Couch Surfing Around the World

Have you ever used CouchSurfing.org? I've been hearing about it for ages, but for some reason today was my first visit to the website. And I'm kicking myself for waiting so long! The clever motto, "Participate in Creating a Better World, One Couch At A Time" is a little too cute, but the of connecting travelers to the locales they visit, to the real people in the communities they travel through is perfect. Here's the basic concept:

"CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding."

Basically, "surfers" (travelers looking for a free place to crash) and local hosts "share hospitality with one another." It's a win-win. The traveler gets a more authentic immersion travel experience, and the hosts "have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world without leaving home."