5 Couchsurfing Host Tips: What to Expect for the Best Experience Ever!
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If you’ve never heard of Couchsurfing, it’s basically a free Airbnb. Literally. When I studied abroad in France, Couchsurfing was my go-to, and pretty common, especially among students and younger adults, though anyone and everyone uses it! However, I’ve only been a Couchsurfing guest, so for those of you looking for some tips to be an amazing Couchsurfing host, I’ve enlisted my friend Lena from The Social Travel Experiment!
If you want to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be a Couchsurfing host, as well as some tips on how to add that special touch of magic for your guests, keep reading!
Table of Contents
PREP: Before Your Guests Arrive
Within one week of signing up to Couchsurfing, Lena had 4 guest requests. This may be your experience, especially if you live in a high tourist area that is on the expensive side…or it may not be your experience. Either way, don’t be alarmed.
Before your guests arrive, however, there are a few things you need to do first as a Couchsurfing host. The first: CLEAN UP. Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how often this gets overlooked. Wash all the dishes in your kitchen sink, do all of the guest laundry, and tidy up – at LEAST the spaces they will be interacting with.
Tip #1: Stock Up
You absolutely do NOT have to provide any food or drinks for your guests, and it’s not expected, but it is a nice touch. It’s like when Uber drivers have water bottles or phone chargers. It really elevates your status as a great Couchsurfing host. Here are a few suggestions on items to stock up on before your guests arrive:
- Multi-wire phone charger OR wireless charging pad
- Universal AC outlet
- Glasses/sunglasses cleaner
- Sunscreen
- A few extra toiletries
- Drinks in the fridge (water/water filter, juice, sodas)
- Snacks (chips, crackers, protein bars, whatever. Just be aware of travelers with food allergies!)
When it comes down to it, every traveler is responsible for themselves. The bare minimum you are required to provide is sleeping accommodations. BUUUT, it’s always a pleasant experience as a guest to have a Couchsurfing host that really goes above and beyond to make your stay comfortable.
Tip #2: Be Transparent
If you want to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication, you should share IN ADVANCE: your personal plans (if you’ll be out/if you’ll be present), additional information about your place, and possible house rules. Surprises make for great travel gifts – not so much travel accommodations.
For example, guests should know where they’re supposed to sleep. One, it will help the guest determine if they would be comfortable sleeping at your accommodation. Make sure you have clear and updated pictures and descriptions of where your guests will be sleeping. Also, include bathroom pics!
If you have any house rules (no shoes in the house, use coasters for drinks, quiet hours after 10pm, etc) BE UPFRONT ABOUT IT. It’s so incredibly uncomfortable when your guests unsettle you and you either frustratingly put up with it, or you have to say something after the fact. Best to just be on the same page from the start.
Tip #3: Clear Communication
It is also important to let your guests know what your schedule will be like, just as a common curtesy. Lena’s first guests were an Australian couple that had been traveling through Japan for a couple of days. They were looking for a place to stay in Tokyo and sent me a lengthy message about their trip, their wish to meet people, and what interests we had in common.
You don’t HAVE to hang out with your guests (more on that later), but it will give your guests a better sense of the activity level of where they will be staying and help them better plan their stay, especially if you DO decide to spend time with them. Make sure they are always able to easily reach you as well, whether via texting or phone call. Emergencies (and even non-emergencies) happen, and you may be needed if they get locked out or lost on the way to your place. Being a great Couchsurfing host is all about communication!
Hosting: Welcoming Your Guests
The big day arrives! You’ve prepped the space and sent your guests the Google Maps information. Now all you have to do is wait. Bear in mind that your guests may not have cell phone data or internet when they arrive, especially if they are coming from another country. Keep your phone close to you so you won’t miss any contact attempts from your guests.
Tip #4: Have Recommendations Ready
In Lena’s case, after her guests arrived, the three of them decided to grab dinner. Unless your guests have their own must-eat restaurants (which they might!), it would be helpful for you as a Couchsurfing host to have a few of your favorite restaurants and cafes ready to recommend. It will make their arrival a little less stressful as well as expose them to a few local favs that they might not get by searching TripAdvisor top hits.
If your country or region is known for a particular dish or cuisine, that would be great to include. If you don’t plan on hanging out with your guests, then having a laminated list available for them at your place is a great alternative to taking them yourself!
I personally appreciate when a host offers to grab a meal with me, since it works as a little ice breaker. Then it isn’t as awkward when we head back to the house or apartment for the first night haha.
Spending Time with Your Guests
In general, please don’t feel compelled to spend time with your Couchsurfing guests if you are busy. We all have things to do and places to be. But, maybe you do want to hang out with them. But do they want to hang out with you?
This goes back to one of the earlier tips. Communication.
If you do or don’t want to spend time with your guests, say so in advance before they arrive. It could be something as small as grabbing coffee, or even taking an entire day trip with them. Lena took her guests on a one-hour train ride to a nearby town to see temples and visit the beach. When I couchsurfed in Lyon, France, my host gave us an entire walking tour of the city. It is completely up to you and what you are comfortable with.
Tip 5: Stay in Touch
If you had a good time with your guests, consider staying in touch with them! You’ll never know if and when you might need to crash at their house in the future. I’d recommend adding them on social media or WhatsApp! You can never have too many international connections. It’s one of the best perks of interacting with other travelers.
Sometimes, you may receive a small thank you Couchsurfing gift from your guests. Usually something small like a postcard or trinket from their home. They’re certainly not expected -so literally do not expect them- but just a heads up that you might get one.
I don’t have any pictures from my Couchsurfing adventures, but here’s Lena with her two guests. It’s a fun time!
Conclusion: Couchsurfing Host Tips
Couchsurfing is a great way to meet people from all over the world. Plus, by being a Couchsurfing host, you’re really doing someone a solid by offering them a space in your house to them. And believe me, it will be returned to you ten-fold.
Becoming a Couchsurfing host is just one of the great ways to travel socially and make friends while traveling. Even when you’re at home hosting, you are able to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures. However, to be a great Couchsurfing host, it goes beyond just providing a blanket and a pillow. By ensuring your guests are comfortable and confident in booking with you, you help make their travel experience that much better!
I personally would recommend trying Couchsurfing at least once. That said, I’ve only Couchsurfed in Europe because it was so popular, and because I was a young woman, I only Couchsurfed in a group with my friends. Couchsurfing with people you know can definitely help ease you into the world of Couchsurfing, and travel in general. If my friend hadn’t added me to their hotel “Friends & Family” discount (heyyoooo), I’d still be Couchsurfing left and right. If you are a traveler on a budget, it is an amazing accommodation option.
If you’re a bit hesitant, I will also have a guide coming up with all the info on what to expect as a Couchsurfing guest, and also a comprehensive guide to Couchsurfing manners. I am also writing up a blog post with Couchsurfing request tips as well!
Do you have any experience Couchsurfing? Have you ever tried hosting, whether as a Couchsurfing host or otherwise? Tell me about it in the comments.
If you’ve never tried Couchsurfing, do you think you would?
Thank you again so much for reading! I hope this post helps you become the best Couchsurfing host on the planet! Or at least makes you more comfortable with hosting people, haha.
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