Why is this column called the Tonca Couch
Boy? Well, it’s because I like to couchsurf while travelling and host visitors
at home as well. For those of you who are unfamiliar with couchsurfing, it
involves leaving your couch open for travellers to surf (sleep) on. You, in
turn, can do the same when visiting another country. Of course, it doesn’t need
to be a couch. Spare beds, mattresses or even a bedspread on the floor works
fine for a lot of travellers who aren’t picky.
Couchsurfing involves a lot of trust. Here
you are, asking an absolute stranger if you can stay with them, use their
bathrooms and treat their sanctuary as if it were yours.
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So the first thing you need to do is
register yourself on the online community and fill out your profile in detail.
Let people know everything there is to know about you. What kind of food and
books do you like? What sort of people you get along with and what ticks you
off. This let’s surfers filter which hosts they would be comfortable with. Post
photographs of yourself and your home. Couchsurfing is all about sharing your
life, your culture and your country.
As a newcomer, try and host someone first.
This will give you a good idea about how things work out if you decide to surf
later. Also, if you’ve made a couchsurfing friend, you can be sure they will
give you a good review. While filtering through hosts, surfers always check out
reviews. Were you hospitable? Did they have a good time with you? If you receive
a bad review, chances are that nobody will consider you as an option in the
future. Another thing to remember while hosting is that you do not have to do
anything that you’re uncomfortable with. If you get a request from someone who
gives you a bad feeling in the gut, just say no politely.
Let them know the number of days they can
stay with you. I usually let people stay for a maximum of three days simply
because I want my house and privacy back.
I tell them that frankly and they are okay
with it. It is also up to you whether or not you want to provide them with
meals or show them around. However, it’s always nice to give them a local’s
point of view of your city, town or village if and when you have the time. I’ve
had hosts take me out to meet their friends, cook a local meal for me and even
show me little hole-in-the-wall secrets to dine and drink. No guidebook will
give you these experiences.
If you plan to surf, some of the tips
remain the same. Maintain an in depth profile so people know who they’re taking
in. Try and rack up some reviews. It’s very important to be clean and
non-obtrusive. It’s also custom to give your host a little token of
appreciation. A small souvenir from back home is always a good idea.
Be safe. Never stay with anyone who you are
not comfortable with just because you’re desperate. And lastly, keep an open
mind. There’s a lot to learn from the world out there.
