@@WhatashameMaryJane I was just found out about couchsurfing from Tedx video. Then watched your video. In the comment section you posted couch surfing not free anymore. But it's fine. If the government accepts it as a nonprofit then no problem. Am I right?
Shihan Hansaka I think you didn’t get it right. I explain how things are in the video I linked here, but if you’ve just known about it you might not interested in the whole story
One more thing.... always offer your host a gift - can be got locally eg. a bottle of wine/ bag of groceries/ box of cookies/chocolates/ a BBQ chicken, as a sign of gratitude. I always did that to all my hosts as a sign of respect & gratitude.
@@samuelbobson5365 Upon arrival, on the first day itself. Furthermore, I give my hosts gifts throughout my stay. Eg. if am staying 3 days, then on arrival day a gift of, say, a box of chocolates, then later during my stay, a bottle of wine or something else. Sometimes I bought groceries & cooked them a meal.
So sad that Couchsurfing was bought out and now people like myself who loved sharing their place are forced to pay just to share?! This makes no sense and I refuse to give this company money since they were bought out. Greedy directors, who are taking huge wages will destroy what was an amazing community so they can line their pockets. I just hope a good competitor appears, so we can build something better.
Unfortunately there are other platforms already such as BeWelcome and TrustRoots who want to maintain the original values, but their user base is way too small. It's a truly sad situation, as I explained in this video th-cam.com/video/wddrm3wV20Q/w-d-xo.html
Thanks so much for making this video. You're spot on and put it very clearly, exactly how it should work. As a host, I just had my first bad experience after 40+ and I so wish they would have watched this video before coming. I actually had to ask them to leave. Put me off a lot but I still believe in the platform and there are a few very amazing people for whom it's worth it to be part of it.
I'm getting ready to use Couchsurfing for the first time in Israel. We are excited and nervous ;). Thanks for posting this video, there are some really good reminders.
I have friends who couchsurfed in Israel and had a very good experience. Being nervous is always normal before leaving, cause you don't know what to expect :) You're welcome, if you need anything else feel free to ask. Don't forget to watch the video on safety on Couchsurfing, that's a good reminder too before leaving .
@@WhatashameMaryJane You were so right!! We are now at our second couch surf and it's been an amazing experience!! I highly recommend it. Thanks for suggesting your video on safety and Couchsurfing, it was super helpful too.
Paul Stringer I’m so happy to hear that!! You’re welcome, more Couchsurfing for everyone! 😄 Thanks for letting me know, it’s very important for me to get a response from the audience 🙏
I was an Airbnb host for over 3 years...I had over 500 bookings. It was 99% wonderful. I had a big house after children grew up. I did get paid but it was more than money. However, twice guests brought bedbugs from their traveling...so had to stop being a host. I downsized and bought a tiny co op home,...but will always remember the great experiences of meeting all in the world. I would let someone use my couch for free now, but worried about bedbugs...have you had any bedbugs issues in your travelling..??? Emma, Staten Island of NYC
Hi Emma, that sounds great. From your words I can understand that you have been one of those amazing and unfortunately nowadays very rare amazing Airbnb hosts! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've been lucky so far and never had bedbugs. I've heard they can be pretty common in certain areas of NYC though. Is it right? Maybe the same guests had slept in one of those areas the night before coming to you... It's such a shame that you don't host anymore...
Emma Emerson Him Bike Hey! I’m a couch surfer too! and I’ve just started a channel on my experiences.. would be amazing if you could check it out on your free time!
Mary Jane, I have never couch surfed, but I am signing up and creating my profile now. This really opens up more possibilities for more travel and I am so excited!!
Stacy Lopez Emma Emerson Him Bike Hey! I’m a couch surfer too! and I’ve just started a channel on my experiences.. would be amazing if you could check it out on your free time!💜💜
You are totaly right on this video . I would like to share that I have 27 references on my couchsurfing account ,and all of them were perfect people. If you need any help about your trip to Turkey, please let me know guys. Cheers
27 couch surfing references is not many and if you send me a request to stay with only 27 references then I'd decline your offer to stay, I've got 199 references and only take guests with a minimum of 50 references
i am looking into doing a lot of travel in the future, live a nomadic lifestyle. i just found your channel thru this video and i absolutely love it. you are a great person
Awesome useful videos! A good idea if you find something is dirty you can offer to clean it or tidy up. You can also re-stock the host's fridge. Gift them a small present before you leave. Cook for them. Whatever.
i am hoping get started with couchsurfing... by hosting .. i am from northeast india...here one can experience nature in its best form alongwith the cultural diversity of the region...
Nice, informative video! I started Couchsurfing in 2010 and I love it! Yes, I paid the 15 dollars last year during corona time, but it's definitely worth it. You'll meet lots of great people all over the world and you'll get to know their language and culture. It makes you immediately wanna host travelers when you're back home ;-). Only disadvantage is that there are always some that think Couchsurfing is a dating site.... but thank god I never had a negative couchsurfing (or - hosting) experience.
I totally agree with you and feel the same! I just recommend you to know a little bit more about the history of the platform to build an informed opinion about it. I explained the history of it in this video th-cam.com/video/wddrm3wV20Q/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=WhatashameMaryJane
Hi Mary Jane. I had never heard of Couch Surfing until just now. I was watching a video of a British woman who was visiting Boston and mentioned her Couch Surfing host, so I looked it up. That is when I found this video, as well as your introductory video. Thanks for the insight and the effort it took to create your videos. I am hoping to take a vacation in Boston myself this September, and keeping my fingers tightly crossed that the whole coronavirus thing has passed by then. If I do go, I will definitely look into Couch Surfing for my accommodations! And by the way..... you seem like a lovely person - inside and out!
