Couchsurfing is one of those things travellers either rave about or hesitate to try. And sure, staying in a stranger’s home might feel like a big leap at first, but that leap can land you in some of the most memorable and authentic moments of your entire trip.

At its core, Couchsurfing is about connection. It’s about stepping into someone’s world, even briefly, and seeing a city through their eyes. That’s something no hotel, hostel, or Airbnb can really replicate.

What Makes Couchsurfing So Special

Staying with a local opens up an entirely different side of a destination. It goes beyond landmarks and sightseeing checklists. You might end up wandering side streets you’d never find on Google Maps, discovering the best local coffee shop, or hearing the personal stories that make a place feel alive.

In Paris, I ended up exploring a beautiful old shopping center (La Samaritaine) and a legendary chocolate and macaron shop (À la Mère de Famille) that I hadn’t ever heard of—both places my host loved and happily insisted I check out with them. In Antwerp, my friend and I were served a simple Turkish breakfast by our host with cheese, olives, bread, eggs, and delicious Turkish coffee, something completely unexpected and deeply appreciated.

These are the moments that stick. Not because they were flashy or expensive, but because they were real.

Discovering Unexpected Neighbourhoods

One of the best things about Couchsurfing is that you’re usually not staying right in the tourist-packed center. Many hosts live in neighbourhoods you wouldn’t normally explore as a visitor. That’s a gift.

You might end up in a quieter residential district where the rhythm of daily life plays out in front of you—kids walking to school, people chatting outside bakeries, local markets buzzing with weekend energy. It’s a way to see how the city actually breathes when it’s not performing for tourists.

Being a Good Guest Matters

When someone opens their home to you, it’s a gesture of trust and generosity. That deserves your full respect.

If you’re going to couchsurf, treat it as you would if you were staying with a friend of a friend. Communicate clearly. Arrive on time. Be clean and tidy, and don’t assume your host’s home is a free-for-all. Some hosts may want to hang out and show you around, while others might just offer a place to stay. Either way, their space is not a hotel—it’s their life.

Bringing a small thank-you gift is always a good idea. It doesn’t need to be big or expensive. A snack from your home country, a local postcard, or even offering to cook a meal can go a long way. It’s a simple gesture, but it shows appreciation for someone who’s chosen to share a part of their life with you. As a Canadian, one of my go-to gifts is always those little maple leaf-shaped bottles of maple syrup.

Couchsurfing is Not Just a Free Bed

It’s easy to think of Couchsurfing as just a budget-friendly option, but that misses the point. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about sharing stories, exchanging cultures, and sometimes, forming real friendships.

In Brussels, our host gave us tea and travel tips while talking about his life as a travel photographer. In Dublin, my host and I ended up chatting late into the night about her experience living in Dublin (She was originally from a small town in Poland) over a homemade curry. These were stays that offered wonderful conversations, connections, and brief windows into someone else’s world.

Try Couchsurfing at Least Once

Even if you’re not the most extroverted person, Couchsurfing doesn’t have to be an intense social experience. Sometimes it’s just a quiet place to stay and a few friendly tips for the area. Other times, it turns into a late-night adventure throughout the city or an impromptu dinner at a fun local restaurant.

You don’t have to make it your only way of travelling. But try it once. You may leave with more than a place to sleep—you might come away with a better understanding of the place you visited and the people who call it home.

Safe travels,

Carina

P.S. Shoutout to the adorable Eya, who was a lovely couchsurfing roommate in Paris!

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