couch traveller

What Is Couchsurfing?

How to use Couchsurfing for Free Accommodation

Maskot / Getty Images

Back in 1999, "hacker" and traveler Casey Fenton had no idea that his idea for a website to connect travelers with locals would be so popular. He was simply looking for an inexpensive way to visit Iceland. When the site launched in 2004, it had lots of people asking: What is couchsurfing?

Roughly two years later, the website became such a popular tool for budget travelers that it crashed. Hard. Much of the database and registered-member information were lost. Through the help of volunteers and donations, the site was rebuilt from the ground up to be more scalable.

Today, the newly resurrected Couchsurfing.com site has a community of over 15 million travelers and 400,000 hosts; lasting friendships and great experiences are formed there every day.

Even with using a few tricks to save money on accommodation, sleeping costs typically end up being the biggest expense for budget travelers. The idea behind couchsurfing is simple: "Couchsurfers" leverage the hospitality of friendly people around the world who open their homes to travelers—an act of kindness that dates back millennia.

Unlike Airbnb, couchsurfing travelers don't pay to stay in someone's home. Good couchsurfers "repay" their hosts with fun interactions and potential friendship.

Although the term "couchsurfing" loosely refers simply to staying with hosts while you travel, over 4 million couchsurfers a year turn to Couchsurfing.com for a safe way to find hosts who offer free accommodation. It's the online hub and premier social site for helping budget travelers and backpackers meet potential hosts all over the world.

Some hosts are former travelers themselves or expats who moved to another country. They enjoy staying in touch with the travel world. In other instances, hosts are locals interested in meeting friends from other countries and practicing English. All agree to open their homes to strangers for free. The interaction often develops into lasting friendships!

"Couch surfing" has a catchy ring to it, but there is some good news: You won't always be relegated to sleeping on couches. Many hosts have spare bedrooms; you could even have your own bathroom. On some glorious occasions, guest cottages are available!

Couchsurfing a few nights can dramatically lower expenses when traveling in places such as Hong Kong, South Korea , and Singapore where accommodation is notoriously pricey.

Is Couchsurfing Free?

Yes. Money shouldn't be exchanged, but bringing a host a thoughtful gift is good road karma. A trinket from your home country or bottle of wine will work, however, neither are expected. If turning up empty handed, offer to cover a meal or the groceries to cook at home.

What is expected from you as a couchsurfer is a little interaction. Just as when hitchhiking, the recipient of a freebie should interact with hosts, not just use them for convenience. Don't remain aloof or so busy that your host winds up feeling used or neglected. A big part of the couchsurfing experience is having a local available for giving advice that can't be found in the guidebook. Their insider recommendations can save you money and enhance your trip.

The Benefits of Couchsurfing

Along with the obvious benefit of finding a free place to stay, couchsurfing can enhance your trip in other ways:

You get a peek behind the tourist scene and can go a little deeper to connect with a destination. A good host will provide a better understanding of the place you are visiting.
Your local friend will know the hidden hotspots and can offer money-saving advice for insider sights and activities. You'll learn about scams to avoid and where to find the best food in town away from the tourist traps.
You may have access to a kitchen. Grocery shopping and cooking meals at home are cheaper and healthier than eating out in restaurants every meal as travelers often do.
Even if you already have accommodation, you can use the Couchsurfing website to find traveler meetups and hangouts.
Lasting friendships are often formed through couchsurfing.

Couchsurfing isn't just for solo backpackers! Couples and families with children regularly find hosts who share the same interests.

Rethink Couchsurfing the Entire Time

Free accommodation is great but so are personal space and privacy. Don't plan to stay with hosts or share hostel rooms every night of your trip. Doing so will exhaust you and cause you to be less excited about meeting the hosts at your next destinations.

Interacting with hosts and travelers from all over the world is great fun, however, doing so also requires energy. Plan to treat yourself to private rooms every now and then for some personal space and relaxation.

Is Couchsurfing Safe?

Although staying with complete strangers seem inherently dangerous, particularly if you watch the nightly news, the social-network system on Couchsurfing.com is designed to weed out bad hosts and guests. A lot of emphasis (tips, suggestions, etc) is placed on safety—for obvious reasons.

First, you can choose what type of host with whom you wish to stay (e.g., male, female, family, etc). You can get a feel for their personalities and interests based on their public profiles. The more time and information put into your own profile, the better. Couchsurfing.com recommends having conversation (through the Couchsurfing website) and asking relevant questions before agreeing to stay with a host.

Before choosing a host, you can see reviews left by other travelers who stayed before you. If the public reviews don't provide enough confidence, you can even contact those travelers privately to see if they had a good experience and would stay with a particular host again.

Couchsurfing.com once made use of a vouching system to increase safety. Vouching was retired in 2014, but you can still clearly see how much experience someone has with hosting travelers. A multi-level account verification system prevents people from dumping old profiles and starting new ones if they get a bad review. Sticking to verified, experienced hosts is one way to increase safety. The app allows people to photograph their government IDs to gain verification.

Hosts know misbehaving with guests will result in negative ratings and reviews, effectively eliminating their chances of hosting travelers in the future. This is usually enough to keep members of the Couchsurfing.com community in check.

As with any social network with millions of members, you are ultimately responsible for your own personal safety when making contact with strangers.

The CouchSurfing.com Website

Couchsurfing.com first became a public website in 2004 as a way to match travelers with willing hosts. The site operates much in the way as other social websites; people add friends, build profiles, upload photos, and send messages.

Signing up for an account on Couchsurfing.com is free, however, members can optionally pay a one-time fee to become "verified" for additional credibility.

Of course, most people visit the website when looking for a place to stay, but it also serves as an online community for travelers. Need to buy a motorbike in Vietnam? You can probably connect with a traveler who is leaving Vietnam and wants to sell hers. The Couchsurfing app also features a way for travelers to meet up.

Couchsurfing.com is good for meeting real-life friends, even at home! The community pages are handy for getting real-time information from other budget travelers about upcoming destinations.

The groups on Couchsurfing.com are operated by local volunteers known as ambassadors. Local groups often have informal meetings and gatherings. Even when not traveling, you can use the groups and ambassadors to meet fellow travelers and fun people at home.

Tip: Trying to learn a new language? Use Couchsurfing.com to find people from that country who may be passing through your hometown. Travelers are often happy to meet up for coffee and a practice session.

How to Be a Good Couchsurfer

Although couchsurfing is completely free, remember your host isn't compensated for offering up their home and time—they are doing so to meet people and form new friendships.

Be a good couchsurfer by getting to know your host; plan to spend a little time with them rather than just turning up when it's time to sleep. Don't treat their home as a free hotel. Bringing a small gift is optional, but always plan to interact a bit. After departing, leave a nice referral on the website for them if the experience was positive.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days." No matter how positive the interaction, heed that sage advice and never overstay your welcome!

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Best couchsurfing tips for solo female travelers.

July 1, 2020 by Joslyn 25 Comments

Best Couchsurfing Tips #couchsurfing #couchsurfingtips

As a solo female traveler and host, I would say that Couchsurfing is safe as long as you know how to use it. I’ve been a member since 2010, hosting over 20 surfers, surfing with over 30 hosts, and meeting many travelers. Through CS, I have met some of my closest friends and those who I would even call my extended family.

So whether you’re new to CS or are looking to maximize your use of the platform, these are my tips on how to use Couchsurfing safely as a solo female traveler.

Best Couchsurfing Tips

Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links . This post was written by Chantel Collins and her experience with Couchsurfing.

How does Couchsurfing work?

What makes it work, is that this type of platform attracts open-minded individuals, who are passionate about traveling and getting to know others.

Is Couchsurfing safe?

One of the most common concerns that people have about Couchsurfing, is in regards to safety. The idea of staying in the home of a “stranger” or accepting one into your home can be a little daunting to some. Personally, I’ve never had a Couchsurfing experience where I felt unsafe BUT I always read references and choosing my hosts carefully.

If you’re a solo female traveler, you may prefer to stay with female hosts (as I did in Dubai) or as a host, accept women guests only. For other tips, check out Couchsurfing Safety Basics .

Is Couchsurfing free?

As of May 2020, Couchsurfing now asks members to pay $2.39/month or $14.29/year (USD) contribution to cover the costs of running the platform. The fees vary depending on the country you live in (members from developing nations may have their membership waived), whether you are an ambassador, or have purchased a lifetime verification.

Creating a Couchsurfing profile

To increase your chances of being hosted or receiving like-minded guests, the first thing that you want to do is create your profile. Take the time to fully express your beautiful personality (you are only limited by your imagination!). Add in website links, videos, jokes, and puns. I have seen some pretty humorous profiles in my time.

And if you are completely stuck on what to write, why not ask friends over beers how they would describe you.

Couchsurfing references

Becoming a couchsurfing host.

Okay so now you’re all set up and ready connect with other CSers. But what if you don’t have any trips planned? No problem! If you have the time and space – consider hosting. Hosting can be the next best thing to traveling. By accepting surfers, you get to experience two great aspects of travel – different cultures and people. All without spending a cent or leaving your own home.

When I first joined Couchsurfing, I started hosting immediately and in the first two months, I received surfers from Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, and Romania. I became good friends with a couple called Max and Delia, and they ended up staying in my home city for a while, even spending Christmas with my family. In 2012, they came to visit me in New York City and then in 2016, I visited them twice in Paris.

And remember the part that I talked about saving money? Well from the times that I hosted, I have been able to visit many of those surfers in their own homes. And yes, the free accommodation thing is nice. But what is even nicer, is being welcomed to a new city by someone you already know.

Surfing as a Couchsurfing guest

When traveling to new destinations Couchsurfing is my favorite way to meet locals and to get to know more about the city. Some hosts can receive a lot of requests, especially in the bigger cities. So it is important to put in the effort when searching and sending a personalized Couchsurfing request. This will increase your chances of being accepted.

How to search for a Couchsurfing host

Input your travel dates. These fields are optional but by including them in your search criteria, the system will remove any hosts who already have guests during the time of your visit.
Use the search filters for host information, accommodation, and preferences. Personally, I only look for hosts who have their profile set to “Yes” (not “Maybe”) and only contact hosts who have over 80% response rate.
Read your potential host’s profile very carefully. Are they someone that you can see yourself getting along with? Do you have interests in common?
Check their references. Even if they don’t have negative or neutral references, it pays to read the positive references to get more of an insight into the person.

How to send a Couchsurfing request

Include the host’s name. It sounds obvious but you wouldn’t believe how many hosts receive requests with either no name or the wrong name.
Make it personal. Include a short introduction about yourself and why you are traveling there. Highlight why you think you and your host are a good match.
Avoid copy and paste quests. Make multiple references to points in their profile to show that you have taken the time to read it.

Creating a public trip

I prefer to select my potential hosts based on who I think I would have a better chance of being friends with. But I have used this option before and had a great experience Couchsurfing in Malaga.

Planning your arrival

When a host accepts your request, you’ll receive a notification that will ask you to confirm your stay. At this point, you can start chatting with your host about your arrival dates and time. Make sure that you also cancel any other pending CS requests.