Hi Scott! Thanks for the beautiful words and I’m happy you found my videos abou Couchsurfing useful! I’ve been travelling full time for the past two years and Couchsurfing for me is a way of life that I chose. I think it does good for the world because it encourages better understanding of different cultures and points of view, friendship between countries and concrete human contact, in the world of social media. Right now the situation has become problematic for traveling and even more for this way of travelling. I myself don’t know when I’m going to be able to do CS again, but hopefully very soon. I’d loved if you tried. I send you my best wishes from NYC.
Mary Jane you also have to make a big bold underline notes about COUCHSURFING IS NOT A HOTEL YOU PAID, YOU ARE NOT A CLIENT THERE, so the way they propose to stay should not just talk about what they plan, what they want or what they need and expecting the host only say yes or no, or rudely put the host as back up where this kind of hillarious surfer expected host to answer as quick as possible, even asked the host (who already try to genuinely offer them a free stay) to make a picture of the whole facilities in their home, asking to pick them up from the airport and the worst is asking to share the cost of their trip when they wanna go to explore the place n free ride to go here n there...wondering if this kind of people also treat their friends n relatives the same when they ask to sleep over in their friends n relatives house where they also holiday in that city/country...
It piss me off so much to hear these stories from hosts. That's actually why I decided to start making videos about Couchsurfing. I'm so sorry some surfers behave like assholes.
I met with a find of mine on the train who is going Couchsurfing and after talking to him I wanted to hear more about it. This video has helped a lot and I feel that I can start Couchsurfing already. Thank you
Agreed on everything, but Couchsurfing is really a pain IMO, unless your a woman, white, or good looking person. However, I think once you have a few host/hosting. More people will be willing to the help you. I was lucky and almost gave up my first trip to Germany. I did find a great host at the last min. I even got a separate place to myself. I ended up giving him money, just too show my appreciation. I can afford to pay for a place. I just rather give someone money or whatever by surprise. I will keep trying to use the service.. However, don’t be discouraged if no one is willing to host you right away.
the site make a profits from google Ads, I like all what you said,,, and you invited to Egypt any time , because you got a lot of polite and good mentality :)
Hello im from Tanzania 🇹🇿 in Africa and im very impressed by this channel but i want to know that can this couch surfing be the source of getting clients that want to visit example Serengeti national park, Kilimanjaro mountain , Ngorongoro crater and Zanzibar
.....YOU ARE SO LOVELY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. you already gave to me something,...your words, your clean mind...i'm looking for to host some people and to be invited by host anywhere around the world.....you contribute to make this platform an unbelievevable experience....THANKS...DAVID
I am new to all this. But having been a well travelled girl in my youth and then working abroad and then working as cabin crew, and now having settled in the UK after havings kids now grown up and moved out..I found this couch surfing in some of the you tube videos and thought, wow, I could actually offer my small home to fellow travellers and give back to those adventure seekers..but I'm very confused on how to start and where to start..but am very keen to make a start and happy to not only offer a friendly and comfortable place in the heart of Oxfordshire and also once again have the opportunity to welcome travellers and have lots of conversations again with people from all over the world..the website is quite confusing..so all if like is some help with how I get started as a host and basically how it all works and is it safe? Are there any down points to it all. I'm very laid back and being cabin crew am great as being a host and also giving travellers tge freedom and opportunity to explore this great area of beauty and great links to travel throughout the UK with easy train acces..can you offer any help or advice on how to start becoming part of the couch surfing host community!? Thankypu😁👍
If I was to Couchsurf at somebody’s crib I would do all the research to make sure they not dangerous or anything like that cause I know they would make guest ain’t dangerous neither. I would stay with people who have the best reviews. Because the better people’s reviews are the more trustworthy they might be. Anyone with low reviews won’t be that trustworthy and u wouldn’t wanna stay at those people house. Best thing to do is when going abroad on vacation is to leave all your information with some family and/or friends and leave them your information too just in case something happens to you. It’s for safety reasons
I travel with my van i got my own bed and other supplies that i need The only thing i want from my host is them to let me live with them as a member of their family :')
I hope you will! I think it's such a big enrichment to people's lives...you immediately understand this when you do it, cause every couchsurfer would tell you this. Please when you'll try, let me know about it! And if you need help you know where to find me
very inspiratianal u are so honest! really have the feeling it´s time to get closer to the couchsurfer community love and light to all beings ^^ your joshua
Thank you very much for the support! There's a new way of travelling made possible by globalisation and by the new technologies, which is was deeper than the plain, economy based touristic one. I embraced it and I'm trying to spread it as much as I can, cause it encourages brotherhood between people of different cultures and makes travellers richer in terms of humanity. It's just awesome and I hope my message is arriving to who's watching my videos.
@@WhatashameMaryJane I have to tell it's comforting to see others with the same mindset regarding trips and money expenses. I will prevent you of my emotional story about it. But I summarize by saying it's encouraging to see your thoughts. I saw myself perfectly in that ticket hard time you had in Belgium.
I love to travel like you guys... Is there anything like traveling with a team or a couple of people to avoid being lonely....by the way.. Thank you for this video...informative👍
Yes there are forums for every city on Couchsurfing and many people who have never met before and travel to the same destination make plans on visiting the place together. Try and check it out!
Couchsurfing is an app that beautiful girls and guys meet each other. We relatively ugly people have zero chance to create friendship. It's a fact. I deleted the app with cryings, because a girl told me i'm too ugly for her.
