Over the past couple of years, we’ve taken a handful of road trips, and on the road, our choice of hotel has usually been Hampton Inns whenever it’s possible. Sometimes we’ll drive the extra miles just to stay at a Hampton Inn, too. We like that they have free Wi-Fi and are clean and consistent. At the end of the day, after a long drive, you just want to know what to expect and not have to crawl into bed with a sleeping bag.
But even staying at Hampton Inns can add up, so many times, we either take shifts and drive impossibly long hours, or we are couchsurfing with friends. We know that we would not be able to afford a lot of our trips if it wasn’t for our friends that have let us crash in their guest rooms, couches, or inflatable beds. We’ve also met incredible friends while couchsurfing in Italy through the Couchsurfing website and app. This post is dedicated to them.
Lana & Nathan / Jess & Joe / Stephen & Souwah & Fern / Hsiao & David / Ryan / Jen & Ben
What is Couchsurfing?
Couchsurfing is a social networking platform that connects travelers with local hosts willing to offer them a place to stay, either for free or at a low cost. The platform aims to promote cultural exchange and create a sense of community among people from different parts of the world. Couchsurfing can also provide an alternative to traditional forms of accommodation, such as hotels or hostels, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local culture and meet new people.
7 Best Alternatives to Couchsurfing App
- Be Welcome – a non-profit network of hosts and travelers focused on cultural exchange.
- Hospitality Club – a non-profit platform for cultural exchange and free or low-cost accommodation.
- Trustroots – a non-profit hospitality exchange platform focused on outdoor, sustainable, and alternative communities.
- Warmshowers – a hospitality exchange network primarily for bicycle travelers and touring cyclists.
- Global Freeloaders – a platform connecting travelers with hosts offering free accommodation.
- Airbnb – a paid platform where hosts can rent out their homes or spare rooms to travelers.
- Servas – an international, non-profit hospitality exchange organization focused on peace, understanding, and cross-cultural exchange.
These are some of our favorite road trips made possible by these nice folks above:
- Los Angeles to Seattle
- Vegas > LA > Big Sur > SF > Napa Valley > Mono Lake
- Death Valley National Park
We’re so grateful for their hospitality and grateful that they have opened up their homes and hearts to us!
Have you ever tried Couchsurfing before?
This is week 41 of practicing gratitude. 11 weeks left!
