k subscribers. It was a positive comment.

[@tkbraj]

Hi Sister, nice video. very informative. Im an Indian. Have you ever been to India? If you have any plan to visit here please tell me. we will provide free food and accommodation for you. But we need your help to improve our English accent when ever you get free time.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Hey thanks for the invitation

[@andydavid2522]

Maybe cause u r a lady and beautiful n ppl don't decline ur request

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I'm not going to lie: being a female on Couchsurfing does help a lot. Not only because being pretty or attractive is an advantage, but also because women tend to be calmer, more sensitive, more respectful towards others, cleaner and tidier. All features that the average host is looking for. I believe that if any person of any gender is able to show in his profile and request that he has all these qualities, his request will not get declined as well.

[@andydavid2522]

@@WhatashameMaryJane thanks ❤️ for ur response Mary , I'm going to Cyprus in Easter...I hope I can find someone host me.... U r a beautiful Italian KZbinr and I like ur channel Thanks so much

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@andydavid2522 Thank you Andy. I wish you can find a host too! If you need any extra advice let me know, I'm here to help.

[@andydavid2522]

@@WhatashameMaryJane ok do u have any social media to contact you?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@andydavid2522 Sure, Instagram @whatashamemaryjane that's where I'm active the most. [e-mail] if you prefer email

[@matiasarizu9438]

😉👍🏻

[@88keys_mic66]

If you are a guy expect a very low response irrespective of writing a lovely request like the video claims. As a girl with a below standard request you will get offers all over the place.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

True.

[@PlamenPanchevStudios]

@What a shame Mary Jane Have you seen yourself in the mirror? That is the reason why. hah

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Being woman and good looking is certainly a big advantage in finding a host, but it can be penalising too. That's why I don't leverage my look when I surf, infact for my Couchsurfing profile I choose the pictures where I look the least attractive. I prefer to show other qualities.

[@lisaariottiart]

So I searched this because I recently met a man in the street who started a nice conversation with me - then, spontaneously, he kissed me right after he asked to couch surf--- He was an intelligent conversationalist and handsome but the couch surfing request after making a move really put me off. He called me again when he came back in town-- and he wanted to meet-up but again but again he asked to couch surf. I refused so he sent me a couch surfing profile --I had no idea this was an actual thing? WTH 🤦‍♀️ I would never let a man I don’t know well stay with me in my home. Especially if he tried to make a move on me-- What woman would do this???? Seems Very dangerous. Men stop doing this now please.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

That’s really NOT how couchsurfing works. These are exactly the type of men to steer away from

[@59Wanders]

you are beautiful!

[@marcosmacias0512]

First....

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

You are so quick!

[@perseoeridano4182]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@MrCharliecbk]

Why be careful when watching movies in America? Lol. Did you mean it relating to dating?

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

YES. :) Not so much when watching them, it's more about asking to "watch a movie together". To me it just means watching a movie together. A very common activity between friends where I come from...

[@MrCharliecbk]

Fair enough! Thanks for the vid. I've used couchsurfing a couple of times and it makes me proud to live at the time we are now. Plan on using it exclusively for the next 3 months in Europe before going back to the States.@@WhatashameMaryJane

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

@@MrCharliecbk Oh that's amazing to hear! So happy to have met another Couchsurfing enthusiast! Good luck with your European trips and feel free to let me know how your experiences will be like. I always keep researching about CS so I need material ;)

[@MrCharliecbk]

​@@WhatashameMaryJane Certainly, no problem!

[@Da_Evil_Chicken]

Reminds me of Japan. If you invite someone into your hotel room, it means: let´s have some "fun". So be careful choosing a location if you only want to have a chat or do a (business-) meeting in a more private area.

[@Canoneosmiami]

Reading his profile? Ok ,the secret to get accepted,be at least average to good looking girl ,that’s it ,doesn’t matter what u write …

[@buckettraveler8398]

If a host needs a 'perfect' request to say yes I don't think I want to stay with that host.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It’s not about that, it’s more about the fact that if a host receives 10 requests per day, you want to stand out with your request in order to be the one he/she picks.

[@dayirie1]

Maybe BECAUSE YOU ARE GOOD LOOKING?

[@meggarden7937]

Sooo long winded!

[@Khvost_]

You are very beautiful

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Thanks

[@badasslifestylee]

How funny is you say you get 100% host rates while being a hot white girl. No man can have these results, I have couchsurfed in 10+ countries 70+ hosts and I can tell you don't really know what you doing lol

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I don't know what to answer to this comment.

[@Razdva050]

only cuz you're super hot and cute 🙄

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

If I was relying on my aesthetics to get hosted on CS I would consider myself a slut and have no self respect

[@ChudyseuszTV]

gender plays a significant role ...

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

It absolutely does.

[@Canoneosmiami]

If you are not planning to be dating the host don’t pretend u like to be a friend just to have a free room ?

[@imvermaz]

Mostly Girls host girls and guys host girls 👎

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

There must be a reason for that...maybe girls tend to be more reliable, clean and tidy at home..?? 😅😆 Jokes aside, you're definitely right. Women surfers tend to be luckier than men. That's why you should write an even better request to let your potential host understand your good qualities: for example, that you're tidy and organized? That you're very respectful of other people's things? That you're not going to go out in the city and come home drunk at 3 am? These are some of the reasons that some hosts listed me for preferring women to men.

[@imvermaz]

@@WhatashameMaryJane sometimes nobody even replied to my requests or denied and one of my female friend always gets host with 0 deny ..people offers her to stay with them 🤣 girl power 👱‍♀️ bdw ur video is helpful,thank you

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

If you want some individual help I can review your profile and the text of the requests, send an email to [e-mail]

[@mysterycambodia]

Sorry I only host females and I'm a guy John Davison Phnom Penh Cambodia My couch surfing profile page above