@@WhatashameMaryJane Not me, but others. I have just tapped the button "say hello". First, she accepted me, then texted that she is way too beautiful to date with me. She could have just ignored rather than texting if she thought that way. Literally, bullshit.
@@Pikachu-lk9yx Ok I see the point now. First of all, I'm sorry you had to deal with such a rude person. Second, I would like to give you an advice, if I may. Don't send messages that have no content, like "Hello". As a girl, when I personally receive messages like "Hi", "Hey", "How are you" I simply ignore them, because I think that they are just trying to hook up with someone. That's probably what that girl thought too. Next time if you see a profile you like and you want to make a new friend, try to write something more personal and include the reason why you're texting a complete stranger in the first place.
PIkacu,yes im with U.I have ever had a sad experience with coachsurfing comunity in Bandung Indonesia last last time ago.they just acceptd white skin girls/boys from europe and Us something like that.they didnt accept local people like me.and then they said me,we want to go to some touristic place in bandung.what'll you do here then?and I said,ok thankyou to met you all here.good bye.coachsurfing isn't for me,but for rich and white skin people only.(backhome)
Really very informative. I'm new to this concept and wish to travel abroad with minimal cost. I wish to know that as a courtesy or formality or rule, does one have to pay to the host for lodging n boarding expenses. Can Senior persons do this... 👌👍✌️🌹😊
@@WhatashameMaryJane Hi MarY Jane, thanks yea its been on and off just because of work etc over the years keeping the CS up to date. But i have always stayed in contact with my CS friends via facebook, phone etc. I am back into trying to be more active now that i have seniority in my dept and have more time. I am from Tampa Fl.
This makes me feel like I shouldnt be couch surfing, because I feel like I am intruding someone's personal space and using up their resources without paying them and I will always feel conscious in their place even if I surf. Can you tell me how to get rid of this feeling
Oh I'm glad you asked, cause I have the same exact problem. I'm able to overcome it by thinking that if they opened their house to guests and if they chose me, this is not necessarily a "favour" that they're doing me, but I can also have the possibility to do a favour to them by being a great company during my staying. I think that if they are hosting it means that they wanted to have guests, so instead of focusing on the fact that I intrude and that I'm not paying any money to stay there, I focus on being the best guest possible, on bringing them value, good stories, teach them something new, making them have a great time and listen to their stories too. You're not an intruder, you are a guest. Also, you are not a client, but a guest. You don't pay with money but you still give back, you just do it in another form, in a way more human and enriching form.
Do the dishes and help with other chores, cook for them, go shopping with them and chip in, help with yardwork, chip in for gas if they are driving you around, help with their pets if they have any. Probably 1000 ways you can give back to your host and feel good about spending time in their home.
Do you get invited to go for dinners? Do u invite them for the dinners ? Did u ever pay for dinner for a host and still slept with him ? If u host ,the dinners out could be more expensive then hotel or girls who charge money to be with them ….how u feel about that ?
Couchsurfing would be good. Plus if u Couchsurf u can’t invite people over somebody’s else house if u want to entertain them unlike at a hotel or at AirBnB. Which is understandable because u have to respect someone’s house. They letting u stay with them and not anybody else. Plus at hotels and AirBnB u can walk around and sleep naked. U can’t do at anybody else’s place unless they are nudist themselves and have no problem with it. Plus u don’t if some people have children living with or not. U gotta be respect, ask questions and abide by their rules. Always be honest with the host or hostess and they will be honest with you.
Couchsurfing awesome and I don’t understand why you take so long to find a host. Create message. Copy and past to everyone the. Wait 10 minutes and usually someone gets back and then cancel all other messages. Happy days. Rest of your points on point. Its not a free hotel but its great way to meet the locals
That's actually exactly what I'm trying to educate people about NOT doing. :) I do understand your point of view though. I used to copy and paste my requests to everyone when I started, like anyone else does. But with the experience I understood that this is not the most efficient way to get a host. The hosts who accept a non personalised request are the least experienced ones. If you don't make sure to have a truly matching profile with the people you request to (and it's difficult to find 10 truly matching profiles in a short time) you're not guaranteed to have a very good quality CS experience. I watched your CS review on your channel, good points there too ;)
@@WhatashameMaryJane When I was first using couchsurfing I was reading every profile and sending personal requests and that took forever and in the end I didn't feel it made any difference at all. I believe its also harder for a guy to find a host than a girl but then also a girl needs to be more careful. The result I found with experienced high rated hosts is they accept and responf fast reguardless of what you write. Once I wrote a different name and were ok with it and they hosted me.(I usually copy paste and change the change to give it some personal touch) I have only had positive experiences with couchsurfing. Just my opinion how what Ive learned in my little experience being a surfer and one day Ill be the host
Joe Reviews All the superhosts I talked to tell me the same thing: they are super pissed about requests that are obviously copied and pasted and have nothing personal. Of course you copy and paste those 10 lines of your description and your trip description, but the rest has to change. Also, forgetting to change the name is the worst. We’ve all been there, but come one, how could a host not be pissed by a request that starts with “Hey Gregor!” when their name is Anne
Ok interesting at the same time I wouldn't want to be with someone that gets mad at something so insignificant. Personally once I get accepted that when I read their profile to get a sense of who they are. The biggest complaints my hosts say about other surfers is their ability to show up. So they try to not accept anyone more than a week out as they cancel like its not big deal last minute.
