Couch Surfing

(photo via)

Ever been Couch Surfing before? I have some friends that have tried it... Here's the sitch...

CouchSurfing is your ticket to explore the world -- from the road or from your own home. Over a million members are out there waiting to learn about your culture and show you some of theirs. Eat borscht in Odessa. Watch kangaroos in Adelaide. Find the best noodles in Tokyo. Show travelers the best live music near your home, or your favorite hiking trail. Meet locals in your own city who share your interest in travel and the world.

 - from the website


So basically you crash on a random's couch, or a random crashes on your couch. You get the chance to hang out with locals, because you'll be staying with locals. The treat is you get to share bits of your culture while picking up bits of their culture, and it's happening all over the world. (Note, too: It's a .org, a non-profit organization! Exciting!!) Honestly, this gives me a bit of a serial killer vibe, but if you do your research, you'll see that previous surfers rate their experience with the different hosts, very similar to eBay and etsy, when buyers can rate their satisfaction. I have some intense travel plans over the next few years, and I think I might have to give it a whirl... 


In addition, check out Janet! She had wonderful things to say about her experience. After reading her testimony, I'm sort of chomping at the bit to give it a try.