As Couchsurfing is a hospitality and cultural exchange, no money or gifts are expected as part of the transaction. However, when surfing, I like to buy a bottle of wine or take my host to dinner. This is just my way of showing appreciation to them for letting me stay. You could also offer to cook a meal for them.

Meeting other Couchsurfers

Couchsurfing is more than just hosting and surfing. It is also a way to meet up with other members. In every single city that I have moved to, I used Couchsurfing to make friends. I’ve also used the platform to meet other members when traveling, even if I’m not surfing.

Couchsurfing Hangouts

Hangouts is an amazing concept which uses your location to find other CSers in your area who also want to meet up. The technology is a little clunky but is a lot easier to navigate once you know how to use it.

How to use Couchsurfing hangouts:

Download the Couchsurfing app
Go to your dashboard
Click on the button “Hangout Now”
Select what type of activity you want to do or type in your own
Click on update status.

A list of available CSers will appear. You can click on “Say Hello” and they will receive a notification to accept or decline your request. You will also appear in the list and other CSers can do the same to yours. Once a connection is made and accepted, this opens up a chat so you can discuss meeting up. The notifications for the chat aren’t very obvious, so you might need to keep checking for response by clicking on “My Hangouts” then on the conversation.

One other important fact to know is that once a group chat is created, members can add other CSers to the group. For example, you may have accepted to drink tea or coffee with Anna from Brussels, but then she accepts four other CSers into the group. Group chats can get noisy and complicated to organize or they can turn out really well. I had this happen to me in Madrid and that group all went to a party together.

Events and groups

Events will appear on the dashboard of your app or website. The events on the app will be based on your current location, whereas the events that appear on the website may be for the next location that you have a confirmed Couchsurfing host. This is because of the location technology on your mobile.

Using the desktop version, you can also search for groups or even members in your area. I have used this, especially when moving to a new city. Groups and events can be for specific interests such as hiking, veganism, language exchange, etc. Or just for general meetups.

Whichever option you choose, these can be a great way to connect with locals or other travelers in the area.

Have you used Couchsurfing or planning to anytime soon? Tell us about it below.

And if you liked the post – share it with your friends on social media.

About Joslyn

Female Travel Blogger Sharing Travel Tips, Work and Travel Tips, Budget Travel Tips and general daily life from a travel chicks point of view!

Reader Interactions

Danni Lawson says

June 5, 2017 at 10:22 pm

Couchsurfing is a lifeline, and I feel like CS events are so underrated- no better way to meet chill travellers! I didn’t know about the hangouts, but would like to try it. Like your tips on bringing gifts to hosts too, goes down well. I have stumbled this for later 🙂

Chantell Collins says

June 13, 2017 at 6:53 pm

Thanks Danni! I hope you do try Hangouts, it is recently new from the end of but it is a great concept and I have met so many awesome people through it.

LaiAriel R. Samangka ( Thelittlelai: Beyond limits) says

June 6, 2017 at 12:47 am

I’m using this online platform and truly, I have made a lot of friends and I met them as well. I just enjoy it when someone request to stay in your place, you get to know a lot of people and listening to their travel story as well. Bringing a gift to your host is sound a good idea and I always wanted to do that and offer something local from where I came from. I truly love reading this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

June 13, 2017 at 6:58 pm

Hi LaiAriel, thanks for the lovely comment! I am so happy to hear from someone else who is truly enjoying the platform and making memorable experiences and friends along the way 🙂

June 5, 2017 at 10:37 pm

When I was younger I often found myself staying in the homes of locals as they invited me to visit through friends of friends. CS wasn’t around at the time but it reminds me of that time, and I have such fond memories of meeting people that way. I once happened to be staying with a family in Italy who baked me a special birthday cake and took me out to a fiesta. How awesome is that!

June 13, 2017 at 6:57 pm

I love this story! That happened to a friend of mine when she went to New Zealand, she only stayed with friends of friends who were strangers to her but she had the most amazing time. CS is a great platform but the people are what make it!

Claire says

June 6, 2017 at 11:59 pm

I am ashamed to say I have never tried couchsurfing! I was chatting to another backpacker the other day and I promised myself I will try it before I come back to the UK, so I have to get in gear & do it!

June 13, 2017 at 6:59 pm

I hope you do! And tell us about your experience 🙂

June 7, 2017 at 7:07 pm

Couchsurfing and homestayng are the best way to know people and their culture. I have never done CS but have heard a lot about it . I think it is high time I do it 🙂 🙂

I haven’t tried Homestay but I have also heard great things about it! I just love the sense of community and the wonderful people that this kind of platform attracts

Heather Raulerson says

July 17, 2019 at 11:43 pm

I just started traveling full time and was nervous about couch surfing. I tried it for the first time in Verona, Italy and had a great experience. I even went to a Couch Surfing Event- picnic and met so many nice people. I would say once you get over your own nerves. It gets easier to send out requests. Thanks for sharing the article.

July 18, 2019 at 2:48 am

Hi Heather, thanks so much for sharing your experience! I’m so thrilled that you’ve met so many great people. That has truly been my experience too and although I understand why some people (especially solo female travelers) might be nervous, I would really recommend they at least try going to an event or using the hangouts on the app to see how wonderful the CS community can be.

MaganJay says

February 18, 2020 at 2:53 am

I have to mention that CS members come in all ages, even 60+. Or 70+ young and well-traveled, so please, those who are not “spring chickens” anymore, you are very welcome to join and share the hospitality with others of similar age group and make new friends

February 18, 2020 at 9:17 am

Thanks for your comment! Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to be hosted by wonderful people in their 50s and 60s. It’s wonderful to share conversations, meals, and drinks with people of all backgrounds, ages, and cultures

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thattravelingchick

🌺 For the Wanderlust in Everyone ✈️ Travel Tips & Tricks 📍 Currently in: Michigan ✋🏼🇺🇸

How to Use Couchsurfing to Safely and Cheaply Travel the Globe

Traveling is an expensive hobby, but services like Couchsurfing help make it more accessible. Learn how you can score free accommodations worldwide!

Backpacking around the world can be a life-changing adventure. Meeting new people, getting out of your comfort zone, seeing amazing sights, and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences can change you immensely and leave you constantly wanting more. Before you know it, you may find yourself planning your next trip and adding more and more destinations to an ever-growing travel wishlist.

Unfortunately, traveling can end up being a very expensive hobby, so you’re likely to find yourself trying to cut costs where you can. Since accommodation is one of the most significant expenses when it comes to traveling, it makes sense that this is one of the first areas to look at. Luckily, there are oodles of ways that you can save money when traveling including staying in hostels, camping, volunteering, and of course, Couchsurfing.

Affordable Sightseeing Excursions for All Ages

When traveling, it can be difficult to see everything the world has to offer while staying on budget. App-guided adventures from Let’s Roam can help! For the cost of a movie ticket, you can explore local attractions while engaging in fun competition and making lifelong memories. Try one of our scavenger hunt tours on your next trip!

What is Couchsurfing?

Back in 2003, after Casey Fenton created his own ad hoc couch-surfing experience on a trip to Iceland, he founded Couchsurfing . It’s a global community for travelers that operates as a website and an iOS and Android app. It is designed to help connect travelers with hosts who are willing to open their homes to them.

Not only does Couchsurfing provide a great opportunity to save some cash when you’re on the road, but you can also make new friends, practice a language, and learn a lot about a new culture and destination by living within one of its communities, even if it’s just temporary.

For a lot of people, free accommodation is only part of the appeal. The real allure lies in getting to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture. Couchsurfing goes beyond being just a way to score free digs—it can be considered more of a social network for travelers.

Is Couchsurfing safe?

Yes. Couchsurfing is safe as long as you follow the same safety precautions that you would in everyday life. As you would find when booking a hotel, hosts on Couchsurfing generally have reviews, and you can see what other travelers have said about staying with them.

If you’re a solo female traveler, pay close attention to what other women have said about their experiences when staying with male hosts. Listen to your gut when it’s trying to tell you something, and never take unnecessary risks, even if it means saving money. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

How much does it cost to join Couchsurfing?

After paying an initial annual membership fee, Couchsurfing is completely free. Yep, you read that right. By using Couchsurfing, you can score free accommodations all over the world. Despite what the name suggests, it isn’t just couches. You might be staying in your own wing of a mansion in Oman or spare rooms in places as diverse as Kazakhstan, France, and Ethiopia.

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is above the age of 18 can sign up for Couchsurfing.

The Pros and Cons of Couchsurfing

As with everything, there are a few pros and cons to think about when you’re considering using the service.

The biggest advantages of using Couchsurfing include saving money and increasing your cultural interaction. You can start friendships that will last decades. If your host has quite a busy social life, you may even be able to meet some of their friends or go out with them to their favorite bars and restaurants.

Since you’re staying in someone’s home, it’s less likely to be in the middle of a city center than a hostel or hotel. This may mean that you’ll spend more time (and money!) going back and forth than you would if you had stayed somewhere closer to the tourist hotspots. While it may not seem like a big deal with you’re arranging your accommodation, it can get very tedious if you’re only staying in a destination for a night or two.

It’s also important to keep in mind that you’ll probably have to work around another person’s schedule. I have stayed in places where the host doesn’t give a spare key so you have to leave when they do and come back when they do.

How do you get started on Couchsurfing?

Step #1: set up an account..

To begin to contact hosts, you’ll need to purchase an annual membership (they call it a “contribution”). This varies by country and you can find the current contribution amount when you sign up.

Step #2: Create an awesome Couchsurfing profile.

While you’re completing your membership, you’ll be asked to set up a profile. Here, you can describe yourself, talk about your travel experiences, post photos, etc. Make sure to take your time doing this as it will be one of the first things that a host sees when they are deciding whether or not they would like to have you as a guest. Think of it almost like a Couchsurfing resume.

Remember that this is the time for you to tell your story. This can include things like your motivation for traveling to different countries, why you’re interested in Couchsurfing, and so on. You should also mention if you’re in the middle of a long trip or a gap year, your existing travel experience, or anything else that could be interesting to a potential host.

Try to show as much of your personality as possible while you’re writing. Make jokes, add quotes, and talk about any hobbies that you may have. You never know what is going to spark someone’s interest and this is your time to shine!

Step #3: Search for Couchsurfing hosts.

One of the first things that you should do is check to see what potential hosts are available in the destinations you plan on visiting.

To make it easy to find hosts, you can search by destination. You can then filter by accommodation type (shared surface, shared room, private room), host type, availability, reviews, last-minute availability, etc. This makes it easy for you to check if there is anything that interests you or fits within your travel schedule.

When you’re searching for a place to stay, make sure to read the host profile carefully. You can see where they have traveled, what languages they speak (English, Spanish, Portuguese, etc), and their likes and dislikes as well as where they have personally stayed as a Couchsurfer. This is a great way to find someone that not only vibes with you but also represents the Couchsurfing culture!

Step #4: Message Couchsurfing hosts.

Once you have set up your profile and found a few hosts that you would like to stay with, you can send a message to the host showing that you’re interested. Just like with a cover letter on a job application, make sure to personalize it as much as possible to show why you’re interested in staying with this particular host. Do you share common interests? Have you been to some of the same places?

