In the current phase of rising prices, people are turning to creative ways to explore the world. Couchsurfing stands out as a notable example. It is an international web project that makes couch sleeping possible anywhere in the world for free, with a motivation to share experiences with the local host.
It embodies a flexible, open mindset and a willingness to meet new people. Travelers are often backpackers and young adventurers who are ready to trade comfort for authentic experiences in destinations. This view is shared by Pablo Díaz, a tourism expert at the Economics and Business studies program at the Open University of Catalonia.
The system requires registration and two profiles: one for the traveler and one for the home they may visit. As a host, the provider can decide the sleeping arrangement, from an air mattress to a private room, and can include house rules, photos of the space, or suggested activities with guests. Ana Mañas, the app’s ambassador to Spain, notes that many hosts look for travelers who share similar interests and values.
open perspectives
In 2014, Jose Carlos Guillén chose to visit Paris and tested his luck with couchsurfing. He sent several requests and stayed with four different families. He explains that the goal was to save money while discovering new cultures. The 30 year old has since connected with people from many backgrounds through the app, gaining insights that go beyond typical sightseeing. On a trip to Poland, he prioritized meeting people over checking off listed attractions, and he found genuine connections more meaningful than conventional comforts.
That same spirit guides Mañas, who became an ambassador and began hosting visitors in 2014. Her experience has brought guests from more than 100 countries, and she highlights how shared hospitality helps visitors learn how to live in other places and how to explore a city from a local perspective. Hosts have the freedom to choose what they offer and when, while guests often contribute in simple ways, such as cooking a dish from their homeland or joining local gatherings. The message from Díaz is clear: hosting develops trust and enriches travel through mutual generosity rather than a commercial exchange.
Thanks to this platform, travelers can significantly reduce their trip expenses. The amount saved depends on the chosen destination and length of stay. When looking at Spain as a benchmark, tourism data from national statistics shows that accommodation costs average around 1,336 euros per person in a typical August period. Using couchsurfing can help travelers reduce those costs substantially.
Since its launch in 2004, the service has grown to include more than 18 million participants worldwide. It is not the only option in the sharing economy for free hosting. Other platforms such as HomeExchange allow home exchanges, while Gamping offers camping on private land. The ecosystem for shared hospitality continues to expand, offering diverse ways to connect with locals.
Trustworthy?
Some travelers may worry about the risks of staying with strangers. The platform offers safety features such as user reviews and ratings and a guide to avoiding common scams. Mañas stresses the importance of valuing the personal impression of a host request rather than expecting free accommodation alone. Díaz adds that trust forms the core of the experience, making mutual respect essential for everyone involved.
Instances of negative experiences are rare, according to Mañas, who emphasizes that a strong network of friends can emerge from stays. A traveler might simply say, I am coming, and a new circle of acquaintances can form, with friendships that extend across cities and even continents. The idea remains that hospitality travels as easily as people do, and friendships can travel with it.