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She says that her guests were usually at her daughter's age and she feels happy that they were all nice, smart young people. "I would be pleased if they helped my daughter in the same way. Participating in this project makes me trust its safety."

Whether CouchSurfing is safe or not is one of the most commonly asked questions. The site has several precautionary measures, which prevent abuse of the network. Users can link to people they know and trust, or leave a reference after hosting somebody or crushing at someone's couch. Apart from that, there is a vouching and verification systems, invented by the CouchSurfing founders.

Not everyone can be vouched for a member. Only a member who has been vouched for can do the same for another one. Basically, it is "a circle of trust", as written on the site.

The verification process has three levels, with the 3rd one being the strongest. It means that the member's physical address has been fully verified via surface/postal mail, and it makes other users feel safer about communicating with or hosting him.

"Of course you're never certain what kind of person you'll meet or host. But the whole idea of CouchSurfing is about the adventure and living to the fullest," AUBG student Margarita Dimova says. She has been a part of the project for more than two years now, but unofficially. As a registered member, she is a couchsurfer since January, 2006. "You get to meet new people, you realize how many things between the cultures are actually similar, and how easy it is to get along with others as long as you stay open-minded," Dimova says. And then adds: "Staying for free at a place is the last thing that makes you participate. It is all about the adventure!"

Steve Savage from Australia, a travel writer by profession and a couchsurfer spiritually speaking, has a similar opinion about the project. His testimonial on the website reads: "I have met and stayed with some incredible people through CouchSurfing.com. These are warm, friendly local people who a regular tourist would never meet, and their travel experience would be far richer if they had. I promise your life will be richer through your membership to CouchSurfing."

Most members admit that once they have experienced the benefits of the project, they could never go back to being ordinary tourists. There is a moment when CouchSurfing.com becomes more than just a website, it becomes a way of living and a second home. Or as Kherry McKay from the United States puts it: "In the biggest sense, CouchSurfing is about breaking down boundaries. Borders between countries fade as surfers meet each other and share from common experience. But even on a national level, couchsurfing transforms those who participate."

Apart from all the exciting trips and meeting with fellow "surfers", the virtual community of CouchSurfing unites its members by groups of interest, such as the Island Project Group. The group has around 500 members and it is for people who want to gather funds to buy an island of their own. Brittany from Minnesota shared her opinion on the site: "I am in...Why? Because I am a dreamer and a visionary at heart to be part of creating a utopia free for all. Simply divine!"

Many things can be said about the project, about its founder Casey Fenton, and the site's many interesting members. But the only way to taste it, to really live it all, is by joining the community and using its benefits. "Get out there. Step out of your shell and do things you would usually be afraid of. Push your limits and find out the scope of who you are. It is a big world out there with loads of possibilities," traveler and writer Jim Stone wrote on the site. And he cannot be more right!

Learn more about this author, Venera Fileva.
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