Pizzas galore!

2 for 1 at Pizza Express

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

Skip Navigation

From Times Online
October 12, 2009

Couch-surfing your essential guide

Soraya Kishtwari

Couchsurfing: What is it?

A free-to-use social network connecting travellers with locals worldwide willing to offer free hospitality and advice.

The term Couchsurfing refers to the Web-based hospitality service of the same name (www.couchsurfing.org ), and while there are other, similar websites, this is by far the most popular with almost 1.5 million members registered worldwide.

Who is it for?

While people aged between 18 and 24 make up almost 44 per cent of members, the service is available to and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds.

How does it work?

Simple.

After registering your details, you’re invited to create a profile offering information as varied as the countries you have visited to the languages you speak.

You

At the core of your profile should be a description of your personality (and couch), including details such as personal interests or hobbies as well as favourite books and films.

The more information you give the better.

The couch

Page 1 of 2

Bookmark and Share

Your Comments

have your say

Would you like to post a comment? Please register or log in

Login
Register

Also in Student

Also in Education

How To Get A Job 

Times graduate trainee scheme

Apply to become a journalist at one of the world's top news organisations

School Gate

Computer icon

Don't make a fool of yourself online

Tips on using the internet to get that first graduate job

Find your future here

graduatecareer.com, the new website with articles, advice and resources for graduates

University Guide Map

UK Map

Search the UK for the best universities

Find the place for you

Oxbridge interview

A man walks through Clare College in Cambridge

Top tips on how to survive an Oxbridge interview

Postgraduate Courses

Further Study

View postgraduate courses in the following subjects:

    More subjects >

    Student Life 

    A woman, 5 months pregnant, poses with ’fake alcohol’. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks ’too much’ alcohol during pregnancy.

    Female students and booze

    How To Get A Job 

    Facebook

    Social networking for graduates

    Gap Year 

    Travel and music

    Most Read

    Skip Most Read

    Today

    MOST COMMENTED

    Skip Editor's Pick

    Today

    MOST CURIOUS

    Skip Most Curious

    Today

    Focus Zone

    accenture

    Need to Know:

    Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast

    ba business travel clouds

    Business Travel:

    Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip

    Winter Sports

    Winter Sports:

    Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports

    lloyds

    Mapping Business:

    We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?

    Shell

    The Future of Energy:

    Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge

    high-speed trains

    Europe by Train:

    With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train

    Dinner party

    My Dinner Party:

    In this special section we explore new food trends to help improve your dinner party and impress guests

    More Reports

    More reports:

    Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more

    previous next
    crossword with Cross fountain pen.

    Crossword Club

    Sign up today or try one of our free demo crosswords

    Business Directory

    Business Directory

    Search for local businesses & services

    Times Health Club

    Countdown to Christmas: a healthier festive season

    Magic spell

    Join in The Times Spelling Bee

    Generic photo of a job interview.

    Free CV Review

    Sell yourself! Have your CV reviewed by experts

    Popular Searches on Times Online

    2010 movies | books | copenhagen 2009 | crosswords | fashion | formula 1 | mortgages | obituaries | pensions | property | recipes | redundancy calculator | savings | sudoku | twitter | university guide | wine

    Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles

    Classifieds 

    Cars

    Skip Cars of the Week

    Ferrari F355 F1

    1998
    £47,955

    Lamborghini Gallardo

    2004
    £56,950
    Essex

    Apply for car finance?

    Check your free Experian credit report before applying


    Jobs

    Skip Jobs of the Week
    Director of Operations – UK

    £100,000
    Barnardos
    UK

    Law Commissioner for England and Wales

    £123,460 pa
    The Law Commission
    London

    Job Opportunities Available


    Hampshire County Council

    Global Sponsorship Executive

    Competitive + bonus + benefits
    Manchester United
    Central London

    Properties

    Eager to get on the property ladder?

    Find out about shared ownership.

    Looking for a Mortgage?

    See your free Experian credit report beforehand

    Holidays

    Skip Travel of the Week

    Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket & Dubai from only £1199!

    Includes flights, accommodation with room upgrades, transfers city tours in Hong Kong and Bangkok.
    PremierHolidays.co.uk

    Ski Weekend Specialists since 1986

    For your ultimate tailor-made ski holiday, click here


    Great Travel Insurance

    Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com


    Hawaii free nights, breakfasts, upgrades & more!

    Choose from the beautiful landscape and tranquil beaches of Oahu, Kauai, Maui & Big Island.


    Place your advert now