Could anyone out there give me some idea on whether or not 'couch surfing" is a good/bad idea for two 22 year old Canadian girls recent university grads travelling to Europe this summer. I have been to the couch surfing site but would like some personal insight.
Thanks

One of my best friends has had 3 guests on his living room convertible sofa in Paris through Couch Surfing and he seemed to think it was a pleasant experience (I think that 2 out of the 3 were Dutch - I don't know about the 3rd). He is an almost divorced father of 3, but the kids are not with him. I think that he may have unlisted himself from Couchsurfing due to the increased presence of a girlfriend, but I know that he thinks it was a good thing to do.

I've just gotten into couchsurfing and met some very interesting people. I haven't actually stayed or hosted with any couchsurfers but I have met lots for coffee/drinks/dinner, etc.

What is couch surfing?

It does seem like a lot of people do like couch-surfing, and you can do a fair bit of investigation beforehand, but the bottom line is that you are sleeping in a stranger's home. All I can say is that I wouldn't be happy if my teenage daughter decided to do this. I guess it's a good idea if you meet pleasant, safe people while couch-surfing, and a bad idea if you don't.

Have you asked your parents what they think of your idea?

I'm with Will. Too many creeps in the world...mothers worry.

I'd stay in hostels instead. My thinking is not so much about safety (although obviously that's important) but I would not like to stay in the home of a stranger. I need more privacy than that.

jamikins~ www.couchsurfing.com

Thanks to all who've responded. They still arent' sure what exactly they are going to be doing but Hostelling is starting to sound better and better. Thanks again

I had my first couchsurfing experience in Paris and had an amazing time. If a potential hosts profile is slim, avoid them. If someone is an enthusiastic host, you will feel on their site and in their reviews.

I highly recommend it.

I stopped asking my parents about things around 22...