This week, the podcast focused on Couchsurfing. We recently backpacked around the world with our kids for a year. Our budget was approx $75 a day for the four of us - which wasn't easy considering we have two gannets as teenagers.

 

This week on the podcast we explored the dark murky waters of Couchsurfing.

We recently backpacked around the world with our kids for a year. Our budget was approx $75 a day for the four of us - which wasn't easy considering we have two gannets as teenagers.

One of the ways we were able to stick to our budget was by Couchsurfing. In case you aren't familiar with this amazing organization, it is a website that pairs travellers -  who are in need of somewhere to stay, with a host, who has a spare room, bed (or sometimes a couch) to offer.

 

Couchsurfing. What is it and Why Does The Thought Of It Terrify Me?

 

We wanted to discuss the pro's and con's of Couchsurfing and to try and answer the most commonly asked questions that people have. Also, when I tell people that we took our teenagers to sleep on strangers couches they are quite rightly filled with doubt!

There is a misconception (which I too used to have) that Couchsurfing is for twenty-year-olds who are looking for a good time. Not true. And anyway, even when I was twenty I was still boring so that puts an end to that theory.

 

Some of the points that were raised were:

 

• Is Couchsurfing free?

 

• Why would anyone want to couchsurf?

 

• What is it like to Couchsurf as a family?

 

• Is Couchsurfing safe?

 

All of these questions and more were discussed, and hopefully, we convinced you that if you are looking to travel and haven't got much money (but you have got a great sense of adventure), then Couchsurfing really is the best.

There is a fabulous story that we touched on. We were in Italy and one particular Couchsurfing host was ...let's say 'eccentric'! I loved him, (because I am weird and slightly vindictive) but the kids were honestly terrified.

Seriously, they were never in any danger - they simply saw how one crazy Italian man lived his life. It was a brilliant experience. Anyway, have a listen to Sonny's interpretation of this and let me know if your teenagers would have felt the same.

If you would like to hear more about the crazy Italien then leave a comment and we will see to it!

 

You can read further here:

 

Couchsurfing with kids, the good, the bad and the bucket

 

The Couchsurfing Website: https://www.couchsurfing.com