Couchsurfing

How would you like to travel all over the world, stay in nice accommodations in fantastic location, meet interesting people, and create lasting memories? Oh, yeah one more thing. It's free.

Couchsurfing is a networking website for travelers. According to their website, their mission is "to create Inspiring Experiences...[that] are fun, exciting and accessible experiences that stimulate people to learn and grow. Experiences of this nature encourage people to explore and connect with people and places that are different than what we're accustomed to."

I highly recommend checking this organization out. I have used it for lodging all across Europe and in Asia. While hostels are a great lodging choice for travelers, Couchsurfing has two unique advantages. First, you stay in the homes of the locals. This allows you to see how they live, what foods they eat, and gives the opportunity for relationships to be built. Second, it is an opportunity to learn about special sights or events that are off the beaten track and not listed in the handy Lonely Planet.

Some great memories I have of couchsurfing involves eating dinner with a handsome Hungarian while being serenaded by an accordion, having our lovely hosts walking us through Dracula's Castle in Romania, and getting a tour of Prague Castle by moonlight. Couchsurfing allows travelers to not just pass through countries, but a chance to truly experience the people that make each country special.


Make sure to check out http://www.couchsurfing.com

****For single travelers who may want to use this site, there is a great safety system set up. While staying with a stranger will always have a small degree of uncertainty attached to it, there is a great reference and voucher system in place that gives sufficient information for making an informed decision about who to stay with.