I am traveling at the moment and using some of these home sharing sites like hospitalityclub and couchsurfing and globalfreeloaders. My family and friends back home think I am crazy and my sister in particular is really worried about me. The thing is that I feel really comfortable with doing this and have met some of the best people and had the most amazing experiences this way.
Has anyone else tried this form of travel...trusting complete strangers...and gotten a bad reaction from your non-travelling pals or anyone for that matter?
Reply to this I tried a small amount Wwoofing while in Australia - a scheme of working on organic farms for board and lodging. It was great, though had the security of being through an organisation.
My view is that, just as there are those who love to travel and meet interesting new people while on the move, there are those who would like the chance to meet similar people. For them, they may have never taken the plunge to leave their home environment, or through circumstances are unable to travel.
Reply to this I'd say it would depend where you are going and the circumstance you are in. Am sure you wouldn't be doing that in a Middle eastern country, otherwise your head will be on CNN! I have done it before in Tanzania and amazingly I got alot taken care of. I was in a tough situation and all that was on my mind was the trip, so I didn't give much thought to any negatives like being mugged or raped. Though I'd say if you can avoid it, then by all means do so, this world is changing and fast if I might say!
Reply to this 
