By: Cheryl Brock
Spring break is traditionally a chance for travel and fun or staying home and relaxing.
More often than not, one is forced to choose between the two.
Fortunately, there is a way to get both relaxation and travel in the same vacation.
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| Brent Martin at his temporary Austin home - Cheryl Brock |
Brent Martin, 23, a former University of North Florida student, is on an extended spring break vacation. From the beginning of the year until now, Martin has traveled via bicycle from New Smyrna Beach, FL to Austin, Texas. His final destination is San Diego, Calif.
CouchSurfing, an online travel community, provides travelers with an alternative option to hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts – and it is completely free. Martin, who is currently a CouchSurfer, has stayed with numerous hosts across the country.
“CouchSurfing has provided me with this awesome opportunity to see the country,” said Martin. “I stay with strangers who I meet on the CouchSurfing website and just take a chance – it has been great so far.”
During his Austin stay, Martin has attended several Austin events and hotspots including Barton Springs Pool and SXSW.
“I came to Austin at just the right time it seems like,” said Martin. “There are so many cool things to do here – I may stay a bit a longer.”
Currently, Martin is staying in Austin for two weeks with hosts Carissa Cone, Carolyn Cone and Megan Gajkowski, all experienced CouchSurfing hosts.
“Altogether we have had five people stay with us,” said Carissa Cone. “My first experience I hosted two people at once – one from California and one from France. CouchSurfing is a great way to meet all sorts of people.”
As with any website where you talk to strangers, there is a risk factor.
“There have been some questionable hosts – from weird to just confusing,” said Martin. “I’ve met some strange ones, but I’ve never felt as if I were in danger.”
The CouchSurfing Terms of Use does not guarantee personal safety but encourages “you to communicate directly with potential hosts and guests through the tools available on the Site and to take the same precautions you would normally take when meeting a stranger in person for the first time.”
CouchSurfing offers an “Address-Verification Tool” as well as a voucher/reference system.
“I would say [CouchSurfing] is safe, but you have to also trust in your fellow human,” said Carissa Cone. “I have references from people who I have hosted, and I also leave references to whom I host.”
According to the CouchSurfing FAQ, references can give you insight on a specific CouchSurfer’s character.
“We’re having a good time with Brent – he’s been fun!” said Gajkowski. “Sure, he has a knack for taking all the hot water, but the experience of meeting new people is definitely worth the occasional cold shower.”
Martin’s next stop is San Antonio where he has already lined up another CouchSurfing host.
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