Rarely would you believe that traveling could be free, and to a certain extent, safe.
Top consideration of a newbie and even a seasoned traveler would be the accommodation. Most often than not, it is a huge concern next to airfare. It takes up a bulk of your budget (even when staying in a hostel). It’s a factor that could make or break your travel goals especially if one is going where nobody has ever been before, no family or friend to bail you out for a day or two. Some move forward and settle what their budget could offer, some get lucky with more than their budget could offer but most would shy away altogether in fulfilling their dream to travel because a good night’s rest within a budget and safety is not assured.
Where is that affordable place you could safely rest your head after a day of adventure?
As much as the decision to travel and literally step away from a comfort zone knowing full well the equally literal discomfort and risk is an exciting one, sojourners should understand that it doesn’t need to be a staple experience while traveling.
You could stay in a house, an apartment, a hotel, a room with an amazing view for free. Yes free.
And the catch?
To believe that acts of kindness are everywhere.
“A simple act of kindness always sparks another” – Klaus, Netflix
CouchSurfing is a homestay and social networking service that connects a global community of travelers. The hosts don’t charge the CouchSurfers for lodging. It is based on the idea that people are generally kind.
It’s good for the wallet and heart.
More than saving yourself from further bankruptcy, it’s a platform to learn from locals. It allows you a peek into the way of life of the people living in the place you’re visiting. It’s not just about opening their house for a day or two; it’s the start of a conversation, friendship, and learnings.
What is more exciting than listening to a life story from a different race, culture, and/or religion while traveling?
A lot of travel itineraries would rush you out of your accommodation because there are tourist spots to visit, food to eat and people to meet. CouchSurfing can do that for you too. But it encourages you to take it slow. Immerse yourself in the ordinary life of your host, it won’t just be enlightening your mind but can also bring healing to your soul.
It is a growing community. A CouchSurfer can opt to travel with other CouchSurfers. It’s great for solo travelers interested in meeting new people.
It is a growing movement. It is an experience that prompts you to pay it forward because it inspired CouchSurfers to be hosts themselves. The kindness shown once evidently does not stop there.
Treated like a daughter by a lovely couple in Taipei. A whole house provided with food, a transportation card, and even drove for 3 hours to see the famous lantern village among many others.
Relied on a translating device to converse with a host in Osaka while eating the delicious dinner he prepared.
Drove around on a scooter and being treated to a secret favorite place in Kyoto.
Hosted by a traveler, who went cross-country traveling on a bike, in his own hostel in Bangkok a year after meeting him in Nepal. Tried out different local food and went around non-touristic places.
Stayed in a temple two hours away from the city with a monk in Bangkok.
All-expense paid 2-day tour by a host in Pennang.
Spent a night at a 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur courtesy of a host turned new found friend.
Stayed in a hostel for CoushSurfers in Melaka. Devoted to extra-mile hospitality.
Toured and ate at secret and affordable places around Singapore by a budget-friendly and knowledgeable host.
From a family running a hard-earned business, an ex-pat from the UK, a seasoned Filipino woman traveler, to an ex-pat journalist from Estonia, made Manila worth the stay even with the traffic.
In the end, it is not the place nor the food you remember the most but the feelings you’ve felt from the kindness of people.
It is literally an experience that money can’t buy and a story in itself worth telling.
Stay or share your home with strangers, eat breakfast while trying your best at awkward small talk. Because why not? You’ve already crossed borders and continents for an exciting adventure; why not make it an even more enriching one? Make the world a little friendlier and meet the friends you haven’t met yet.
We truly believe, life is richer when we connect to people and the world around us.
So yes! it's simply blis!
Comments