Hosting backpackers: It's a world on your couch

Bengaluru: Let’s be honest. We’ve all been bitten by the backpacking bug at least once in our lifetime. We’ve all wanted to explore faraway lands, learn about cultures and live a day or two in their shoes. Thanks to communities like Couchsurfing, single travellers have a way to do so. 

A popular community, it  has spread to two lakh cities across the world and has about 12 million members. In the past, it has become  very popular in Bengaluru, with people hosting travellers from all over the globe on their couch, free of cost. It is like Air Bnb, without the fee.

Hosts see it as a two-way street, says Nalin Vyas, a city-based entrepreneur.  Not only does it give an opportunity to talk about one’s city and culture, it also gives a chance to sneak a peek into theirs. “I started couchsurfing after a friend went to Germany and was introduced to it. She didn’t know people there and it helped in breaking the ice. After she raved about it, I tried it in Singapore. It’s not just a learning experience for the guests, it is also a great way to learn about them. In addition, they have stories about other places. It is a piece of the world coming home to your couch,” he says.

Guests are picked based on reviews. “Unless the reviews are great and the profile on the community website is complete, hosts are usually skeptical.” explains Vinny Bhatia, lawyer and couchsurfer.   

The increase in the community of surfers in the city shows a deep interest in the youth to know about cross-border cultures and people, especially at a time when political exclusion is on the rise, says Harish Bhuvan. 

But staying at a stranger’s home can be a bit frightening, which is why background checks are necessary, says Vyas. “Bad experiences and unsolicited advances happen everywhere with both genders across countries, but having said that, one’s safety is in one’s own hands. Ask questions, read reviews, ask for more details.