Couch surfing & Air BNB – Explained

What is Couch Surfing?

Couch surfing is the more common name used to describe someone who moves from one house to another, usually staying for a few days (or until their friend has had enough) before moving on to the next house.

In more modern day terms it is the practice of traveling around using other people’s accommodation whether that be by sleeping on the floor, couch or spare room.

Couch surfing is often used by backpackers to help them backpack around the world, find a travel partner or can be used by people wanting to attend organised events such a sporting events, parties meetings etc in another town, state or country

As a member of a couch surfing site you are able to become part of the community and it makes it very easy to interact with and meet like-minded people. Some groups organise activities such as hiking and camping trips for example and this means couch surfing can be highly sociable IF you read the profiles properly to see who you are likely to be meeting.

Home stay arrangements agreed and organised between the host and guest directly. Usually people decide ahead of time the duration, nature, and terms of the guest’s stay.

A couch surfer and host should expect that there is no exchange of money unless mutual expenses are shared for essentials such as food and drink.

While the above is true guests would normally show their appreciation by bringing a gift, cooking a meal or teaching a skill to the host and you know what I think that’s a great way to do things when someone is going out of their way to help you out.

The couch surfing travelling network is becoming more and more popular and is really a form of social media with added benefits.

What is AirBNB?

AIrBNB (Airbed & Breakfast) in its basic form is a website used to connect a traveller / backpacker or holiday maker searching for accommodation with a host offering a room, apartment, boat, tree houses, islands (I think you get the picture) or other form of accommodation available to rent.

(Basically a cross between staying in a B&B / hostel while staying in someone else’s home)

The original concept came about when an industrial design conference was held in San Francisco in 2007.

The demand for hotel rooms was so high that without AirBNB some attendees would not have been able to attend.

AirBNB gave guests a unique networking opportunity in that they were able to link to hosts also attending the conference. In exchange for a reasonable fee Hosts offered short term accommodation and breakfast to their “guests”.

Homestay arrangements are all organised and pre agreed between the host and guest via the AirBNB website. Guests search for accommodation and make an application confirming the duration and nature of the stay and add any special requirements they may have.

Airbnb makes its money by charging a booking fee of between 6% and 12% as well as charging the host 3% from each guest booking for credit card processing.

Due to the monetary transactional nature of the site Airbnb facilitates a secure online payments system. This allows guests to pay for their accommodation in advance safe in the knowledge that payment would not be debited to their account until 24 hours after check in.

This acts as a guarantee to the guests and upholds cancellations policy agreed with the hosts. Airbnb also facilitates security deposits along with cleaning fees for the host.
Airbnb hosts are able to request Verified IDs before agreeing a booking. If they ask for this then they will also have to be verified (It is only fair you know…)

What are the key differences?

Getting straight to the point main difference between Couch Surfing and AirBNB are as follows:

• Couch surfing is relatively free (other than minimum outlay for a gift and some food etc) whereas AirBNB guests pay AirBNB, take their percentage and then pay the host.

• Guests and Hosts agree the details directly when couch surfing, guests and hosts agree terms through AirBNB and are sent each-others personal contact details once the booking is made.

• There is likely to be more clarity around where you will be staying and what you will be staying in through AirBNB but if you research properly before you go you could find that you are able to find this out for a couch surf or 2…

Don’t worry the majority are common sense or common courtesy. If you search the net you tend to find these “unwritten rules” are more commonly talked about

1. Build and Interesting Profile. As I mentioned earlier add as much info to your user profile as you can. Make sure you cover off who you are what you like and dislike, what your interests are, what you are looking for and why.

Don’t be afraid to be you and make sure you sound interesting as you should find more success. Don’t forget you will be reviewed afterwards so don’t exaggerate the truth too much.

2. Have you Profile properly Verified. Remember that verified profiles build trust and with that added security for guests and hosts people are more likely to feel it is safer to host you or to stay with you.

3. Take time to thoroughly review user profiles to find a Compatible Host. If you look for a host or guest that has similar interests, goals hobbies etc that match yours you are much more likely to get on and this is very important for you both to enjoy the experience.

4. Ask your host what they expect of you. If the host hasn’t already told you what it expected within their user profile ask.

You don’t want to turn up and find out they want you in bed by 9pm and also you never know if you get on well enough they may want to join you on your trip for a while.

5. Before you book ask some questions. If you have a question ask it remember it is unlikely you will know the host or guest in advance so if you have a burning question as it.

Is there a curfew? Can you hang out with them? Do you need to fit around their lives? If you are running a little late will it affect them?

Don’t forget if you are late or don’t turn up they could be waiting in for you and be inconvenienced they may even be picking you up…

6. Couch Surfers – You are staying for free so offer token of appreciation. How many complete strangers would let you stay for free? NONE!

This is a very important unwritten rule, make the host feel appreciated, offer a gift related to the hobby or interest (you thoroughly studied their profile remember), offer to teach them something, grab a takeaway or cook them a meal.

Don’t be tight, if you eat at a hosts pay your way or get some groceries in at least make the offer.

7. Be friends and return the favour. Its not always possible to get on with everyone but make the effort to get along.

If you manage to get along with your host then you will both cherish the experience, don’t forget if you have the means you could have an opportunity to return the favour.

Let them know if they are welcome and you never know they may even come to visit some day…

8. Clean up after yourself and help out with the household chores – Your mum isn’t staying with you is she so make sure you behave yourself, clean up after yourself.

If you get a chance why not help out a little, chuck out the bins, get the hoover out or clean the loo when you’re done. Your host will appreciate this a lot more than you think, will give you a better review and are likely to welcome you back again.

9. Rate your stay – Once you have done and left don’t forget to rate your host remember this is your opportunity to tell the next couch surfer how great your experience was. On the flip side your review could help someone avoid an awful experience.

10. Stay active on your couch surfing site – Don’t forget that this can be a social experience for you and the other users on the website.

If you are in regular contact with other users they are more likely to recommend you and this enhances trust and your reputation meaning you can offer advice and the community can greatly benefit from this.