If the accommodation is unique, in a great location where space is generally quite limited (New York, London, Hong Kong), or is just famous for being a really good host, you may find yourself competing with a lot of other applicants so use this as an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

You’ll get notifications if a host has responded to a query so make sure that these are turned on on your phone. My first time as a Couchsurfer host, I set up a profile and then forgot to turn on my notifications. I felt terrible when I saw that I had received numerous requests for accommodation.

Step #5: Confirm your Couchsurfing adventure.

Yah! Congrats on getting accepted by a Couchsurfing host. Now, it’s time to confirm your Couchsurfing. Make sure that you can stay with the host before you commit. They may be changing their schedule around to accommodate you and going out of their way to help you so make sure you’re respectful of this.

Step #6: Have a great time!

Now that you have your Couchsurfing host all lined up, it’s time for the fun to begin. Keep in mind that the Couchsurfing hosts are opening their homes and their lives to you and that cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of Couchsurfing. When you go, you may want to consider bringing your host a small gift from your state or country as a special thank you or you can even try cooking them a meal that you love.

Step #7: Leave a Couchsurfing review.

Once your Couchsurfing is finished, remember to leave a review. This should be done whether you have had a wonderful experience or a bad experience as it helps future Couchsurfing volunteers know the good, the bad, and the ugly about a particular host. Make sure to be fair and honest in your review as this will be the most useful in the future. If you had a bad experience, make sure to be respectful as well and write only what you think will be helpful for future guests.

Also, make sure you tell everyone you know about all the great Couchsurfing experiences that you have had. The more people who see active in the Couchsurfing network, the better it is for everyone!

Tips and Tricks for Couchsurfing Success

Below are a few tricks for creating the best Couchsurfing experience as well as some travel tips that will help make any journey more enjoyable

1. Try to connect with your host.

While it may seem like the biggest advantage is a free place to stay, one of the best parts about doing a Couchsurfing project is meeting new people from all over the world. What you get out of the experience generally matches what you put into it! This means treating the experience beyond just having a place to stay. Many Couchsurfing hosts are eager to learn more about you and show you what their daily lives are like. Lean into this! This is a great opportunity that you don’t get to have every day.

2. Go to each destination with an open mind.

Whenever you go to another country or culture, you may find things to be very different than you’re used to, and it may be hard to adjust. However, it’s important that you go into Couchsurfing with an open mind. Rather than complaining about things that you don’t like, think about how and why they are different from what’s “normal” in your own country. Remember, you’re entering someone’s home, and criticizing any part of it can be considered extremely rude.

It’s extremely that things will encounter new things and this is all part of the beauty of traveling. If you go into any destination with a positive mindset and an eagerness to adjust, you may be surprised at how quickly you can not only get used to but learn to love new things!

3. Try to maintain a “logical” travel itinerary.

When you first log onto Couchsurfing, you may get a little excited and start sending messages to hosts all around the world. However, before you get carried away, make sure to take a moment to ensure that your travel plans make sense. Couchsurfing is a wonderful way to meet people but it may not be worth it if you have to backtrack to help fit within a host’s schedule or if you end up spending a lot of money on transportation. This can eat into the money that you save by not booking a hostel in your next destination very, very quickly and waste a lot of precious travel time.

4. Learn as much as you can.

While you’re Couchsurfing, try to learn as much as you can about the community that you’re living in and the people that you’re with. You could learn some new words or phrases, try cooking with interesting ingredients from the local market, or even attend some local Airbnb Experiences or Couchsurfing meet-ups where you can meet local hosts and surfers from around the world. If your host is active, you may even be able to join them for an art class!

5. Don’t be afraid to leave early.

Every once in a while, you may encounter a host that can be a bit creepy. If this is the case, don’t hesitate on leaving earlier than you originally requested. These alarm bells that you get are your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Get out of the situation as quickly as possible and find a safe place to stay. Luckily, this situation happens rarely but it’s always good to have a Plan B when you’re traveling.

6. Buy travel insurance.

Speaking of a Plan B, it’s important to make sure that you’re covered by travel insurance before you begin any overseas adventure.

This is very important for American travelers as your normal health insurance is unlikely to cover you when you’re overseas.

Couchsurfing is a great opportunity to save money when traveling so why not use those savings to buy a travel health insurance plan that protects you in case of any emergencies?

Some of the most popular travel insurance providers are World Nomads and Safety Wing. However, before you buy any policy, make sure to read through all the fine print so that you understand what’s covered by that particular policy.

7. Schedule an itinerary full of fun!

While spending time with your host is a great experience, it’s important to balance this out with some fun activities. (It may also weird your host out a bit if you come and sit inside all day!). Some of the activities can include visiting local museums, going to cooking classes, hiking along a nearby hiking trail, or watching the sunset from a great viewpoint.

You can even purchase tickets for exciting scavenger hunts . These hunts will have you scurrying through the streets as you visit the hot spots of cities worldwide and test your knowledge and skills of perception to try to tackle trivia. Earn points to top the leaderboard or just outwit your travel companions. Either way, you’ll have a fantastic time!

8. Pack lightly.

Whenever you travel, try to pack as lightly as possible. I can’t stress this enough. (If you need a few packing hacks, check out this list of Space-Saving Travel Tips for your Next Adventure.) While it’s tempting to want to pack a bunch of clothes or toiletries, having too much luggage can be a huge burden in the long run. Unless you want to find yourself trying to get rid of things further down the line, it’s a good idea to leave them home.

There are a few reasons against carrying a lot of stuff. First, jumping on and off different modes of transport with tons of bags gets tiresome quickly. Second, many hosts will have some type of laundry facility (otherwise, how do they wash their clothes?) so try to take advantage of that rather than dragging a lot of stuff around with you.

Last, and most important, having a lot of baggage can actually be dangerous

Carrying big backpacks and dragging suitcases around is hard on your body and they make it harder to get away from a dangerous situation. If you can’t pick up a bag and run with it, you probably need to carry less stuff with you.

Additional Resources

If you love the idea of Couchsurfing, you can also check out Workaway , WWOOF , and HelpX , which specialize in farm work, and Worldpackers . All of these are work exchange sites that have similar programs where they match travelers with volunteer opportunities around the world. BeWelcome is another new website that is very similar to Couchsurfing.

Disclaimer: while Couchsurfing was hugely popular before COVID, the company started charging a yearly membership fee in 2020 during the pandemic. This fee, combined with the fact that most people couldn’t travel, caused a significant drop in the Couchsurfing community. I used it many times before that and had wonderful experiences but have not used it since. You can read more about this change in traveler forums.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this guide has left you inspired to create a Couchsurfing account and get out on the road! As always, we would love to hear your feedback. If you need some more tips on saving money while on the road, don’t forget to check out this list of “ Budget Travel Hacks from a Full-Time Traveler ” or, if you’re looking at some new destinations that won’t break the bank, we’ve got suggestions for “ The Best Places to Travel on a Budget .”

Frequently Asked Questions

Couchsurfing is a social network that connects travelers with hosts around the world. Created by Casey Fenton in 2003, it offers money-saving accommodations and an immersive experience.

Getting started on Couchsurfing couldn’t be easier! You simply need to pay a small membership fee, create an account, and start messaging potential hosts.

If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for something fun to do while couch-surfing , why not try an app-guided scavenger hunt ? Each sightseeing adventure is unique, and there are hundreds of options !

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How to Travel with Couchsurfing

We’re on a mission to connect the world, one couch at a time. By building connections, we learn to respond to diversity with curiosity, appreciation, and respect – all while having a blast! Couchsurfing will change your perspective of the world and the way you view travel – but first you have to find a host. Ready to get started?

Fill Out Your Profile

You know you are awesome – help hosts see it too. Make your profile shine! If you are not sure if your profile is complete, take a look at experienced host or surfer’s profiles to see how they’ve filled theirs out. At a minimum, it’s great to have a few different photos that clearly show your face, and a good summary of who you are and what a host can expect when they meet you.

Tip: L ook at your profile and think “Would I feel comfortable and excited about inviting this person into my home?”

Ask Friends and Family for Personal References

The reference system is the backbone of the Couchsurfing community and help both hosts and surfers make informed decisions. A Personal Reference from friends or family vouching for you will make it easier to find a host.

Tip: Most people know at least one person who uses Couchsurfing – you can connect your account to Facebook to see who in your network has a Couchsurfing profile. If you don’t know anyone in your network who uses Couchsurfing, consider going to a local Couchsurfing event to make friends before your trip.

Search for Hosts

Search for hosts in your destination, and filter your results to meet your own criteria – through filters, you can find hosts that share specific interests with you, are pet-friendly, and more. Scroll through the list of hosts and select several hosts that you’d like to meet.

Tip: Use the date filter to only view hosts who are available during your stay.

Read Profiles

Now that you have a few hosts selected, learn more about them. Read their profiles and references thoroughly to get a good picture of who you want to meet. Couchsurfing isn’t about having a place to stay – it’s about creating connections and lifelong friendships. Find a host you can’t wait to meet!

Tip: It’s crucial to both your and your host’s safety to learn about each other before you meet. Be sure to read every reference and the information about your host’s home, in addition to their profile, before sending a Couch Request.

Send Couch Requests

Once you have a list of hosts you’d like to stay with, it’s time to ask them if you can stay! Write them a Couch Request, introducing yourself to them. It’s a good idea to include a little bit about yourself, about your trip, and most importantly – why you want to meet them. Keep in mind that non-Verified members are limited to 10 Introductions a week, so only send Couch Requests to members who are listed as available, and who you’d like to meet.

Tip: Always tell your host why you want to meet them! Mention specific sentences in their profile that interested you or that you’d like to learn more about.

Create a Public Trip

If you’d like to let hosts and other travelers know that you’ll be in the area, you can also create a Public Trip. Hosts can read about yourself and send you Couch Offers, and you can connect with other travelers to explore with.

Tip: Create a Public Trip even if you already have a host! It’s a great way to let people know you are in the area, and to find people to explore with. Just be clear in your Public Trip that you do not need a host.

Meet Locals and Other Travelers: Hangouts and Couchsurfing Events

Enrich your Couchsurfing experience even more by immersing yourself into the community. Check out the local Couchsurfing Events and use Couchsurfing Hangouts to meet up with both locals and travelers. If you’re traveling alone, Hangouts is particularly useful to find other people to explore the area with.

Tip: Most major cities (and even a lot of smaller towns!) have weekly Couchsurfing meetups where the local community and other travelers get together to swap travel stories and learn about each other. You can find these meetups by searching for Events in your destination.

Most Couchsurfing experiences are not only positive, but downright life-changing. Many Couchsurfing guests become lifelong friends with their hosts. There’s no better way to travel than with a local by your side – we know you’ll have a great time!

