One of the greatest joys of travel is being able to connect with others and realizing while we may share a very different upbringing, we are fundamentally the same.
One of my favorite ways to ensure I get to meet local people while traveling is by logging onto CouchSurfing.com and seeing who is available to hang out the days I am in town! I especially love to do this if I am traveling solo in a destination I have never been to before. It can be an awesome way to connect with a local who is excited to show you their hometown. It’s exciting for both people involved because not only do you have someone to help show you around a foreign city- they get to share their favorite places with someone for the first time! Many hosts love being able to give back to other travelers and have the chance to meet people from around the world.
It’s free and easy to make an account on Couchsurfing!
It’s super simple to create an account. You can do it on the mobile app or website. It’s free but you can pay to have your account verified. That being said, I used Couchsurfing for months before I paid for official verification. Either works but you are more likely to have your requests accepted if you are verified via your ID, phone or payment!
My Profile On Couchsurfing:
Couchsurfing Isn’t Just For Overnight Stays
Most people think of couchsurfing and only assume it means sleeping in a stranger’s living room while on vacation- that’s definitely not the case!
While I have stayed overnight with hosts in Sweden, Paris, Germany, London, South Carolina and Texas – I have also just met friends for an afternoon to go on an adventure while I’m traveling solo. That’s one of the awesome things about Couchsurfing- you can use it to have dinner with a local or meet up for an excursion with a fellow traveler. It doesn’t have to be used for accommodation if that makes you uncomfortable!
Read my full post about overnight stays:
COUCHSURFING: IS IT SAFE?
Completely Fill Out Your Profile
Keep in mind- you want to make sure hosts feel confident meeting up with you. So having an empty profile looks sketchy at best or like you just don’t care very much. Either way- not great! So fill it out and give it a little bit of thought. And be sure to upload some pictures. Nothing makes an account seem fake or spammy faster than having zero images uploaded!
Reach out to hosts by sending a friendly, personalized message
After you’ve made an account and uploaded pictures, time to contact some hosts! First, address them by name. Don’t send one mass message to a bunch of people, it’s obvious. Maybe mention something off their profile that stood out. (“Oh you like beer?! Me too! I’ll bring some over!”) And be sure to share what you can offer! (Excellent company, help preparing a meal etc.) Be friendly and hopefully you’ll find a host you connect with easily!
Optional: Make Your Trip Public On The Group Board
Couchsurfing has the option to list your upcoming trips publicly. I have found this both helpful and extremely irritating. Sometimes, it will help connect you with a host more quickly. Beste, my host in Istanbul, reached out after I publicly shared I would be coming to Turkey and would “love to explore the area with someone local.” And I’m so thankful she saw my public trip!
But ladies, be prepared for A LOT of overwhelming messages from guys if you make your trip public in certain countries where couchsurfing seems to be used more as a dating app. After making my trip public in Egypt- I received hundreds of friend requests and messages. My inbox was completely overwhelmed. Although I did end up meeting up with someone who reached out to me this way (he is now a dear friend of mine, thank you Joe!) there were a lot of “hey beautiful ur sexy” messages to wade through. That disclaimer being said, it’s still an opportunity to make some unforgettable connections with those genuinely looking to host! Don’t let that discourage you- perhaps just avoid the public boards.
Swap Social Media or WhatsApp
After connecting with a host and chatting back and forth briefly, you’ll be able to get a good sense if it’s going to work out. I also add people on social media just to double check they are who they say. I’ve never had any issues!
Agree where and when to meet
Always agree to meet someone in a public place that’s easy to find. When I landed in Istanbul I was without cell service so I had to make my way from the airport into the city to meet with my host. Fortunately she had chosen an easy to spot landmark and was waiting there with a huge smile when I arrived!
A friendly face in a foreign city
Meeting with my host Beste was the best possible way I could have spent a 10 hour layover in Istanbul. As a regular couchsurfing host, she knew how to make me feel comfortable and at ease immediately. She had arrived early to wait for me at the meeting point. And despite my train being delayed- she patiently waited for me. I was feeling stressed and slightly overwhelmed at the thought of navigating the Istanbul metro but Beste guided me all around the city, taking me to the best spots for dinner, Turkish coffee and baklava.
Riding the metro to go see Istanbul’s famous mosques, Beste told me all about her life in Turkey. Dating, culture, arranged marriages, religious practices, school… it was refreshing and eye opening. I had never talked about romance and future goals with a girl from Turkey. In fact I had never talked about ANYTHING with a girl from Turkey before. I couldn’t believe what kindred spirits we were! Growing up on opposite sides of the world yet here we were, wandering the cobble stone streets of Istanbul at night-eating ice cream and gushing in agreement on everything.
Exploring Istanbul With A New Friend
We ate until I couldn’t fit one more piece of Turkish Delight in my belly. Beste had me sampling enough food to last me the week! And when I finally insisted I could eat no more, she took me for Turkish coffee.
Heartfelt Goodbyes
Genuinely wishing the day would never end, we said a heartfelt goodbye in the Istanbul metro station. Vowing our travel paths would cross again! Ahh, the temporary nature of travel. People come and go as you pass through countries- wandering on your own journey. But I am certainly thankful for this day in Istanbul with Beste!
Read more: Lessons Learned After 365 Days Abroad: Goodbyes and What They Teach Us
After Your Meet Up, You Have The Option To Leave A Review!
The review Beste wrote me after our day together will be something I treasure forever. Her kind words following our fantastic day will always remain a favorite travel memory of mine! Thank you again Beste for welcoming me in your country.
Would you consider Couchsurfing to connect with locals? Let me know if you have any questions about the process!
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More on Turkey? 10 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT ÇEŞME, TURKEY
Beste was such a great host when I visited Istanbul in April. I agree with everything you said, she is lovely! On my way to meet her, I took the wrong bus and ended up getting an unplanned (looong) bus tour of Istanbul, but she patiently waited for me to arrive. She organized a great group of Couchsurfers and it was really a great experience meeting people from all over the world. Anyway, Couchsurfing is a great app and I use it everytime I travel. I agree, if you’re a woman you do tend to get A LOT of messages but if you weed through them, you’ll find gems like Beste.
Oh my gosh I love to hear that you also connected with Beste while in Istanbul!! She’s really amazing isn’t she?! I would have only been able to see a fraction of the stuff without her. Plus she really is a joy to be around! <3