[News Counterpoint] How to Use CouchSurfing Safely

Me and My Auckland CouchSurfing Family

Like Amber, I was shocked to read about the numerous instances of sexual harassment and even rape that had occurred as a result of people using CouchSurfing.org. I do think it is the website’s responsibility to notify people of their rights in these situations. Though it may not be the website’s direct responsibility to punish hosts and surfers for their wrongdoing, they can forward these complaints to police departments and, at the very least, delete a person’s account upon the slightest suspicion of harassment or assault. Even the notion that someone might give off that sort of vibe should preclude them from using the service.

At the same time, it is important to consider how CouchSurfing is run. It is mostly staffed by unpaid volunteers from around the world, who do their part while they work full-time jobs and live their own lives. They can’t be expected to police individual profiles. Because this is the case, it is important to know that you’re on your own when you use the site.

Having heard and lived through my share of cautionary tales with the website, I’ve put together a guideline for using CouchSurfing safely, so you can have the most memorable (in a good way) experience possible. Happy travels!

1. Try not to CouchSurf alone. Use the buddy system if you’re CouchSurfing, especially if you’re a woman. I know it may sound so last century, but you’d be better off staying in a hostel if you’re by yourself.
2. Consider only surfing with same-sex hosts. That’s not to say that women couldn’t assault or harass you too, but your chances of this happening decrease greatly if you don’t stay with someone of the opposite sex. But, I have to say, I keep in touch with more guys than girls
3. Never use CouchSurfing as a last resort. The site should never be your Plan C. My rule when traveling on a budget is always: 1) ask friends if they know anyone in the area/country you can stay with, 2) try CouchSurfing to see if there’s anyone who looks like they’d be cool and down-to-earth (I never push this too far. If I don’t find someone who I like, I don’t use the site. It’s that simple. It’s not a housing service; it’s a service that connects you with people around the world.), 3) Check out cheap hostels in the area and read the reviews, 4) If I’m desperate, I’ll get a cheap hotel room.
4. Always read people’s entire profiles. Most of the bad stories I’ve heard have involved people desperately emailing everyone they can find without any regard to age, gender, interests, living conditions, etc. I made this mistake once and ended up sleeping in an attic next to a mousetrap in Auckland. Don’t make this mistake, and don’t act desperate.
5. Carry hairspray/pepper spray/something to defend yourself. You can never be too prepared. I never had to use mine, even while hitchhiking, but I’m always happier safe than sorry.
6. Don’t hookup with your host or surfer. That’s a no-brainer, and yet people seem to break it so often. Of course this has exceptions. I’m sure someone has met the love of their life through the site, but 9 times out of 10, just say no.
7. Stay with people with friends on the site (at least 7 or 8) and lots of good reviews. One bad review or one blah review and you should count them out. 

I hope that the news doesn’t stop anyone curious from using the site, since CouchSurfing can be such a unique and life-changing experience. The ratio of creepers to amazing human beings is quite low, I promise.

As an avid traveler, I have used the service dozens of times to surf couches all over the world. I have made a few lifelong friends through the site, who come from all ages and backgrounds, and whom I keep in touch with regularly even now (I'm sending out some very international Christmas cards this year). I’ve stayed on farms, in houses, in the most comfortable bed ever in the Blue Mountains, with families, with single mothers, and with guys and girls my age who have partied with me until the sun rises, and then made me fish n chips for breakfast. You don’t want to miss that.

Or just come hang out with me in San Francisco.