Traveling is so much more fun when you're enjoying it with complete strangers turned new friends. ??????????☀ #miami #wynwood #artdistrict #newfriends #couchsurfing #friends #amigos A post shared by @bonneaventureblog on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:15pm PST

Couchsurfing Travel App 17+

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You have friends around the world, you just haven’t met them yet. Couchsurfing is the best way to stay with amazing locals, make lifelong travel friends, or host travelers coming to your hometown. Over 12 million travel enthusiasts use Couchsurfing in more than 230,000 cities around the world. Use the Couchsurfing app to plan and manage your trip itinerary. Find hosts in your next destination • Browse the millions of local hosts offering a place to stay in thousands of cities and towns • Stay with and meet locals and have an authentic travel experience • Explore accommodations options near where you are right now, or near your future destination Make New Friends • Discover thousands of fun events planned by other Couchsurfers in your hometown or in your next travel destination • Use Couchsurfing Hangouts to show you who’s nearby your current location and available to meet up right now Meet Travellers Without Traveling • Host or meet up with incoming travellers coming to your city • Can’t travel right now? Let new cultures and friends come to you And More • Easily create and manage a Couchsurfing profile • Manage your incoming or outgoing requests, messages, and more • Add pictures to document your travel adventures • See which of your Facebook friends also have a Couchsurfing account

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Hey Couchsurfers! In this release, you'll find a few bug fixes and usability improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

8.3K Ratings

Life changing App

This has been by far the best App I have downloaded. It has enhanced my life and taught me things about the world and life itself. The people I meet seem to have very little expectations of a host and their travels other than experiencing someone and something new. I can’t tell you how refreshing that is or how it has helped me shift my consciousness to be grateful and just be in the moment. I’ve learned a lot from my guests and am just so thankful for all the experiences I have been lucky to share. I also love that I’ve been able to expose my children to a world and perspective outside of our own. The ONLY downside (and I caution all single women who host or travel) is hosting single men for safety reasons and or just plain overt sexual attempts. Please read reviews of single male guests and make sure they have at least 5. I had a couple of very uncomfortable experiences and now know to only accept men with at least 5 reviews. Other than that this App is amazing and my life is better for it.

They took money from me only to suspend my account for other people’s behavior

We need a better alternative. I was forced to pay $3 every month to be able to use the application but that’s not the main problem. I largely enjoyed using the application because I met many people from all over the world who I have become friends with and had good experiences with. But the administrators of the application have a very poor management style. I once hosted a guy at my house who ended up causing many problems, including stealing my keys. I made sure to complain to the CS team about this, and provided videos. All they did was suspend his account for a week. There were also multiple instances of people using the application to sexually harass people including myself. The application allows anyone to block you for any reason and with no follow-up. That’s not what’s problematic. What’s problematic is that after taking your money, the team suspends your account if “too many people” block you. There are people with multiple accounts who have blocked me because they either wanted to cause trouble at my house or sexually harass me. It’s common for people to abuse the block function. But the CS team refused to investigate these blocks and just suspended my account with no details. I have invested in my account and built up over the years, and it’s sad to see how one can get victimized like that.

Verification scam $$

I’ve used the app 3 years ago and on my recent travel I decided to download it again. I was updating my profile & was prompted that I would have a higher chance of getting approved if I verified my account. They asked for a credit card to verify my account but did not indicate that a charge was to be made or how entering my cc details would result in a $60 charge! I entered my cc details thinking that it was just to verify that I am who I say I am regarding my name etc. Returning home from my holiday I received an email stating that I have been charged $60!!! I emailed their customer support stating my situation - I was unaware of the charge, amount, & ultimately being mislead. Jenny a customer service agent said they do not refund outside of the 7 day window (mind you I was only 2 days outside of the 7 day window) and asked for them to make an exception and she insisted that a refund cannot be processed. Very upsetting considering that I didn’t end up using the app. Terrible customer service! Absolutely Money hungry! *UPDATE* - stop responding to reviews advising them to contact customer service when you know very well your customer service agents will refuse to help out especially regarding any sort of refund. If you actually read my review you would see that I WANT A REFUND! & if you were genuine with helping me out you would provide a specific email and a claim number to ensure that I indeed get my refund!!

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We’re very sorry that our account set-up process was unclear—please contact our Support team at [email protected] so that we can help to resolve any issues with memberships and/or payments you are having. Thank you!

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The developer, CouchSurfing International Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Couchsurfing Review: Is it Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Couchsurfing is kind of like Airbnb, but accommodations are free, and there’s an emphasis on making connections and engaging with locals. Over the past 3 years, I’ve couchsurfed 5 times — all in France, and all as a solo female traveler. I had a lot of questions going into my first Couchsurfing stay, so I wanted to share my experience and go over some of the commonly-asked questions in this post. I’ll also include some advice, including Couchsurfing profile tips, best ways to stay safe, and how to make a good Couchsurfing request.

Note: Since May 2020, Couchsurfing is no longer free in many countries, and costs around $15/year.

Table of Contents

How Does Couchsurfing Work?

Couchsurfing is a platform where you can find local hosts while you’re traveling. There is no exchange of money in the process — your stay is totally free. It’s not for high-maintenance travelers though. Couchsurfing usually means exactly what it sounds like: sleeping on a couch (some hosts do offer private rooms, but it varies).

It’s important to note that Couchsurfing shouldn’t be viewed as just free accommodation (this is hosts’ common pet peeve). The point of the site is to foster engagement between locals and travelers. You should expect to spend some time with your host and get to know them — they may even give you a tour of the city, or even take you sightseeing elsewhere.

Once you make an account and fill out your profile, you can search for hosts in a specific city. You can filter by a lot of different preferences, like “no smoking” or “have references,” and you can set a radius for geographical location. You can even search for people who speak specific languages and have similar interests.

You’ll get a list of host profiles, usually ordered based on how active they are on Couchsurfing, and how quickly they respond to requests. From there, you can read more about their interests, see what kind of accommodation they can offer (under the “My Home” tab), and look at their references.

On the profile page, you can send a request to stay, where you’ll want to show that you’ve read their profile and resonate with their interests. You have up to 10 different requests in one week on the free version of the site. Unlike Airbnb, there’s no time limit for the hosts to respond on Couchsurfing. You’ll likely need to send out multiple requests to get something worked out.

Is Couchsurfing free?

Couchsurfing itself is free—hosts are not allowed to ask for payment in exchange for your stay. Some might ask for a small fee if you need to do laundry, but this has never happened to me.

There is a “premium” version of the Couchsurfing site though, which costs $60 for a lifetime membership. You basically get your identity verified, and you’ll get a green verification check next to your name. You’ll also get unlimited messaging/couch requests, and gain access to Couchsurfing support. Some members are also more likely to accept requests from verified surfers than unverified surfers.

I personally didn’t pay for verification and have still been able to find hosts, but I’m not able to comment on whether I’d be able to find hosts more easily with verification.

Is Couchsurfing Safe?

A major concern is that Couchsurfing is just for creeps and hookups. Let me be frank: there is definitely a subculture for that. I remember reading one host’s profile in Geneva, and he straight-up said something like “I have had sex with my couchsurfers before. Couchsurfing is about making human connections and getting to know people, and sex is one of the most intimate ways to know people. I will be a gentleman and won’t hit on you, but I am open to this happening.” I thought it was hilarious, and I was glad that he was at least upfront about it (it was even funnier because he had a ton of great references from past surfers).

If that’s not what you’re looking for though, don’t fret. The majority of Couchsurfing members are there for cultural exchange and to meet new people. As a solo female traveler, I actually stayed with 4 men out of the 5 Couchsurfing experiences I had, and I never felt creeped out or unsafe. The key is to just look for people will many good reviews, and to be upfront about what you’re looking for if anyone starts to give you weird vibes.

If you prefer to stay with women, you can filter by gender, but know that Couchsurfing hosts are primarily men. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, you might also try the Facebook group Host a Sister , which is basically a Couchsurfing FB forum for women.

STORYTIME: My Creepy Couchsurfing Meetup Experience

So before I dive into other commonly-asked questions, I want to share a story about the importance of Couchsurfing reviews and exercising good judgement. I said that I’ve never had a creepy Couchsurfing host before, which is true. But I have had a creepy Couchsurfing meetup before.

Basically, there are Couchsurfing events/meetups in some cities. I went to one in Strasbourg when I was studying abroad as a college junior. It was my first time traveling solo, and I was really excited to make new friends. The event was at a bar, and it was really casual—basically just a venue to chat with new people.

After the event, someone I’d met messaged me on Couchsurfing, saying that he really enjoyed talking with me and that he’d love to meet up in the city if I was free. I didn’t think much of it (mistake #1) and was excited that someone wanted to be friends! We arranged a hangout even though I knew very little about him, and his Couchsurfing profile had no reviews (mistake #2!).

We did some sightseeing throughout the day, going to a palace/museum, walking around the old town, and having a snack at a cafe. He was totally normal the whole day, and not flirty or touchy-feely at all. As the evening fell, we were talking about how I liked sweet white wines, and he said that I’d really like Gewürztraminer, an Alsatian specialty.

“We should go grab a bottle at the store and have some at my place,” he suggested.

Alarm bells should’ve been ringing at this point, but keep in mind that this guy was normal all day. I was naive and was like, “Oh wow, this guy is so friendly and really wants to be friends!” (mistake #3!!!). I also wanted to keep practicing my French with him (since he was a native speaker), so I agreed to go with him.

We got to the apartment, and started having wine on the couch—which wasn’t even the right kind, as it was red wine (more alarms!). It was then that he started being really creepy, putting his arm around my shoulder, and rubbing my back. I moved further away and faced him to make it harder for him to do that, but he didn’t get the message.

At one point, he tried pulling me in for a kiss. I shot straight up and declared, “Well, it’s getting late and I have an early train. I really should go!” And I bolted out the door.

It was 5 p.m.

I felt a little bad later on, as maybe I’d led him on without realizing it. He messaged me first though, and apologized and said he didn’t want to be a jerk. I accepted the apology. He followed up with more creepiness though, and said he wished I’d want to SPEND THE NIGHT (so I just ran away, and you try to shoot your shot again?!). I blocked him on everything and never spoke to him again.

I messaged a friend about this experience later, and he quipped: “When you go to England, make sure you don’t go home with any British man offering this ‘really good tea that you just have to try,’ even if you want to practice your English.”

Duly noted. Moral of the story: be smarter than 20-year-old Lily and be more cautious! Look for those Couchsurfing reviews, and keep your hangouts in public spaces.

More Couchsurfing FAQs

What does it mean if my male host “prefers to host” women.

So on the topic of safety, you might notice that some male hosts say they prefer to host women in their profiles. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re creeps—I had a really great host once who explained that he prefers women since they tend to be cleaner and more respectful than men (maybe a stereotype but probably mostly true haha). Again, check the host’s reviews if you’re especially concerned though.

What Accommodations Can I Expect When Couchsurfing?

Moving on to the more logistical aspects. Like I said earlier, Couchsurfing is not for high-maintenance travelers who prefer their privacy. You’re often in sleeping in a common space, on the couch. You can, however, filter for “private rooms” in your search, and I’ve actually stayed in 2 private rooms of my 5 stays (one was also a bed in a closed living room, so it was almost private).

To check what each individual host offers, read the “My Home” section in their profile. You should also note whether they’re willing to host multiple surfers at the same time, as you may even have to share a common space with more people.

