Yes, there are the handful of CouchSurfers who are in it for the free bed, just like there are people who are always willing to exploit something honest and noble. But you get out what you put in – if you just want a bed, you will get a bed, maybe even breakfast if you’re lucky; if you want an experience, you will get that too, and maybe a life-long friend if you’re lucky…

It seems you have drunk the juice. Of course, CS is going to have the slogan “making the world better one couch at a time” rather than “Here’s a free couch, cheapskate!”.

But, really, CS for some is about simply a free place and for others it is about meeting new people.

I have used CS while traveling in Israel, Mexico and all over SEA. I have had times where I have gone out and seen the place with my host; and I have had other times when the host told me straight up that they would be glad to accommodate me but that they were busy, so I hardly saw them.

Bring a gift? Yeah, no. Maybe at the the end if, say, the person really likes wine then go get them a bottle or whatever. But I would do it more as a passive thing rather than feeling indebted to getting them something. Help them clean? I have never done more than keep tidy the area that I occupied. As well, I have been a guest numerous times and never ever have I hosted.

So, yeah, everyone please do join CS thinking you can just find a place to sleep. The other things – meeting great people, seeing the local side of things, etc. – are by-products of getting a free place to crash. None of this is abusing anyone. I’m abused when the cult-like BS of CS tries to indoctrinate me.

Couchsurfing is not about free accommodations. Do not join CS thinking you can just find a place to sleep. This is abusing the host. CS is about, as the slogan states, making the world better one couch at a time.

When you travel via CS, be prepared to help you host (clean, cook, etc.) or you better have a gift for your host or you better host CS at your place.

CS is not a selfish one-way street.

Thanks.