Surf the Polyester Cushion Wave

Anyone who's an innovative traveler probably knows all about the new (at least in the mainstream) phenomenon called couch surfing. It all boils down to this: Need a free place to crash coast to coast or sea to sea? How about a stranger's couch?

It's just about that simple, though CouchSurfing.com boasts a delicate philosophy: "CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance, and facilitate cultural understanding." And there is some truth that when you open your door to a stranger who shares the same love of travel, cultural understanding, and trust as you do -- well, you're sure to get all zen-like at the thought of creating a warm, fuzzy world.

The logistics of it may seem little different and less fuzzy though. Once you create a profile at CouchSurfing.com, you can then join some discussion groups and start searching for couches to crash on. So if you're going to Europe for a few weeks, you can search for couches in the cities you're visiting and wait for offers. Supposedly you'll get many offers and you can then match up your interest and general personality with that of your potential hosts. From there it's up to you. Maybe you'll end up touring the latest museum exhibits, hand in hand, or maybe you'll flee in the middle of the night.

But CouchSurfing.com has an innovative system for what they call vouching. "Every user is linked to the other users he or she knows in the system through a network of references and friend links. In addition to the solid network with friend link-strength indicators and testimonials, we have our vouching and verification systems. Some of these are new technologies invented by the CouchSurfing founders. Not just anyone is a vouched for member. Members can only become vouched for by an already vouched for CouchSurfing.com member. Essentially, it's a trust circle."

But don't worry -- anyone can join and surf the community of couches. They love it when people get involved and become part of the couch community phenomenon. But what do couch surfing hosts get out of it? They're generally not paid (though it's expected their visitors will contribute whether in ways of cleaning up or pitching in for groceries or treating them for dinner). But if they're hosting, then they're getting vouched and have a wider network to couch surf themselves. It's full circle!

So CouchSurfing.com does have safety in mind and considering this whole business on vouching through an internationally based community website is surely not an easy feat, it's impressive they have a system at all. There's even vouching going on in Antarctica, so pack your parka and head North. Unless you're reading this from Antarctica, then in that case head South. Just not to my couch.