During your stay, you should be able to use the bathroom and shower (I would hope so at least). If you need to do laundry, ask the host before your arrival if they have a machine you can use.

Some hosts may offer you food, but you shouldn’t expect this. If you share common food tastes or you enjoy cooking, it can be a nice gesture to actually cook a meal for your host.

How Far In Advance Should You Send a Couchsurfing Request?

Couchsurfing doesn’t operate on the same schedule as Airbnb, where you can request well in advance of your stay. On Couchsurfing, most hosts prefer to get requests around 2 weeks before, at least in my experience. You could begin looking up to one month early, and try your luck then, but many people might say that they can’t plan that far in advance. It really depends on the host though, and some might also say that they want requests at least a month early. It’s less common, but it does happen.

Should You Bring Your Couchsurfing Host a Gift?

You can bring your host a small present if you want. I’ve previously brought mine tea, or cooked a meal/dish for them. It’s not expected, but it’s a nice way to show your appreciation. If you want another way to give back, you can also pay for their meal if you eat out together. (Again, this isn’t expected though, and shouldn’t be expected).

My Couchsurfing Experiences

(what i like about it + why i don’t surf much anymore).

I’ve stayed in these cities in France through Couchsurfing, and had these experiences because of it:

Lyon: My host took me on a walk around the city, and we cooked a couple meals together. I’ve actually met up with him 2 times since and am still in touch with him. He even helped me find contacts in Morocco for a fellowship I was applying for my senior year.

Bayonne: I had coffee and lunch with my host and his friend. I also cooked a meal with him, and played some violin for him. He also tried to teach me bodysurfing, but I didn’t succeed haha.

Tours: My host took me on a tour of the castles in the Lorraine Valley, and also drove me to a couple wineries that had sweet white wines. He basically planned out an entire multi-day itinerary.

Dinard: I was able to go to the Mont Saint-Michel (one of the most-visited monuments in France), thanks to my host. He also drove me to some small, scenic towns in Brittany, and tried to teach me how to pronounce “Bordeaux” correctly in the car. We had a lot of fun together, and we also ate all our meals together (mostly at home). I stayed in touch with him for a couple years after, and even skyped him once.

Mulhouse: My host and I went to the Christmas market together, and went to a comedy show in Colmar. She also shared amazing vegan food she’d cooked with me, and I shared one of my dishes with her.

Pros of Couchsurfing / Why I like it

It tends to be a fuller travel experience as your hosts often spend time with you, and even take you places you otherwise might have not been able to go.
You might make long-term friends. Some people are still in contact with their hosts, even years later. It’s pretty cool to have friends across the globe.
You save money—while this shouldn’t be your only motivation, you can’t deny that this is a perk of the platform. It makes traveling more accessible to those with less money.

Cons of Couchsurfing / Why I don’t surf that much anymore

It can take many requests to get something that works out. Part of the reason I’ve only surfed in France is that I didn’t find a host in other countries (Switzerland, Scotland, US). Many times, I’ve tried to find a host and ended up booking an Airbnb.
Lack of privacy—this is the main reason I don’t surf that much anymore. I prefer to have my own room, and sometimes just to be alone when I travel (this sounds so antisocial, but it’s true lol).

Tips for First-Time Couchsurfers

1. fill out your profile.

You don’t have to write a novel, but you should at least fill out your profile completely, and add 2-3 photos. Here’s my profile for reference.

2. Get your friends to leave personal reviews

If you’re totally new to Couchsurfing, one way to show potential hosts you’re not a creep or murderer is to get positive personal reviews. Couchsurfing has a space for hosts and guests to leave references, but also for people who haven’t hosted or surfed with you (i.e. people who know you in real life already). Ask 2-3 friends on Couchsurfing to write a review for you. I’m happy to write one for you if I know you personally!

3. Look for hosts with 10+ good reviews

For safety purposes, look for hosts with a good number of positive reviews. I try to aim for at least 10. Anyone can be nice for just a few surfers, so the more good references, the more assured you can be that this person is actually nice. Also: look for reviews even if you’re just meeting up! This was the mistake I made in my creepy meetup.

4. Write a personal introduction/couch request (and send multiple!)

Show that you’ve read their profile in your request and that you have a common interest. Be sure to read everything carefully and completely—some hosts may even write at the bottom of their profile to include a specific phrase in your request.

Here’s an example of one of my successful couch requests, which you can use as a template (translated from French). Remember that there’s no time limit for hosts to respond to your request, so I’d send out at least 3 requests in one go to different hosts (each message tailored to each host).

Hi [name of host]!

I’m an American student who spent a semester in Bordeaux last year. I’m currently studying in England, but I’m always looking for a reason to come back to France (I’m in love with the language and culture). I’ll have a week without classes, so I’d like to visit Brittany for 3 days–everyone says that the landscapes are beautiful out there.

I see that you also like vegetarian food–if you like, I can share some recipes with you. I love making vegan muffins and pancakes, and I’d be happy to make some for you while I’m there!

Unfortunately, I’ll have to study a little during my stay, but I’ll do everything I can before I leave so I can actually enjoy my trip. It’ll probably be the last time I visit France before I return to the US.

I hope you have a good weekend, and I hope to see you soon!

5. Avoid the public trip feature

You may notice a feature on Couchsurfing where you can share your trip publicly, so that potential hosts can reach out to you (instead of you reaching out to them). I would personally recommend against using this. Most of the good hosts get plenty of requests and won’t be looking for potential guests, as all the surfers are already coming to them. I’ve used the feature before to try to find people to meet up with before my stay (there’s also a meetup feature for during your visit), but I ended up getting a lot of people who wanted to give me a place to stay—even though I explicitly said I didn’t need one.

6. Leave a detailed review!

Travelers base their host options on good/bad reviews. It’s only polite to leave a review if someone welcomes you into their home. The more detail you can provide, the better for the host and their future guests

Overall, I’d say I’ve had a largely-positive experience with Couchsurfing. You of course need to be careful and choose your hosts wisely, but it can be perfectly safe for even solo female travelers (like me!). If you want more straightforward and streamlined accommodation, I’d look elsewhere though; it can take some effort to find a host, and you’ll likely just be crashing on a couch. Couchsurfing is about meeting locals and just having a place to rest, and is certainly not a free hotel.

I hope you found this Couchsurfing review helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

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16 Comments

I love Couchsurfing! I actually started dating one of my hosts. We kept in touch after my stay and met again in a different city. We’ve been together for almost 5 years now 🙂 I share all your tips. As long as you’re careful, you’re bound to have an amazing experience!

That’s such an amazing story! It’s really lovely to hear that you have been together for so long – hope you adventure together for many more years 🙂

This was so helpful! I’ve never tried couchsurfing itself but I’ve had some bad meet up experiences through it which put me off. Even though you had a bad experience with that side of it, it seems like there’s more nice people on the host side of it. I’m a bit too antisocial, but it’s good to know!

Sorry to hear you also have had bad meetups! I think the meetups tend to be a lot creepier for some reason…And I totally understand the “antisocial” thing haha–it’s the reason I don’t surf much anymore. I like my privacy!

Thanks so much for the advice Lily! I tried couchsurfing in South Africa once, but I kind of chickened out at the last minute. Being based in Europe, I feel like it’s super difficult to find a decent host as a newbie! I’m glad you’ve had good experiences (the meet-up not included). I should definitely try it again soon!

Thanks for reading, Ella 🙂 It is hard to find a host a lot of times, especially if you have no reviews – would definitely recommend getting some personal contacts on Couchsurfing to leave you a personal review so that hosts are more likely to accept your request!

I have always wondered if couchsurfing was safe and you covered so much! OMG to your meet up story! I’ve always wanted to try it and I feel way more comfortable now =)

I’m glad it was helpful! Couchsurfing is more work and you do have less privacy, but it’s a great way to meet locals and truly experience a place!

Glad to hear it! I hope you have a great Couchsurfing experiences 🙂

That’s such an amazing story! It’s really lovely to hear that you have been together for so long – hope you adventure together for many more years 🙂

I love Couchsurfing! I actually started dating one of my hosts. We kept in touch after my stay and met again in a different city. We’ve been together for almost 5 years now 🙂

I share all your tips. As long as you’re careful, you’re bound to have an amazing experience!

Thanks for writing this! I found this on Shut Up and Go

I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment, Kriss!

Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future 🙂

Glad you found it helpful! 🙂

Couchsurfing is good only in theory. I really like the its idea. In practice, I couldn’t host anyone, despite it is for free. As always there’s a human factor. So called, surfers promise to meet up or to be hosted, then they cancel their requests without explanation, and there is literally no rules or restrictions for them to do that. They promise to meet then they disappear. So, they do what they want, and Couchsurfing host reservation system does allow to request another host when an original request is already confirmed. When there are no rules – there’s anarchy. That’s how Couchsurfing works, there’s too much freedom for travelers there, they have big choice of local hosts asking them to be shown around and be hosted. That’s why they completely don’t worry about their responsibilities and promises. They literally don’t care. The only thing that a host can do is to leave a negative feedback. That’s not sufficient. There should be a system with penalties for the travelers who don’t follow the rules. For example, they sent a request to the local host, if it was approved, they should stick to it. They also must follow the time/date agreements with their hosts as well as the meeting point where they agreed to meet up. All this information must be specified on the CS website, so that if there are any issues, the host can prove that it was the surfer’s promise and initiative to be met at this specific place at this particular time. In my opinion, all those processes, like hosting, meeting up should be present and strictly regulated on the CS website. Otherwise, it doesn’t work at all.

What is Couchsurfing?

Want to travel the world but have limited budget for accommodation?

Join Couchsurfing, and you get to stay anywhere in the world for free! Of course, it’s not just the free accommodation which makes it attractive; it’s also the opportunity to interact with locals in their own milieu.

First, though, what is Couchsurfing? Simply speaking, it is an online community of travelers whose motto is to “Participate in Creating a Better World, One Couch at a Time.”

The concept is that anyone can stay in any members’ place for free; as long as that member indicates in his profile that he can host. Other options include “Meet for Coffee or a Drink” which means that he cannot host but he can meet someone and maybe show him around, and “Traveling” which means that he is not available to either host or meet up.

This is the couch of my host Noah (from the US) in Saigon, Vietnam.

A member who is planning to go to another country sends a request to a potential host. When accepted, they then agree on when and where to meet-up when the traveler arrives in the country. The space allotted to surfers (the one who’s requesting) is called a “couch,” which can refer to any sleeping area, from a mattress on the floor, to a real couch, or even a whole bedroom with a king-sized bed.

I first learned about CS from an article in the Reader’s Digest sometime in 2006. The idea intrigued me but full of anxieties about hosting someone I didn’t know, it wasn’t until 2007 that I signed up and began hosting people.

Since 2008, I have been hosted a number of times—all over Asia and Europe, and even in the Philippines—and I have slept in all kinds of beds, from huge four-poster type of beds, to just a mat on the floor.

All my hosts have been extremely friendly and accommodating. My first host in Shanghai, John from Edinburgh, met me a few minutes before he went to work, gave me the keys to the house, and left. My friend and I had the whole house (and his Persian cat, Harry) all to ourselves.