A very helpful video, thank you. I got a lot out of it as I am seeking to explore my options for what the bible says; to open my home to the poor. I can appreciate the altruistic intention of this 'movement' however, I can't help but imagine some individuals are so wicked as to take advantage of their guests by, I don't know, peeping and implied solicitation? I think enhanced discernment is required from women in particular concerning free accommodation and it is wrong to knowingly enter into implied solicitation contracts. It then becomes a form of abasement. I hope I'm making myself clear that what I'm referring to is not a normal situation with the majority of hosts and guests but in extraordinary situations where gifts and services are freely laid on before one can refuse, not simply a pleasant stay and friendly conversation.
Hi Angel. Yes you're right there are such individuals, that's why I made a video about safety on Couchsurfing also with specific advices for solo women. You can watch it if you're interesting, it's on my channel.
Thanks for information sister I want travell but it will take some time may be 1or 2 years because now a days I prepare for NDA and airforce exam Rajsthan,, india Love you sister 🙏🙏
Good question. I think that one of the reasons is the lack of regulation. They should improve the website, which sometimes has problems and they could improve the service a lot. For example the great majority of registered users are inactive since years. If someone has just started on CS and request one of these people, the result is the impression that the service doesn't work at all, while is just that some people don't check their profile. The website should have a system to differenciate. Another reason in my opinion is the lack of education. They don't educate enough any many articles on the website are outdated. This is why I'm doing these videos on my TH-cam channel, by the way, to supply this need of information about the platform.
![อยู่คนเดียวกับเขา - ส้ม มารี (Zom Marie) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gq1cWAIQDLg/mqdefault.jpg)
![เบิ้ล ปทุมราช - สาวสอง ( มีมี่ของอ้าย ) ft. ตาต้า,ต้องเต [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mqlMjnP08XI/mqdefault.jpg)
Starting May 2020, Couchsurfing is NOT a free platform anymore. All the details in THIS VIDEO 👉 th-cam.com/video/wddrm3wV20Q/w-d-xo.html
4 hours ago
?
@@WhatashameMaryJane I was just found out about couchsurfing from Tedx video. Then watched your video. In the comment section you posted couch surfing not free anymore. But it's fine. If the government accepts it as a nonprofit then no problem. Am I right?
Shihan Hansaka I think you didn’t get it right. I explain how things are in the video I linked here, but if you’ve just known about it you might not interested in the whole story
I'm from India Kolkata welcome to my home
Will u come to my home
One more thing.... always offer your host a gift - can be got locally eg. a bottle of wine/ bag of groceries/ box of cookies/chocolates/ a BBQ chicken, as a sign of gratitude. I always did that to all my hosts as a sign of respect & gratitude.
Before staying at their place or after?
@@samuelbobson5365 Upon arrival, on the first day itself.
Furthermore, I give my hosts gifts throughout my stay. Eg. if am staying 3 days, then on arrival day a gift of, say, a box of chocolates, then later during my stay, a bottle of wine or something else. Sometimes I bought groceries & cooked them a meal.
@@samuelbobson5365 during
Make sure it is of high quality
Exactly. Everybody should know that. Even a refugee a hole in the pocket would return one day and show gratitude.
So sad that Couchsurfing was bought out and now people like myself who loved sharing their place are forced to pay just to share?! This makes no sense and I refuse to give this company money since they were bought out. Greedy directors, who are taking huge wages will destroy what was an amazing community so they can line their pockets. I just hope a good competitor appears, so we can build something better.
Unfortunately there are other platforms already such as BeWelcome and TrustRoots who want to maintain the original values, but their user base is way too small. It's a truly sad situation, as I explained in this video th-cam.com/video/wddrm3wV20Q/w-d-xo.html
I love this site and I am grateful withit sometimes back. Now that I am in the Netherlands I will like to share my experience for being a host.
You added value to my life not by hosting but by making such videos .
Lots of love and success.
I'm so glad to hear!
Thanks so much for making this video. You're spot on and put it very clearly, exactly how it should work. As a host, I just had my first bad experience after 40+ and I so wish they would have watched this video before coming. I actually had to ask them to leave. Put me off a lot but I still believe in the platform and there are a few very amazing people for whom it's worth it to be part of it.
What did they do?
@@BountyFlamor please tell us
Where?
I'm getting ready to use Couchsurfing for the first time in Israel. We are excited and nervous ;). Thanks for posting this video, there are some really good reminders.
I have friends who couchsurfed in Israel and had a very good experience. Being nervous is always normal before leaving, cause you don't know what to expect :) You're welcome, if you need anything else feel free to ask. Don't forget to watch the video on safety on Couchsurfing, that's a good reminder too before leaving
.
@@WhatashameMaryJane You were so right!! We are now at our second couch surf and it's been an amazing experience!! I highly recommend it. Thanks for suggesting your video on safety and Couchsurfing, it was super helpful too.
Paul Stringer I’m so happy to hear that!! You’re welcome, more Couchsurfing for everyone! 😄 Thanks for letting me know, it’s very important for me to get a response from the audience 🙏
I was an Airbnb host for over 3 years...I had over 500 bookings. It was 99% wonderful. I had a big house after children grew up. I did get paid but it was more than money. However, twice guests brought bedbugs from their traveling...so had to stop being a host. I downsized and bought a tiny co op home,...but will always remember the great experiences of meeting all in the world. I would let someone use my couch for free now, but worried about bedbugs...have you had any bedbugs issues in your travelling..??? Emma, Staten Island of NYC
Hi Emma, that sounds great. From your words I can understand that you have been one of those amazing and unfortunately nowadays very rare amazing Airbnb hosts! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've been lucky so far and never had bedbugs. I've heard they can be pretty common in certain areas of NYC though. Is it right? Maybe the same guests had slept in one of those areas the night before coming to you... It's such a shame that you don't host anymore...
