couchsurfers
Temporary floor guests
Couchsurfers are travelers who stay temporarily in strangers' homes, typically sleeping on couches or spare beds rather than paying for hotels.
The practice gained popularity through websites that connect hosts with travelers seeking free accommodation: We hosted three couchsurfers from Germany last summer.
The term implies budget travel, cultural exchange, and trust between strangers.
Extra bedroom for visitors
- sofa bedDual-purpose seating furniture
- air mattressPortable inflatable sleeping surface
- sleeping bagInsulated portable bedding
- floor spaceUsable interior area
guest room · futon · blankets · pillows · shared bathroom · house rules · arrival time · amenities
Those who entertain guests
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- profilesSummaries of characteristics
- referencesSources cited for verification
- requestsFormal expressions of want
backpackers · budget travel · itinerary · destinations · locals · explorers · wanderers · nomads
Confidence in another
- safetyFreedom from harm
- verificationProving something accurate
- reviewsPublished critical assessments
- friendshipBond of mutual affection
connections · networking · members · events · hangouts · language exchange · hosting · reciprocity
spare room
Extra bedroom for visitors
- sofa bedDual-purpose seating furniture
- air mattressPortable inflatable sleeping surface
- sleeping bagInsulated portable bedding
floor space · guest room · futon · blankets · pillows · shared bathroom · house rules · arrival time · amenities · Wi-Fi
hosts
Those who entertain guests
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- profilesSummaries of characteristics
- referencesSources cited for verification
requests · backpackers · budget travel · itinerary · destinations · locals · explorers · wanderers · nomads · globetrotters
trust
Confidence in another
- safetyFreedom from harm
- verificationProving something accurate
- reviewsPublished critical assessments
friendship · connections · networking · members · events · hangouts · language exchange · hosting · reciprocity · strangers