My host John (from Scotland) in Shanghai, China (2008).

Again, what makes CS all the more memorable is not just the free accommodation (although it is a HUGE savings for a budget traveler like me), but more importantly, the opportunity to chat and interact with the locals in the area.

When I was in Indonesia, for example, I had been hosted by two of the warmest, sweetest, and kindest people I have ever met—Zuky and Fivi. We had spent hours talking, and I deeply regretted not being able to spend time with them longer. Without CS, I wouldn’t have had a chance to meet these lovely people.

One drawback is that after establishing bonds with your hosts or surfers, the time eventually comes when you (or they) have to leave, and sometimes it can be quite painful. I had gotten along very well with my first surfer, Jacob (from the U.S.). After three days, when he was scheduled to leave, he wanted to cancel his trip to stay longer. I had felt the same when I was with Zuky and Fivi in Indonesia.

My host Fivi and me in her couch in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2010).

What about safety? Living solo as I am, my friends have always been concerned about the security of my hosting strangers in my home. While it is a real issue, CS does have some safety features, including references in the profile (feedback given by CS friends, hosts and surfers), a verification system (identity and physical location are confirmed by CS), friend links (where you can see the type of friendship, from being an acquaintance to a close friend), and a quick and responsive CS team which addresses reports of abuse seriously and quickly.

I also take some precautions whenever I decide to accept surfers. Here are some of the tips I follow:

I review the member’s profile very carefully. I make sure that he has been a member for some time and did not just join up to contact me.
He should have positive feedback, not only from people he met during CS meet-ups, but more importantly, from his previous surfers and hosts as well.
He must have been vouched for by other CS members.
Unlike other CS members, I don’t give my surfers a set of keys to my house, and when I go out, they go with me. I don’t leave them behind (although this is more about hospitality and less of a security measure).

Do I recommend CS? Absolutely. It is the true measure of your faith that despite everything, it’s still a wonderful world.

Update (January 2012): I’ll be using Couchsurfing a lot in my 70-day solo backpacking trip to Europe next month. Thanks in advance to my CS hosts! Without you, this trip wouldn’t be possible, as I’m not rich and would need all the assistance I can get to make this dream come true.

What about you? Are you willing to try surfing abroad or hosting a traveler in your home?

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Hi i have a question…paano ba iexplain sa immigration about couchsurfing?

After reading your blog and watching some documentaries (Reel Time news TV) about Coach surfing. I am extremely interested. I tried to join the Coach surfing community and i badly need your help to get through the registration process. I need to get one reference, I have to ask people to write up a reference for me. And i couldn’t think of anyone to do that for me but you. PLEASE!! 🙁

I have been traveling solo too. You’re blog is very interesting and informative. Love it. I love to write and share too. For couchsurfing. I love to sign up for it. Do you need to have a travel blog for it for reference? I will be in Iloilo by October and I was looking for places to see there when the word couchsurfing is almost everywhere in your blog.

Thank you for introducing CS! i just signed up.. into believing that this would be my first step in preparing to travel solo.. hope to learn more from your bloggggss 🙂

@ Jardness: Am going to India tomorrow, and yeah, I will be using CS a lot there, too!

Just used CS last year. My first host was in Yogyakarta.. and then my second host in India. Am now officially addicted to couchsurfing. hehe

@ Reiza: I’m so excited for your first CS experience! Don’t forget to come back and let us know what it will be like for you 🙂

This post has confirmed my desire to Couchsurf. Thanks, Aleah. As this will be my first time, I’m sure I will have memorable experiences.

I’ll let you know how it goes. 🙂

Thank you so much Aleah. This is one great tips and advice. Will do it 🙂

@ Lagalag: Most hosts especially here in Europe will not accept someone who has no experience hosting or being hosted. I suggest you build up your profile months before your intended long trip. That said, people in Asia are more accepting of newbie members. “Traveling” only means that you are *currently* traveling and cannot host or show people around in your home town. If you don’t want to host at all, but you are not traveling, just choose “Not right now.” You don’t have to meet up if you don’t want to 🙂

Hi, Aleah, one question: Can I be hosted even if I indicate on my profile that I am “Travelling” which means I don’t host and meet up? Thank you so much for your reply.

@ Mark: Go, go, go! Unfortunately, John is not in Shanghai anymore. But there are a number of CSers there. I’m sure you’ll have a grand time!

Thank you for introducing me to this concept Aleah! This will indeed be my next project! What I like most about Couchsurfing is the chance to “LIVE LIKE A LOCAL” and to network with wanderlust folks just like us!

OMG! OMG! Is there a CS member living in Li Jiang, China? When I attended classes in Fudan University in Shanghai, I won in a singing contest and the prize is trip to Snow Mountain, Shangri-La Mountain and Li Jiang Province!

The meet up point is at Shanghai. I will definitely have to meet your Scottish host!

@ Eric: I meant Edinburgh! Waaah! Thanks for the catch! Better late than never haha

Dublin is not in Scotland dear, its in Ireland. 🙂

Hi there… this is the first time I heard about CS and “hosting”…. Very interesting pero natatakot ako ng konti…hehehe.. I can’t imagine people (stranger) will let me in there houses or me, meeting them for the first time and actually stay in their place… 🙂 Nice read… I learned a lot. 🙂

Oooooh! Finally, I saw this na! Will check on this and review. Who knows, I might be able to enjoy this too! haha! Thanks!!! it was really nice meeting you and I told you, I am happy for you. haha!

Yup, it’s a great idea but I also agree that there is some risk involved. So, just be careful and have fun.

The idea of CS is great coz it allows you to travel to a lot of places where you can save for accommodation. But I’m still not comfortable of being with somebody that’s totally a stranger. Safety still is an issue for me.

CS ngayon ko lang to nabasa. very nice idea. sana mabasa to ng DOT. a concept to build upon lalo na ibang tourism destinations natin kulang accomodation facilities

Wow! This is really really practical! Thank you for the recommendation and I’ll certainly join this once I have a place of my own. I really want to travel!

This is a good way of saving some money while travelling and to find new friends. God bless. 🙂

This is interesting. Something that seems to be a good option for people who loves traveling and to get to know people more. You share the same interests but you get to know the culture than just being a normal tourist. I appreciate you sharing this. I might share this to my friends who travel a lot.

couch surfing at the sea would be great too, an inflatable couch with you on top wee..

I CS in Polomolok South Cotabato and Puerto Princesa Palawan. We develop a bond of friendship and we exchange text messages every now and then.

You are so lucky, Europe is very expensive and you’ll save a lot please tell us about your CS in Europe when you come back! Enjoy!

CS have done a great endeavor, kudos t the community

this is the second time i’ve encountered couchsurfing… this is really quite cool and saves you a lot (the place and for a tourist guide). it was explain it is safe, but still be cautious to your host and to the couchsurfer as well… Yahweh bless. http://trunklocker.blogspot.com/2012/01/viva-senior-santo-nino.html

CS is a very nice option to budget travelling.. I’ve heard of this for quite sometime in PTB Think I’ll try to join with this. 🙂

When I first heard couchsurfing, I thought it’s a virtual couch where you can stay. I never thought couch surfing is a real-life experience.

This is quite exciting but pretty scary too. I just cant imagine myself sleeping in a total stranger’s house and not think about something bad. Well, anyways, it takes guts and passion for travelling to be able to pull this couchsurfing off. I admire and envy you for having all these opportunities. Hope you’ll be able to travel the world. 🙂

“Couchsurfing” is an online community of travelers who select a host for him/her to stay to h is/her house for free. This is quite weird for me for we don’t know the culture, the habit or social practices of others. It is good as mentioned here to view first the profile of every member thoroughly, for you might be a victim of rape, murder or whatever. This is a unique program or project for people to fellowship their fellow.

I didnt know about CS until I met a fellow travel blogger who introduced it to me. I was in fact hesitant about this project because of questions of trust since we have been hosting people sleeping in our house for sometime until we have learned that they are “wanted” by law trying to seek hide out in our house. I referred to my parents what can they say about this program and they warned for it hahaha.

Without their knowledge, I am really gonna try this but first, will try to surf to nearby provinces then probably will do what you are doung now. :))

I am an couchsurfer too. Karlo and James thought me this and they are the first i hosted in my house. I love CS and it does bring people together

Honestly, I am not familiar with couchsurfing. I better check some information about it kasi parang maganda. Well, Almost all free are good. hehheheheh

“Participate in Creating a Better World, One Couch at a Time.” great idea!frist time to here bout’ that thing , too. great way to make friends with people in other countries! thank you for sharing Aleah! keep on blogging!

Wow. Kakaiba to ah. Truly interesting. Ngayon ko lang din narining ang tungkol sa couchsurfing 🙂

This is such a great idea! Great for budget travelers and people who want to meet new friends on their trips too 🙂

I have a friend who is hooked to that. Yeah, it’s really a great way to travel. I envy his experiences.

I understand “couchsurfing” as hospitality at its best. It should sit well with Filipino culture though I doubt if the higher echelons of our society practice such.

I will try to join maybe if both my hubby agreed on it and we are getting old lets say when we hit 50’s I just hope that it will still exist by that time, see you then

its my first time to hear about couchsurfing.. thanks for sharing additional infos

wow this this the first time i read about this.. it’s interesting though i must admit while reading your post the only word flashing in my mind is “too dangerous”.. hehe well with our world now with so many killings its better to be safe. But its good to know you are researching about the person really well before you accept them in their home. Just be very careful.Im not sure I’m willing to try this but will give it a thought.. Nice and interesting post! And goodluck on your europe tour! Good for you that you dont have to spend on accommodation, went there for 2 weeks which cost me a fortune.. hehe. Have fun on your trip!

I’ve been giving this a lot of serious thought. I’m becoming really interested. 🙂

You are lucky to travle to anotehr place and meet somebody who becomes your friends .CS gives you a lot of priveleges to enjoy travelling without spending too much money.

This is the first time that I ever heard of this and I’m intrigued and interested at the same time. I’m totally up for this, I just need to save up! Hehe

Wow! CS is such a cool project. I hope I can join when I already have my own place.. 🙂 I want to travel smartly and meet new people too.

Will be useful to me soon! Thanks!

Good Evening!

I didnt know that this type of accommodating someone really exists. This is a great news for country hoppers like me.

Thanks for sharing!

Vicky David

i’ve seen a different but almost similar concept of CS, haven’t tried any though…i envy you guys who could travel solo and learn diff cultures…but maybe it really is not my thing as i’m afraid to travel solo…

I dont know what CS is all about. But after reading it on your blog, I wanna try it pra sa new blog ko. 🙂 Hehehe. I wanna meet new friends to sa ibang bahagi ng mundo./ 🙂

Wow I never thought that kind of thing exist. That is a good thing for travelers since they can save money from accommodation plus they have somebody who could be with them while they’re staying. Cool!