Emma Emerson Him Bike Hey! I’m a couch surfer too! and I’ve just started a channel on my experiences.. would be amazing if you could check it out on your free time!
@Bhushan Athale You mean BS tRùmp Virus 😂❤️😂
Put the mattress, couch or pillow outside in the midday sun to get rid of bed bugs. They get zapped by UV rays and die.
The bugbed are a nightmare ...
I am soooo happy I found your channel. Yay! I have visited 5 countries so far and I am about to solo travel to 4 more! (Also, you are beautiful!!)
Heeeey girl!! Thank you darling :) Yaaay for your upcoming trips! Do you couchsurf?
Mary Jane, I have never couch surfed, but I am signing up and creating my profile now. This really opens up more possibilities for more travel and I am so excited!!
Glad to hear that you decided to give it a shot!
Stacy Lopez welcome to Tanzania... will be your host
Stacy Lopez Emma Emerson Him Bike Hey! I’m a couch surfer too! and I’ve just started a channel on my experiences.. would be amazing if you could check it out on your free time!💜💜
You are totaly right on this video . I would like to share that I have 27 references on my couchsurfing account ,and all of them were perfect people. If you need any help about your trip to Turkey, please let me know guys. Cheers
Thank you Gökhan and congratulations on your 27 references!
Salam Gokhan, I m visiting istanbul on 01st June for 5 days EID vacations. Can u guide me in detail how to make best of this trip?
27 couch surfing references is not many and if you send me a request to stay with only 27 references then I'd decline your offer to stay, I've got 199 references and only take guests with a minimum of 50 references
i am looking into doing a lot of travel in the future, live a nomadic lifestyle. i just found your channel thru this video and i absolutely love it. you are a great person
Hey Emily, welcome to the channel and welcome to the community of nomads! I hope to see you again in the comments :)
Hey Emily, Am willing to host you in Kibera slum, the largest slum in Africa. When do you think you wanna try this out?
Awesome useful videos! A good idea if you find something is dirty you can offer to clean it or tidy up. You can also re-stock the host's fridge. Gift them a small present before you leave. Cook for them. Whatever.
Exactly.
i am hoping get started with couchsurfing... by hosting .. i am from northeast india...here one can experience nature in its best form alongwith the cultural diversity of the region...
Ok I am ready, leave a reply on my whatsapp 9015930096
CS didn't have a fee between 2012-2020. Before that the cost was $25 per year. I've been a member since 2009 and remember paying.
Nice, informative video! I started Couchsurfing in 2010 and I love it! Yes, I paid the 15 dollars last year during corona time, but it's definitely worth it. You'll meet lots of great people all over the world and you'll get to know their language and culture. It makes you immediately wanna host travelers when you're back home ;-). Only disadvantage is that there are always some that think Couchsurfing is a dating site.... but thank god I never had a negative couchsurfing (or - hosting) experience.
I totally agree with you and feel the same! I just recommend you to know a little bit more about the history of the platform to build an informed opinion about it. I explained the history of it in this video th-cam.com/video/wddrm3wV20Q/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=WhatashameMaryJane
Hi Mary Jane. I had never heard of Couch Surfing until just now. I was watching a video of a British woman who was visiting Boston and mentioned her Couch Surfing host, so I looked it up. That is when I found this video, as well as your introductory video. Thanks for the insight and the effort it took to create your videos. I am hoping to take a vacation in Boston myself this September, and keeping my fingers tightly crossed that the whole coronavirus thing has passed by then. If I do go, I will definitely look into Couch Surfing for my accommodations! And by the way..... you seem like a lovely person - inside and out!
Hi Scott! Thanks for the beautiful words and I’m happy you found my videos abou Couchsurfing useful! I’ve been travelling full time for the past two years and Couchsurfing for me is a way of life that I chose. I think it does good for the world because it encourages better understanding of different cultures and points of view, friendship between countries and concrete human contact, in the world of social media.
Right now the situation has become problematic for traveling and even more for this way of travelling. I myself don’t know when I’m going to be able to do CS again, but hopefully very soon. I’d loved if you tried. I send you my best wishes from NYC.
Mary Jane you also have to make a big bold underline notes about COUCHSURFING IS NOT A HOTEL YOU PAID, YOU ARE NOT A CLIENT THERE, so the way they propose to stay should not just talk about what they plan, what they want or what they need and expecting the host only say yes or no, or rudely put the host as back up where this kind of hillarious surfer expected host to answer as quick as possible, even asked the host (who already try to genuinely offer them a free stay) to make a picture of the whole facilities in their home, asking to pick them up from the airport and the worst is asking to share the cost of their trip when they wanna go to explore the place n free ride to go here n there...wondering if this kind of people also treat their friends n relatives the same when they ask to sleep over in their friends n relatives house where they also holiday in that city/country...
It piss me off so much to hear these stories from hosts. That's actually why I decided to start making videos about Couchsurfing. I'm so sorry some surfers behave like assholes.
I met with a find of mine on the train who is going Couchsurfing and after talking to him I wanted to hear more about it. This video has helped a lot and I feel that I can start Couchsurfing already. Thank you
You're welcome Desire! I hope you're going to set up your profile and start meeting people soon ;)
Wow this is such a useful stuff. I am gonna visit switzerland next year will try couchsurfing and let you know my experience
Off course you always leave the place like it was before and be always respectful
you almost gave 100% idea about couchsurfing. thanks for the information....and one more thing, you have a very beautiful smile ;)
Thanks :)
I might try out couch surfing in NYC this October. Thinking about it.
