In this interview, we meet Quinnette, a native of Los Angeles who has traveled around the world and has participated in the Couchsurfing community.
Couchsurfer: Quinnette, Los Angeles
What are some tips you have for being a great Couch Surfer?
Have a genuine interest in a cultural exchange and be open to what your host can teach you. Include your host on your adventures or at least ask if they would be interested.
What has been your best Couchsurfing experience?
When I landed in Perth, the lady I was to stay with had hurt her back, so she arranged for me to stay with her friend with whom I instantly bonded with. I did end up back at her place and we took a road trip, along with her friend to visit and couchsurf with another friend in the middle of nowhere called Kalgoorlie. We toured around the town, took pictures at the SUPER pit and made stops along the way laughing it up like a bunch of old friends.
What kind of presents do you recommend giving to your CS host?
Something that represents you or your culture. I work sometimes as a personal chef, so I usually cook for my hosts. I am from the Southern US, so maybe some soul food, but I also make a really good bolognese.
When choosing a host, what are some things to be aware of?
That they have photos!!!! That they have reviews!!!!!! What type of environment. Some people like to party, but I am too old for that, so I tend to stay with someone closer to my ages.
What advice would you give to people who are afraid of participating in CS?
Maybe start by meeting people from CS while traveling. Many people cannot host but would love to show you around their town. It is a great way as a solo traveler to get out and see more and especially local things. I have had great connections, even with people I never met. One lady in Italy could not host me for she was going to Sardinia for the summer and she invited me to come along.
I have found that CSers are really into cultural exchange and learning about the people they are hosted by and who they host. I also find that we tend to be more adventurous and real “travelers” as opposed to “tourists” and it is a great way to meet people and learn about the world.
Hey Chanel,
Thank you for this great introduction to Couch Surfing. For one who likes to travel and generally travels alone, this is a golden nugget. Off to do more research. Have a glorious Thanksgiving.
Rita
Hi Rita, thank you for stopping by! I am glad you enjoyed it and I hope you have a wonderful experience 😀
Great intro and advice on Couchsurfing. I’ve been wanting to try this forever.
You definitely should do it Tricia!
Of course I have heard of this but I have never done it! I am so picky about cleanliness and if there are pets, linens etc that I am not sure I would be comfortable. But I love the idea of learning about any place from a local!
The good thing about CS is that you can ask all of those questions before you arrive 😀 You should check it out!