@ Cai: You can set your profile to “Meet for Coffee or Drink” then join CS Manila meet-ups. There’s one every week! I’ll add you to the CS Manila Facebook page so you’ll also be updated. Once you meet people, give them a reference and hopefully they’ll give you one back. That will work when you search for a couch in Saigon. In my experience, it’s hard to get a local couch there–a lot of them still live with their parents. Your best bet is to look for expats; there are a lot of them offering couches in CS Saigon.

Helpful tips! Ako rin I want to try this pero I’m scared HAHA

How can I build my profile din pala if I can’t host? Ok lang ba yun? I want to couchsurf din sana this coming September pagpunta kong Saigon, pero di ko pa nababalikan yung CS account ko hehe

@ Helene: 🙂 @ Ruth: You can also build your profile now so when you go out of the country, you can already easily look for hosts 🙂

Very informative post! I’ll think about signing up when I have plans of visiting another country in the future.

Hehe, I’d love to try it… someday. 😉 But don’t think I’m ready to do so right now. 🙂

Hi Helene, thanks for dropping by. CS is a great way to meet people from other cultures. And it’s not just single people doing it; there are traveling families as well. Wanna try it? 😀

Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard of this concept, and it sounds incredibly fascinating! I’m sure anyone would be anxious at the idea of putting up a stranger in their home, yet it seems the site is offering good safety measures to protect those who do it. Truly a great idea, and an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends.

And hi! Just like to say this is a great blog. 🙂

@ Kim|MJ: That’s why CS appeals to me, because of the interaction with locals. Plus of course, the big savings 😀

Accommodations take the bulk of the travel budget most of the time and CS seems great although we have yet to try it, me local interaction aspect pa. Great post dear, thanks for sharing.

@ Beth: Thanks. Have you also read the post about our own Tandag?

This is very nice! 🙂

@ Red: When you try Couchsurfing, you will realize that there are many wonderful people out there who share your interests in traveling. It’s really a great concept!

@ Anis: Thanks for dropping by my blog. Your site looks great too! Very helpful.

I liked your blog post about staying with locals. Have you heard of Tripping.com? It’s a newer community where travelers connect with locals for cultural exchange.

We have a lot of solo female travelers on the site. In fact, we have micro communities called “Networks” and in addition to the Solo Female Travel Network we also have networks in partnership with the community for female travelers Do It While You’re Young and the community the authors of The Lost Girls travel book and optioned tv series created (the Lost Girls Network).

I run the blog and would love it if you were interested in doing a guest post for us. Let me know if so. If not, it’s cool. You have a great site!

How to join and register the cs im so interested about it since i love meeting people

How brave are you??!! It looks great, and your safeguards make it seem secure – but, in the end I think I’d be too gutless!!!

Have a great day!!

Gay! Yes, CS is NOT a dating site. Good that you met Sherv there though. Luna’s just the cutest baby I’d ever seen!

I’m still in touch with CS people I’ve met overseas. I love the concept of this project for it paves way for a more borderless globe. Uhm, I met the hubby thru CS – and no, it’s NOT a dating site! Lol.

Marky, that is so true. When I was in Kota Kinabalu, I met this really nice English couple who introduced me to another CS in Yogyakarta to become my host. Then when they came to the Philippines, we met each other again, I showed them around, and introduced them to CS Manila. The friendships really add up, and although it’s sad when you see people leave, you know (or at least, you hope) that someday, somewhere you’ll meet again.

I’ve tried Couchsurfing in Bacolod and Iloilo and my hosts became good friends and they themselves also couchsurfed during their respective backpacking trips in Asia…and in Bacolod my fellow guests are an Australian girl and a German dude while in Iloilo my fellow cs guests were a couple (American girl and German guy) and fellow PTB Ada…and among them I heard lots of backpacking stories that further inspired me to travel…

Yeah CS is a great idea, its not only bout traveling cheap its also garnering friends along the way.

Thanks Claire. I won’t forget your offer of a couch in Oz ha. 😀

Very practical and helpful tips for those who are planning to CS, i’ll link this on my FB page 🙂

Ian, yeah CS is really great. When you look for a potential host, find someone where you have something in common aside from traveling, e.g., photography. That’ll make your stay more enjoyable 🙂

hehehe nice one aleah…. sana magamit ko yung cs membership ko soon…. may kakilala ka ba na CS sa Montalban punta sana ako sa wawa dam eh…hehehe but seriously…. I really want to experience how to cs in other countries….

@ Mica: Yes, CS is so much fun because of the people you meet who intimately know the place. Have you signed up already?

@ Stef: That’s why I hosted someone when I knew I was going to surf in Shanghai in 2008. That being said, hosting IS easy if you’re a woman (the perception of not being a threat haha). You can actually join and not surf/host, though, and just meet travelers.

Hi Aleah! Like I said, CS is a very interesting concept. It’s definitely something I’ve never heard of till I read your post.

I wonder what it’s like to bring in travelers from all over the world and welcome them into your home. And how does a new CS member with no references get accepted though? Without any feedback from past hosts (and vice versa), it seems rather difficult to get started. Man, that sounded like a newbie applying for a job on Elance or something. XD

I will try this one out on my upcoming international trips. I think it’s much better kung ma-feel mo talaga how it is like to live in that place in the normal way (meaning not in a hotel). I-try ko sana ‘to sa Scotland kaso di natuloy hehe

@ BPS: CS only requires the credit card when you want to verify your identity. Otherwise, you just remain unverified, which is not usually a problem if you have positive references from other CS members, your hosts, or your surfers. If you give your credit card number, they’ll deduct a small amount as donation to CS.

I have tried signing up, but #Couchsurfing required me to give them my credit card number? Same holds true for you?

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A reviewer says : “Decent couch for the price. Extra storage space is convenient for extra pillows and blankets for use when couch is converted. Feels very sturdy. A little firm as a couch, but I preferred that for a sleeper couch.”

Crate&Barrel Willow II Slipcovered Bench Twin Sleeper

If you have limited space or just prefer the look of a cozy armchair to a sofa, this twin-sized sleeper is a great purchase. Ordinarily, it’s a squishy seat that you can easily curl up on with a good book, but then it converts to a twin-sized bed with a thick mattress.

Colors : 15+

Dimensions : 54"W x 37"D x 26"H

Mattress size : Twin

Mattress type : Bi-fold innerspring mattress

A reviewer says : “We love our new sleeper sofa. I had been eyeing it for a while and finally made the purchase... It is comfortable and effortlessly classic!”

Though convenient, most sleeper sofas are not known for their comfort. This version, however, brings comfort in spades. Instead of featuring a flimsy mattress, the entire base of this sofa becomes a bed, creating a sturdy and comfortable base for sleeping. It also includes a removable and washable mesh mattress topper to keep the bed fresh.

Colors : 5+

Dimensions : 88"W x 40"D x 25"H

A reviewer says : “It’s a really good sleeper sofa, well made. Converting to sleeper provides flexibility.”

Not only does this sofa have a hidden storage compartment to hold couch-side essentials, but it is also one of the largest and most luxurious options on the market. While many sleeper sofas can be too narrow or short for tall guests, this one can accommodate people of all heights.

Dimensions : 31" H 136" W 62" D

Mattress type : Down wrapped foam

Many sleeper sofas offer the same basic elements of design, but this version by Softline is both innovative and unique. It offers a clean, minimalist look, even when the base is pulled out to create a comfortable bed.

Colors : 10+

Dimensions : 29.63" H 82.38 " W 37.5" D

Mattress size : 82.38" x 75"

Many sleeper sofas prioritize usability over style, but this couch manages to do both. Whether it's used as a classic sofa or folded out into a bed, the woven, multi-color upholstery on this silhouette makes it an eye-catching piece.

Colors : Red and pink

Dimensions : 33.75" H x 83.75" L x 37" D

Mattress size : 87" x 83.75"

Mattress type : Spring

A reviewer says: “This sleeper sofa is such a beauty. The fabric is an absolutely incredible woven jacquard that looks so luxurious! We can convert our living room into a guest suite with ease.”

.css-1jvcbpx{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1jvcbpx b,.css-1jvcbpx strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1jvcbpx em,.css-1jvcbpx i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} What are important details to look for in a sleeper sofa?

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While sleeper sofas are some of the most versatile and useful furniture pieces in a home, there are a few key things to look out for before purchasing. “First and foremost, you’ll want to look at the size of your space and determine what size sofa bed would fit best in it—both as a sofa and configured as a bed,” says Madison Adam, the interior design service manager at Article.

Also, as with all furniture, paying attention to materials can help you decide which piece will stand the test of time and be worth your dollar. “The materials of the sofa bed are another important detail to pay attention to,” Adam continues. “Steel frames, for example, are sturdy and more long-lasting than wooden frames. Cushions are also something to be mindful of, especially for sofas that don’t have a separate mattress to pull out. I recommend looking for cushions that are a mixture of foam and fiber, as they provide more structure and are lower maintenance without compromising on quality.”

Because most sleeper sofas involve multiple mechanisms, finding one that is easy to use and durable is key. “Quality is so important,” adds Brittany Farinas, CEO and Creative Director of House of One . “Look out for the mechanism. If it’s not seamless when you buy it, in about a year from now, it will be a nightmare.”

How should people style their sleeper sofas?

While you can very easily buy a piece of furniture and assemble it in your home, adding key styling details can help it feel unified with the rest of your space. “I would style it just like any other sofa, for example, with a couple of accent pillows and throw blankets,” says Farinas. “Throw pillows can add an interesting pop of color and texture while also providing extra comfort. The sleeping pillows should be stored away in a place nearby and not used as an accessory on the sofa itself.”

Adding other furniture nearby can also help. “If you’re using a sofa bed as your primary seating, a multi-purpose coffee table can be the perfect addition to round out your living space,” shares Adam.

Meet the Experts

Brittany Farinas is the CEO and creative director of House of One, based in Miami, Florida.

Madison Adam is the interior design service manager at Article.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in home by working with the world’s leading authorities in interior and architectural design, textiles, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.

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15 Virtual Reality Apps That Let You See the World Without Leaving Your Couch

Posted: April 21, 2024 | Last updated: April 21, 2024

<p>You may be an avid traveler, but you’re physically incapable of seeing all the places in the world you want to see in your lifetime. Perhaps you cannot travel due to mobility or financial reasons, or you just want to check out a place before you spend money. Whatever the logic, virtual reality is here to save the day. Without leaving your living room, you could find yourself exploring the British Museum or the pyramids in Egypt. Unlike just watching videos of these places, virtual reality provides an immersive experience, making it feel like you’re actually there. The best part is you don’t have to deal with the crowds or fork out the cash for the trip.</p> <p>That’s not the only benefit. Plenty of historical places are in danger from over-tourism, so you’ll be doing high tourist-dense destinations a favor by preserving your physical traffic from their sites. You’ll also be able to plan better for future trips by experiencing where you’re going via VR, so let’s look at some already available apps to explore the world.</p>

You may be an avid traveler, but you’re physically incapable of seeing all the places in the world you want to see in your lifetime. Perhaps you cannot travel due to mobility or financial reasons, or you just want to check out a place before you spend money. Whatever the logic, virtual reality is here to save the day. Without leaving your living room, you could find yourself exploring the British Museum or the pyramids in Egypt. Unlike just watching videos of these places, virtual reality provides an immersive experience, making it feel like you’re actually there. The best part is you don’t have to deal with the crowds or fork out the cash for the trip.