Greetings from India 🇮🇳...lovely video..God Bless you..
i have some trouble in my homework because couchsurfing is the word that never i heard before, so i thank to u
Agreed on everything, but Couchsurfing is really a pain IMO, unless your a woman, white, or good looking person. However, I think once you have a few host/hosting. More people will be willing to the help you. I was lucky and almost gave up my first trip to Germany. I did find a great host at the last min. I even got a separate place to myself. I ended up giving him money, just too show my appreciation. I can afford to pay for a place. I just rather give someone money or whatever by surprise. I will keep trying to use the service.. However, don’t be discouraged if no one is willing to host you right away.
Liked and shared on my couchsurfing profile
Odd-Hallvard Yksnøy I hope it will be somehow educational for your surfers ;)
Hi mam
ssahu3556@gmail.com
Please contact me for scouchsurfing
I am coming summer vacation
the site make a profits from google Ads,
I like all what you said,,, and you invited to Egypt any time , because you got a lot of polite and good mentality :)
Wow even these habits rules and principles are of a beutifull daily life
Hello im from Tanzania 🇹🇿 in Africa and im very impressed by this channel but i want to know that can this couch surfing be the source of getting clients that want to visit example Serengeti national park, Kilimanjaro mountain , Ngorongoro crater and Zanzibar
Thanks for your support
EXACTLY!!!
Teresa you are so Lovely cute looking
DITTO!!
I'm from Palawan, Philippines. I'm thinking to open 1 of our apartment unit for couchsurfing soon....
Great tips! Anyway, I was just wondering.. Are you in a sauna?! 😅
Agent Ahahahahah 😂
No it’s just the room of a beautiful wooden cabin in Norway 😊
@@WhatashameMaryJane No way )
Yes way
Yes
.....YOU ARE SO LOVELY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. you already gave to me something,...your words, your clean mind...i'm looking for to host some people and to be invited by host anywhere around the world.....you contribute to make this platform an unbelievevable experience....THANKS...DAVID
Thank you David for your nice comment! I do my best to support the platform. Spread the world with your friends and with your fellow couchsurfers!!
I am new to all this. But having been a well travelled girl in my youth and then working abroad and then working as cabin crew, and now having settled in the UK after havings kids now grown up and moved out..I found this couch surfing in some of the you tube videos and thought, wow, I could actually offer my small home to fellow travellers and give back to those adventure seekers..but I'm very confused on how to start and where to start..but am very keen to make a start and happy to not only offer a friendly and comfortable place in the heart of Oxfordshire and also once again have the opportunity to welcome travellers and have lots of conversations again with people from all over the world..the website is quite confusing..so all if like is some help with how I get started as a host and basically how it all works and is it safe? Are there any down points to it all. I'm very laid back and being cabin crew am great as being a host and also giving travellers tge freedom and opportunity to explore this great area of beauty and great links to travel throughout the UK with easy train acces..can you offer any help or advice on how to start becoming part of the couch surfing host community!? Thankypu😁👍
From India I welcome you
If I was to Couchsurf at somebody’s crib I would do all the research to make sure they not dangerous or anything like that cause I know they would make guest ain’t dangerous neither. I would stay with people who have the best reviews. Because the better people’s reviews are the more trustworthy they might be. Anyone with low reviews won’t be that trustworthy and u wouldn’t wanna stay at those people house. Best thing to do is when going abroad on vacation is to leave all your information with some family and/or friends and leave them your information too just in case something happens to you. It’s for safety reasons
excellent video! I loved it! It reminds about basic good behavior and answers my questions
Exactly, basic good behavior and common sense :) I'm glad it was helpful.
Time4aKiss is a Couchsurfing host in LA . I hosted over 15 ppl so far, even an Italian
U did great job in the video
I hope someday ur channel become famous and get more views
Thank you so much for your support...It truly means a lot to me!
Thanks to you, I want to stay at Couchsurfing at Switzerland :D
It’s nice to hear!
Hi,now membership how much ?and yearl orice the fees?
Hey, thank you for your video, you explain great. I learn English and I understand your video, thanks again 😉
I'm glad to hear!
Hello, I'm a member of courtsurfing. However, the membership mail has not arrived yet, what can I do?
Good day mam... please visit India
Welcome to India and must visit Konkan Region of India and must try Authentic food ...you definitely like the food
I travel with my van i got my own bed and other supplies that i need
The only thing i want from my host is them to let me live with them as a member of their family :')
The van lifestyle looks pretty cool but what about parking? Do you ever have any issues with that?
Thx for your great information.
Love from India.
Agree
agreed with all you Saied
Thanks Mary Jane. I appreciate your video and i put it in my profile. If You come in Tuscany you'll be welcomed. Ciao
Ciao Giuseppe! Grazie :)
You are amazing! You made a great video. All the best Mary Jane with amazing smile :)
Thanks!!
muy claro y amable..gracias!!
Prego!
Good information.. Is it okay to pay for food and service used..
Thanks for your explanation. I preciate this 😍😍😍😍😍
You're welcome Ahmed 😊
hey dude also check my vidoe on couchsurfing th-cam.com/video/BVmCR5bSs6A/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for this video.. This video full with good information..
You're welcome
Very good video. Thanks for the explanation. Curious to try couchsurfing.
I hope you will! I think it's such a big enrichment to people's lives...you immediately understand this when you do it, cause every couchsurfer would tell you this. Please when you'll try, let me know about it! And if you need help you know where to find me
I am getting ready to head to London and I hope it goes well.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!! Let us know how it goes then :)
Changed my life!
Amazing ....😀🤩Txs for making this video....
I'm a host. I offer 5 star apartment. My expectation is the surfers buy groceries and cook.
