Couch-surfing or hospitality club (or other)?

KellyKim

I'm looking to go off for a few weeks travelling in France soon, and was wondering what free accommodation website was best to use for there?

Couch-surfing? Hospitality Club? Any others I don't know about?

I'll post my experiences on whichever I choose on here when I get back if anyone is interested.

x

The_One_Who

I know that for CS if you are using it to get a free bed for the night you may find it difficult to find a host, especially in the bigger cities. Most experienced hosts know how to spot someone who is only after a free bed, and CS doesn't really work out much cheaper than a hostel once you've factored in possibly buying/making your host dinner or taking them out somewhere to say thanks.

If you are after the wider experience, then CS is great, I've only ever had positive experiences.

Not quite the same thing, but I've also used HelpX and loved it. In exchange for working a few hours a day (normally basic farmwork, but depends on the host and your skills) you get bed and board with them. It's a good way to get out of the cities, since most hosts are fairly rural.

KellyKim

Dear The One Who

Thanks for that! I think CS is probably the one for me on that basis. I appreciate the time you took to share that with me.

Kel x

The_One_Who

Another thing to consider is getting involved in your local CS community prior to leaving. Not only will you know if it is for you, it should also provide you with some references which can be very important in finding hosts.