That’s not the only benefit. Plenty of historical places are in danger from over-tourism, so you’ll be doing high tourist-dense destinations a favor by preserving your physical traffic from their sites. You’ll also be able to plan better for future trips by experiencing where you’re going via VR, so let’s look at some already available apps to explore the world.

<p>Most of us have heard of Google Street View. You go to Google Maps, drag the little yellow guy to the location you want to check out, and you can see images of the place. This comes in handy when traveling to a new destination because you know what to look for when you arrive. You can also get a feel for the place you’re going.</p><p><em>Street View VR</em> is the virtual reality version of that. Go to Street View as usual using your smartphone and virtual reality headset. You’ll find an icon on the lower right-hand side for 360-degree views. You can check out famous landmarks from the comfort of your home.</p>

1. Street View VR

Most of us have heard of Google Street View. You go to Google Maps, drag the little yellow guy to the location you want to check out, and you can see images of the place. This comes in handy when traveling to a new destination because you know what to look for when you arrive. You can also get a feel for the place you’re going.

Street View VR is the virtual reality version of that. Go to Street View as usual using your smartphone and virtual reality headset. You’ll find an icon on the lower right-hand side for 360-degree views. You can check out famous landmarks from the comfort of your home.

<p>Amadeus is one of the leading travel booking platforms that travel agents use. They’ve developed a virtual reality app that allows you to check out everything for your trip. Instead of looking at a diagram of a plane to choose your seats, you can walk onto the aircraft and see which seats look best for you.</p><p>You can check out the interior of hotel rooms and rental cars before you leave home and lock in a booking. This app is relatively new and is aimed at travel agents rather than the general public.</p>

2. Navitaire by Amadeus

Amadeus is one of the leading travel booking platforms that travel agents use. They’ve developed a virtual reality app that allows you to check out everything for your trip. Instead of looking at a diagram of a plane to choose your seats, you can walk onto the aircraft and see which seats look best for you.

You can check out the interior of hotel rooms and rental cars before you leave home and lock in a booking. This app is relatively new and is aimed at travel agents rather than the general public.

<p>One of the best things about VR is that it doesn’t limit where you can go. For example, you can check out the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in VR, complete with stunning visuals and audio recordings from the mission.</p><p>You can be right there, walking on the moon during this historic event. The experience can be downloaded from Steam.</p>

3. Apollo 11 VR Experience

One of the best things about VR is that it doesn’t limit where you can go. For example, you can check out the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in VR, complete with stunning visuals and audio recordings from the mission.

You can be right there, walking on the moon during this historic event. The experience can be downloaded from Steam.

<p>If you’ve ever wanted to experience the tragic sinking of the RMS <em>Titanic</em> in 1912, you can hang out with the crew and go down with the ship. Then, you can explore the shipwreck.</p><p>It has over six hours of interactive experiences that give you a first-hand experience of what it must have been like in those final moments. It’s available on Steam for $19.99, or you can bundle it with <em>Apollo 11 VR</em> for $22.48.</p>

4. Titanic VR

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, you can hang out with the crew and go down with the ship. Then, you can explore the shipwreck.

It has over six hours of interactive experiences that give you a first-hand experience of what it must have been like in those final moments. It’s available on Steam for $19.99, or you can bundle it with Apollo 11 VR for $22.48.

<p>“It was a dark and stormy night…” Nothing good ever starts with that sentence, and that’s exactly the same as the story of the Dutch Melckmeyt (Milkmaid) ship. It went down in Icelandic waters during the 17th century. However, don’t let that stop you. Take a tour of the ship with your VR headset.</p><p>You can find this VR experience on YouTube and hook your headset up to check out the wreckage. You don’t even have to hold your breath, though the amazing site may take your breath away.</p>

5. Melckmeyt Shipwreck

“It was a dark and stormy night…” Nothing good ever starts with that sentence, and that’s exactly the same as the story of the Dutch Melckmeyt (Milkmaid) ship. It went down in Icelandic waters during the 17th century. However, don’t let that stop you. Take a tour of the ship with your VR headset.

You can find this VR experience on YouTube and hook your headset up to check out the wreckage. You don’t even have to hold your breath, though the amazing site may take your breath away.

<p>You may have noticed this has XR in the title instead of VR. That’s because the developers class it as a “cross-reality social network.” You can connect with friends and fellow travelers in virtual destinations worldwide. It lets you explore, chat, and share experiences in immersive environments.</p><p>Meta Quest and its subsequent versions support this app.</p>

6. VTime XR

You may have noticed this has XR in the title instead of VR. That’s because the developers class it as a “cross-reality social network.” You can connect with friends and fellow travelers in virtual destinations worldwide. It lets you explore, chat, and share experiences in immersive environments.

Meta Quest and its subsequent versions support this app.

<p>Not only can you visit destinations that have been on your bucket list for years, but you can also time travel to them to see how they’ve changed over the years. The good news is that you don’t have to go alone. You can choose multiplayer mode to travel with a friend.</p><p>It also has speech recognition for easier searching and access to Wikipedia, so you can learn a little about the destinations you visit.</p>

Not only can you visit destinations that have been on your bucket list for years, but you can also time travel to them to see how they’ve changed over the years. The good news is that you don’t have to go alone. You can choose multiplayer mode to travel with a friend.

It also has speech recognition for easier searching and access to Wikipedia, so you can learn a little about the destinations you visit.

<p>Many of us go on vacation to relax. Tripp VR takes it a step further by allowing you to visit worldwide destinations and immerse yourself in a world of wellness while you’re at it. Imagine experiencing meditation and mindfulness exercises anywhere in the world. That would make the working week a little more bearable.</p><p>It works with most VR headsets and is available via a monthly or yearly subscription.</p>

8. Tripp VR

Many of us go on vacation to relax. Tripp VR takes it a step further by allowing you to visit worldwide destinations and immerse yourself in a world of wellness while you’re at it. Imagine experiencing meditation and mindfulness exercises anywhere in the world. That would make the working week a little more bearable.

It works with most VR headsets and is available via a monthly or yearly subscription.

<p>Don’t get attacked by mosquitos and other creepy crawlies this summer — take a virtual nature trek instead. Relax and unwind in virtual nature, which offers a selection of serene environments and tranquil experiences. You can even do it with a friend.</p><p>It’s available on Oculus, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.</p>

9. Nature Treks VR

Don’t get attacked by mosquitos and other creepy crawlies this summer — take a virtual nature trek instead. Relax and unwind in virtual nature, which offers a selection of serene environments and tranquil experiences. You can even do it with a friend.

It’s available on Oculus, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

<p>Imagine exploring art galleries and museums from anywhere in the world. While a physical trip would allow you a limited time in these places, you can explore them virtually with the <em>Google Arts and Culture VR</em> app without a time crunch. You can even zoom in to see artworks up close and listen to informative museum curators.</p><p>In addition, you can travel back in time to look around places like the Temple of Zeus in Greece or witness the building of the Statue of Liberty. For this experience, your VR headset needs to be Daydream-ready. You can download the app via the app store.</p>

10. Google Arts & Culture VR

Imagine exploring art galleries and museums from anywhere in the world. While a physical trip would allow you a limited time in these places, you can explore them virtually with the Google Arts and Culture VR app without a time crunch. You can even zoom in to see artworks up close and listen to informative museum curators.

In addition, you can travel back in time to look around places like the Temple of Zeus in Greece or witness the building of the Statue of Liberty. For this experience, your VR headset needs to be Daydream-ready. You can download the app via the app store.

<p>National Geographic is best known for its breathtaking photography, compelling storytelling, and exploration of the world’s cultures, nature, and science. So extending that experience into a virtual reality one makes a lot of sense.</p><p>This app is for those who love the idea of adventure travel but would instead do it from their living rooms. You can virtually climb mountains, hang out with alpacas, and more.</p>

11. National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic is best known for its breathtaking photography, compelling storytelling, and exploration of the world’s cultures, nature, and science. So extending that experience into a virtual reality one makes a lot of sense.

This app is for those who love the idea of adventure travel but would instead do it from their living rooms. You can virtually climb mountains, hang out with alpacas, and more.

<p>Immerse yourself in underwater experiences that are not humanly possible with our lung capacity. Explore coral reefs, say hello to sharks, and swim with a green sea turtle.</p><p>You can check out a trailer for the adventure on YouTube and bring your <em>Nemo</em> dreams to reality. This VR experience is free to download from Steam.</p>

Immerse yourself in underwater experiences that are not humanly possible with our lung capacity. Explore coral reefs, say hello to sharks, and swim with a green sea turtle.

You can check out a trailer for the adventure on YouTube and bring your Nemo dreams to reality. This VR experience is free to download from Steam.

<p>People worldwide were shocked when they learned about the fire that destroyed part of the 861-year-old UNESCO heritage building. Surprisingly, photogrammetry had just taken place weeks before the fire.</p><p>This 17-minute virtual video experience by Targo will show you the interior of the cathedral before and after the fire and can be viewed on Oculus’ website.</p>

13. Rebuilding Notre Dame

People worldwide were shocked when they learned about the fire that destroyed part of the 861-year-old UNESCO heritage building. Surprisingly, photogrammetry had just taken place weeks before the fire.

This 17-minute virtual video experience by Targo will show you the interior of the cathedral before and after the fire and can be viewed on Oculus’ website.

<p>From Death Valley to Arches National Park, Mount Whitney to Iceland’s Háifoss waterfall, BRINK Traveler transports you to 12 distinct locales. The itinerary will be expanded in the future to include more destinations. In the meantime, experience nature and even take virtual still shots of the stunning scenery.</p><p>This app stands out for its state-of-the-art photogrammetry and is available on Oculus Quest, Rift, and Steam.</p>

14. BRINK Traveler

From Death Valley to Arches National Park, Mount Whitney to Iceland’s Háifoss waterfall, BRINK Traveler transports you to 12 distinct locales. The itinerary will be expanded in the future to include more destinations. In the meantime, experience nature and even take virtual still shots of the stunning scenery.

This app stands out for its state-of-the-art photogrammetry and is available on Oculus Quest, Rift, and Steam.

<p>Is it too soon to say “lockdown”? The very word causes a shudder. However, while the world was learning how to make sourdough and hoarding toilet paper, a few people went out with their cameras, capturing scenes of places that would usually be crowded.</p><p>You can check places like Paris and Venice, wandering the empty streets while listening to residents’ commentary. This VR experience is available on YouTube.</p>

15. When We Stayed Home

Is it too soon to say “lockdown”? The very word causes a shudder. However, while the world was learning how to make sourdough and hoarding toilet paper, a few people went out with their cameras, capturing scenes of places that would usually be crowded.

You can check places like Paris and Venice, wandering the empty streets while listening to residents’ commentary. This VR experience is available on YouTube.

<p>There’s a famous saying: never judge a book by its cover. The same can be said for movies. Despite looking bland and generic, these 17 films are better than they have any right to be.</p>

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Journey to Moscow

Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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