Is there Any other apps like Couchsurfing?
If you coming to erbil welcome 😊
Explained very Well
great advise. thx a lot.
Great work.. Thanks
very inspiratianal u are so honest!
really have the feeling it´s time to get closer to the couchsurfer community
love and light to all beings ^^
your joshua
Thanks Josua. I just couch surfed again and it was amazing!
Love your english accent
Very well explained.
Went to 7 hosts in my own town. Fcukde 7 times.
what do you mean?
lol you're making me want to sign up for couch surfing.
are you the same Mare Jane for Spider Man ???
Most valuable informations about travelling
Thank you very much for the support! There's a new way of travelling made possible by globalisation and by the new technologies, which is was deeper than the plain, economy based touristic one. I embraced it and I'm trying to spread it as much as I can, cause it encourages brotherhood between people of different cultures and makes travellers richer in terms of humanity. It's just awesome and I hope my message is arriving to who's watching my videos.
Hi, Mary. Liked your accent, your purpose, your message... I just discovered your profile : ) Keep doing it.
Wow, thank you!! I like that you mention my purpose and my message among other things, that's the most important for me 😊
@@WhatashameMaryJane I have to tell it's comforting to see others with the same mindset regarding trips and money expenses. I will prevent you of my emotional story about it. But I summarize by saying it's encouraging to see your thoughts. I saw myself perfectly in that ticket hard time you had in Belgium.
Well, believe it or not, it's comforting for me too to see that someone else has the same mindset :)
Thanks
I love to travel like you guys... Is there anything like traveling with a team or a couple of people to avoid being lonely....by the way.. Thank you for this video...informative👍
Yes there are forums for every city on Couchsurfing and many people who have never met before and travel to the same destination make plans on visiting the place together. Try and check it out!
@@WhatashameMaryJane helpful👍
Grateful to you
Couchsurfing is an app that beautiful girls and guys meet each other. We relatively ugly people have zero chance to create friendship. It's a fact. I deleted the app with cryings, because a girl told me i'm too ugly for her.
You totally misunderstood the purpose of the platform. And the girls you met too.
@@WhatashameMaryJane Not me, but others. I have just tapped the button "say hello". First, she accepted me, then texted that she is way too beautiful to date with me. She could have just ignored rather than texting if she thought that way. Literally, bullshit.
@@Pikachu-lk9yx Ok I see the point now. First of all, I'm sorry you had to deal with such a rude person. Second, I would like to give you an advice, if I may. Don't send messages that have no content, like "Hello". As a girl, when I personally receive messages like "Hi", "Hey", "How are you" I simply ignore them, because I think that they are just trying to hook up with someone. That's probably what that girl thought too. Next time if you see a profile you like and you want to make a new friend, try to write something more personal and include the reason why you're texting a complete stranger in the first place.
PIkacu,yes im with U.I have ever had a sad experience with coachsurfing comunity in Bandung Indonesia last last time ago.they just acceptd white skin girls/boys from europe and Us something like that.they didnt accept local people like me.and then they said me,we want to go to some touristic place in bandung.what'll you do here then?and I said,ok thankyou to met you all here.good bye.coachsurfing isn't for me,but for rich and white skin people only.(backhome)
Really very informative. I'm new to this concept and wish to travel abroad with minimal cost. I wish to know that as a courtesy or formality or rule, does one have to pay to the host for lodging n boarding expenses. Can Senior persons do this...
👌👍✌️🌹😊
Watch my full playlist about Couchsurfing and don't miss the very last video which is very important.
Great video... have couch surfed through Costa Rica and ireland ...have made great friends
How can you call friends people you meet for one or a few days?They're pals at most.
@@lolizorz because have stayed in contact regularly... revisit them and vice versa...
Lolizorz I have ONE real friend in this world, but I still very often call "friend" every person that I know with whom I have a "friendly" behaviour.
Yensys it's awesome that you found friends with whom you stay in contact! I have a few from Couchsurfing too. Where are you from?
@@WhatashameMaryJane Hi MarY Jane, thanks yea its been on and off just because of work etc over the years keeping the CS up to date. But i have always stayed in contact with my CS friends via facebook, phone etc. I am back into trying to be more active now that i have seniority in my dept and have more time. I am from Tampa Fl.
Excelente explicación
Muchas gracias por la información 😄
Saludos
De nada 😉
@@WhatashameMaryJane if you want to come here in Baja California México
You have a new couchsurfer friend 😄
This makes me feel like I shouldnt be couch surfing, because I feel like I am intruding someone's personal space and using up their resources without paying them and I will always feel conscious in their place even if I surf. Can you tell me how to get rid of this feeling
Oh I'm glad you asked, cause I have the same exact problem. I'm able to overcome it by thinking that if they opened their house to guests and if they chose me, this is not necessarily a "favour" that they're doing me, but I can also have the possibility to do a favour to them by being a great company during my staying. I think that if they are hosting it means that they wanted to have guests, so instead of focusing on the fact that I intrude and that I'm not paying any money to stay there, I focus on being the best guest possible, on bringing them value, good stories, teach them something new, making them have a great time and listen to their stories too. You're not an intruder, you are a guest. Also, you are not a client, but a guest. You don't pay with money but you still give back, you just do it in another form, in a way more human and enriching form.
@@WhatashameMaryJane thanks a lot
Do the dishes and help with other chores, cook for them, go shopping with them and chip in, help with yardwork, chip in for gas if they are driving you around, help with their pets if they have any.
Probably 1000 ways you can give back to your host and feel good about spending time in their home.
