No, I’m not talking about snuggling (not *necessarily*, anyway). This time around, I’m here to let you know about one of those rare initiatives which sprout on the web, yet manifest fully into the physical realms. Couch-surfing is – in a way – a recent extreme sport, and while it’s for everyone, it does require a bit of an open mind, I suppose. Just so you have a good idea of what we’re talking about, please consider the website’s official mission statement: “to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance and facilitate cultural understanding”.

The Couchsurfing.com Project is best catalogued as a “free, Internet-based hospitality service”. It’s basically an enhanced bulletin board for travelers looking for an overnight place to crash – not only in their hometown, but within the 126 participating countries. The concept is quite simple; you can both offer your couch for other people, or you can look for other people with spare couches who will provide you with their best hospitality while you visit their home town.

Naturally – as a brilliant display of community service – there’s a host of options aimed at providing everyone with a pleasant experience, as well as sorting out all the people with less … honorable intents.  Users feature extensive profiles, you get to live chat with people, there’s an optional credit card verification system and personal reference system, as well as several community tools, such as discussion boards and interest groups.  This is a highly recommended resource, for people who enjoy travelling to meet other people and cultures, rather than merely photographing tourist attractions and skimming through all the landmark touristic spots.

If you want to know more about this brilliant initiative, I advise checking out the wiki article, the full-fledged Couchsurfing wiki and – of course – the Couchsurfing.com official website.

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