For 18 years, Couchsurfing has been making it easier for travellers to travel around the world, offering them not only free accommodation but also a unique chance for cultural exchange and incredible adventures. This is the place where you can find a walking companion, tips on local places or architectural attractions. Couchsurfing is not just a service, it's a way to combine travelling with unforgettable emotions and new acquaintances around the world. 

The idea for the service came from American Casey Fenton during his trip to Iceland in 2000. Back then, he wrote about 1,500 emails to students asking them to stay with him. Today, the resource brings together more than 14 million people in 200,000 cities around the world. 

How Couchsurfing works. Initially, the service was created as a platform for finding a free place to stay when travelling. But it has evolved further, creating opportunities for cultural exchange with locals. The idea is that registered members can spend the night for free with like-minded people around the world, offering the same in return. 

Despite the fact that Couchsurfing does not always compete with even cheap hostels in terms of quality of accommodation, it opens the door to a real cultural exchange. Travellers have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about their traditions, and sometimes even join them in travelling to interesting places.

Verification on Couchsurfing. Initially, Couchsurfing was created as a volunteer project, and registration was completely free. However, there is now a paid verification process, which is believed to increase the chances of finding the perfect host or guest. The cost of verification is subject to change; currently, it is $25. It is believed that this procedure increases the level of trust between users, making travel safer. But whether it is worth the money is an open question. On the one hand, it is an investment in safety and comfort, and on the other hand, it is a challenge for those who want to save money.

Reviews and ratings. When evaluating hosts and guests on Couchsurfing, it's important to look beyond the main reviews on their pages and go the extra mile by looking at reviews from other users. This may sound a little paranoid, but it will provide more comprehensive information about a potential host or guest.

It's important to pay attention to the percentage of positive and negative reviews, and especially to track the user's response to negative comments. However, don't forget that everyone started out with no reviews, so newcomers should also be given a chance.

Couchsurfing is not just a way to save money, it's a new way of looking at the world of travel. Join the community, expand your horizons and enjoy every moment of your travelling life!