@@josephf.1432 I am not fan of pets, it rather the opposite 😅
Hi I need to visit you, I'm from Ghana
Do you get invited to go for dinners? Do u invite them for the dinners ? Did u ever pay for dinner for a host and still slept with him ? If u host ,the dinners out could be more expensive then hotel or girls who charge money to be with them ….how u feel about that ?
GORGEOUS
Couchsurfing would be good. Plus if u Couchsurf u can’t invite people over somebody’s else house if u want to entertain them unlike at a hotel or at AirBnB. Which is understandable because u have to respect someone’s house. They letting u stay with them and not anybody else. Plus at hotels and AirBnB u can walk around and sleep naked. U can’t do at anybody else’s place unless they are nudist themselves and have no problem with it. Plus u don’t if some people have children living with or not. U gotta be respect, ask questions and abide by their rules. Always be honest with the host or hostess and they will be honest with you.
I want to start my first travel video with you. Can I share a travel in future?
Couchsurfing awesome and I don’t understand why you take so long to find a host. Create message. Copy and past to everyone the. Wait 10 minutes and usually someone gets back and then cancel all other messages. Happy days. Rest of your points on point. Its not a free hotel but its great way to meet the locals
That's actually exactly what I'm trying to educate people about NOT doing. :) I do understand your point of view though. I used to copy and paste my requests to everyone when I started, like anyone else does. But with the experience I understood that this is not the most efficient way to get a host. The hosts who accept a non personalised request are the least experienced ones. If you don't make sure to have a truly matching profile with the people you request to (and it's difficult to find 10 truly matching profiles in a short time) you're not guaranteed to have a very good quality CS experience. I watched your CS review on your channel, good points there too ;)
@@WhatashameMaryJane When I was first using couchsurfing I was reading every profile and sending personal requests and that took forever and in the end I didn't feel it made any difference at all. I believe its also harder for a guy to find a host than a girl but then also a girl needs to be more careful. The result I found with experienced high rated hosts is they accept and responf fast reguardless of what you write. Once I wrote a different name and were ok with it and they hosted me.(I usually copy paste and change the change to give it some personal touch) I have only had positive experiences with couchsurfing. Just my opinion how what Ive learned in my little experience being a surfer and one day Ill be the host
Joe Reviews All the superhosts I talked to tell me the same thing: they are super pissed about requests that are obviously copied and pasted and have nothing personal. Of course you copy and paste those 10 lines of your description and your trip description, but the rest has to change. Also, forgetting to change the name is the worst. We’ve all been there, but come one, how could a host not be pissed by a request that starts with “Hey Gregor!” when their name is Anne
Joe Reviews But you’re definitely right that for male surfers it is more difficult to get accepted and therefore they need to send more requests.
Ok interesting at the same time I wouldn't want to be with someone that gets mad at something so insignificant. Personally once I get accepted that when I read their profile to get a sense of who they are. The biggest complaints my hosts say about other surfers is their ability to show up. So they try to not accept anyone more than a week out as they cancel like its not big deal last minute.
Quale software usi per fare editing ed aggiungere effetti grafici sul video?
Grazie mille
Mamannn 😁🙏
Adobe Premiere Pro
Nice...
It is not free anymore and they are charging to delete a profile I've had for over 10 years. Such a scam
Good
helpful to me, thanks for the real info
My pleasure
@@WhatashameMaryJane :D so sweet
A very helpful video, thank you. I got a lot out of it as I am seeking to explore my options for what the bible says; to open my home to the poor.
I can appreciate the altruistic intention of this 'movement' however, I can't help but imagine some individuals are so wicked as to take advantage of their guests by, I don't know, peeping and implied solicitation? I think enhanced discernment is required from women in particular concerning free accommodation and it is wrong to knowingly enter into implied solicitation contracts. It then becomes a form of abasement. I hope I'm making myself clear that what I'm referring to is not a normal situation with the majority of hosts and guests but in extraordinary situations where gifts and services are freely laid on before one can refuse, not simply a pleasant stay and friendly conversation.
Hi Angel. Yes you're right there are such individuals, that's why I made a video about safety on Couchsurfing also with specific advices for solo women. You can watch it if you're interesting, it's on my channel.
Thanks for the awesome video!
My pleasure Amy!
Hi Nicely explained...I just downloaded the App ..In VERIFY ACCOUNT they are asking for a fee ..You mentioned it was free !!
Check out my more recent video "Is Couchsurfing Dead" (spoiler: it's not, but things have changed).
beautiful video
Thanks for information sister
I want travell but it will take some time may be 1or 2 years because now a days I prepare for NDA and airforce exam
Rajsthan,, india
Love you sister 🙏🙏
All the best for your exam!
good
hello i have a question do i pay for verification in couchsurfing?
Great information
Couchsurfing is Best platform to connect different cultures but why couchsurfing is not popular ?
Good question. I think that one of the reasons is the lack of regulation. They should improve the website, which sometimes has problems and they could improve the service a lot. For example the great majority of registered users are inactive since years. If someone has just started on CS and request one of these people, the result is the impression that the service doesn't work at all, while is just that some people don't check their profile. The website should have a system to differenciate. Another reason in my opinion is the lack of education. They don't educate enough any many articles on the website are outdated. This is why I'm doing these videos on my TH-cam channel, by the way, to supply this need of information about the platform.
@@WhatashameMaryJane thanks for reply ☺
Mehta Vandit thanks for the interesting question 😉
@@WhatashameMaryJane welcome to India 😃
@@WhatashameMaryJane It is possible to select in searches only people who have logged on during the last week abd filter by many other criteria
hi Jane greeting from Indonesia...your new subscriber....