Traveling in Europe without staying in hotels? Probably because I have a house in Europe. Or maybe friends there. Yes, the last answer isn’t wrong, but it’s not entirely correct either. If you’re curious and want to know how I managed to travel around Europe without staying in hotels, stay tuned to my story here.
I’m sharing this because many people think that traveling in Europe is expensive. I agree! It’s not only the airfare but also the accommodation that can be quite costly. In my opinion, after flight tickets and intercity or international transportation, accommodation expenses are the third biggest budget drain while traveling in Europe.
However, just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean we can’t travel to Europe. There are many ways to save money. Cheap flights can be found by hunting for promotional tickets. But what about accommodation if you don’t have family or friends in Europe? Relax!
I don’t have family in Europe either, nor close friends. Do I have acquaintances? Yes, but calling them friends would be a stretch. They’re more like connections, most of whom I met online. Some I’ve met in person, but most I haven’t.
So, how did I meet these connections? Here’s the secret: I got to know them through Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a social networking site that provides a hospitality exchange for travelers and backpackers worldwide. Through this platform, you can stay for free with locals in cities all over the world.
Through Couchsurfing, you can make friends and connect; some people even find lifelong partners. In Batam and other cities in Indonesia, there are many Couchsurfing members, and I’m one of the most active members. When I was new, I started by hosting many travelers (called surfers) from other countries. They stayed at my place, and I offered them Indonesian hospitality.
I’ve been a Couchsurfing member since 2010. I first heard about it from a source who happened to be a Couchsurfing admin in Batam. I was interested, though I didn’t get active until a year later. On Couchsurfing, the traveler is known as a “surfer” or “guest,” while the host is called the “host.”
After hosting a few surfers, I started enjoying Couchsurfing more and more. Meeting people from different countries, sharing stories, and forming friendships have been amazing experiences. I’ve hosted travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, China, Australia, the U.S., Canada, France, England, Italy, Germany, Russia, Poland, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and recently, Croatia.
Helping travelers from various countries feels like an investment. They often reciprocate by offering their apartments or homes when I visit their country, eliminating the need to worry about accommodation costs.
My first Couchsurfing experience in Europe was in late 2014. I traveled for a month through several cities, including Istanbul, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Berlin, Dresden, and Paris, and only stayed four nights in hotels. My second time in Europe (Spain) and North Africa (Morocco) was in late 2016, where I used Couchsurfing again and stayed in connections’ homes in Casablanca, Marrakesh, Madrid, and Barcelona.
In the Middle East and Iran, I also used Couchsurfing. The experience in Iran was particularly memorable. The hosts were incredibly generous, offering food and even helping with bus fare. Although we hadn’t met before, their kindness was overwhelming, and I left with fond memories.
My Couchsurfing experiences have generally been positive, as Couchsurfing members are often easygoing and friendly. If you’re interested, here are some tips for finding the right host. Check the references left by past guests on the host’s profile; most are positive. Also, read the profile thoroughly to see if you and the host share interests and values. This way, you’ll make friends and enjoy a fantastic travel experience!