Couch Surfing

In Brisbane, Australia, there was a local pub/restaurant next to our dorm rooms. We spent many hours there, enjoying discussion's with the locals (Yes, some of the guys were cute!) and eating 50 cent wings. On more than one occasion, we were asked, "Are you couch surfers?" Well, I don't know about you guys, but it's pretty fun to throw a mattress on the stairs and surf down them... Wait, they said couch surfing, not mattress surfing! What is couch surfing?

I looked it up, and was amazed at what I found. Couch Surfing is made up of a community of travelers, who host people who are visiting their city, or are hosted while traveling to other cities. At first, I admit... it sounded a bit sketchy, and unsafe. I thought, "So you just sleep on random people's couches?" After further research, I learned that it is much more than that. You post your travel plans, and hosts read your profile. They read what you like, dislike, hate, or love. Through thoughtfully filling out your profile, you can provide your hosts a glimpse into your life and personality. If they feel like you'd be a good fit to stay with them, they will invite you to come stay with them.

After all I've read of Couch Surfing, I see more positive than negative aspects. Upon my arrival in Iceland, I will have someone that already knows a bit about me, and who will be able to help me experience the Icelandic culture. I get to skip the touristy locations, and dive straight into the "local" scene. My host, Carina, and her family, will show me around their city, instead of a tour bus, or tour guide. I will immediately become a part of the Reykjavik community, instead of some outsider walking around aimlessly. I will experience home cooked Icelandic cuisine. I will develop relationships that will last the test of time. I will save money on lodging, and possibly on food. I will have specific people in this foreign area, who know my name, my parent's phone numbers, and who are aware of my location throughout my stay. I do not see couch surfing as a way to stay with strangers... I see it as a way to extend my family tree, from the east, to the west; from the north to south.

Do yourself a favor, whether you want to travel or not, and become a couch surfer. Host travelers in your home, and experience part of their country, even while staying in your own city. Surf the world, one couch at a time.