Write a Couchsurfing Request

The Couchsurfing site is a great way to get a free room to crash in if you just need a place to sleep for a night or two. After you create a couchsurfing request you’ll need to find someone to host it.

[Edit]Steps

1. Create your Couchsurfing account and fill in your Couchsurfing profile. Do these things before you look for or request a couch. Include pictures of yourself, if you’re at all comfortable including them. A Couchsurfing request should be personal.
   
2. Log in to the Couchsurfing site and click on the couch button. It’s next to your name in the upper left.
   
3. Click the blue “Continue” button after listing trip details. These include “where would you like to go?” for the location box, and the “arrive” and “Leave” dates.
   
4. Hit “Continue” again after filling out the personalization details. These include a description for why you’re travelling, and how many people are coming along.
   
5. Be specific. State why you will be in the area. Tell your prospective host who you are. If you are traveling with anyone, be very clear about that, as well.
   
6. State when you plan to arrive, or if your plans are still flexible or up in the air, state that.
   
7. Read your prospective host’s profile. Look in their interests for things you have in common. Aim to make friends, and you will have a much better chance of connecting.
   
8. Follow up if your travels plans change or your arrival will be delayed. Most hosts will be far more understanding of a text message stating that you’ve decided to stay an extra day at your previous stop than they will be of your simply showing up a day or two later than you said you would.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Plan your own transportation. Your host may not have the resources to pick you up at the airport or train station. On the other hand, your host may be an excellent source of information about things like local transportation or food choices.
• Depending on the area and season where you will be traveling, you may need to submit multiple requests.
• Have a plan to leave, and be clear about how long you will stay. A few days to a week is pretty doable, but keep your host’s needs in mind, too. Remember, he or she is a volunteer.
• Submit your request well in advance of your date of travel, if possible. It will give you and your hosts time to sort out details.

[Edit]Warnings

• Couchsurfing hosts may not always come through with a place to stay when and where you had in mind. Have a backup plan in case you do not find a couch this way.