More than a free bed

Those who champion couch surfing say that it’s about much more than finding free accommodation – it’s about establishing connections between like-minded people

The idea of having someone sleeping on your couch may conjure up some unfavourable images - midnight fridge raids, smelly socks on the living room floor and freeloaders who outstay their welcome all spring to mind. But couch surfing is about much more than that, and goes way beyond the notion of broke students looking for a free ride.

Couch surfing was first conceived by US student Casey Fenton in 2000. Planning a ...