http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/travelinsurance/backpacker-insurance/career-gap/michaela-grill.asp
http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/travelinsurance/backpacker-insurance/career-gap/michaela-grill.asp
Michaela Grill, 25 is originally from Austria has done a number of
travelling internships as part of her studies, as well as studying in Mexico, Madrid, Berlin and spent a gap year travelling across four different continents. She now lives in London and volunteered to talk to us about her experiences couchsurfing.
Me and my cousin in Kurdistan, being invited by a lovely family in Howraman Valley just across the border from Iraq
It’s About People
Couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.org) was a real help when I
was a student. It’s not just that I didn’t have the money for a fancy
hotel. I just didn’t need to stay somewhere like that. I wanted to get
out and have experiences with the locals and try
alternative accommodation.
I love meeting up with people in their home town and getting involved
in discussions about relationships, religion, culture, even food and
drink. These type of experiences are very unique and you can’t get them
in a hotel.
"These type of experiences are very unique and you can’t get them in a hotel."
I’ve become very close to some of the people I stayed with and some
of them have even stayed with me. But everyone is different. There’s no
standard experience. When I am planning to travel somewhere I’ll post
who I am, and what I love to do. I also add that I am independent but
would love someone to show me around. That way people don’t feel as
though they have to be babysitting you.
I’ve stayed on couches, in spare rooms, even on a waterbed once. It
usually works out well but you have to be open and willing to connect,
even if takes a little bit of work, although you can usually tell by
reading someone’s profile if you will get on.
Safety Tips
As a woman it is important to think about safety. I always look at
the references. There are three types: positive, neutral and negative.
Obviously you look twice at someone with a negative review, but do read
it carefully, if they have 50 good reviews and one bad review because
the traveller thought the place was too small, then you use your own
judgement. I also look at how active they are and how many friends they
have. If they’ve been on there a while and have no pictures or profile
then I am wary. Another thing I do is suggest we meet up for drinks
first, that way I don’t have to commit myself straight away and can get a
hostel if something doesn’t feel right.
That said, I have always felt very safe, perhaps because I do take the time to check people out like this.
Watching the sunset in Turkey
Making The Most Of It
Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil
You really have to be open to whatever comes up in an experience like
this. Sometimes you might get breakfast made for you or prepare brunch
together ... sometimes not. Every experience is different." I always try
to do something as a thank you. I might take a small gift from my home
country or make sure I get the bill if we are out shopping. In short, I
don’t want them to spend a lot of extra money on my behalf.
I’ve been doing this for four years now and met people of all ages -
from 18 right through to people in their 60s. In Belgium I met a couple
with a two year old daughter. They did this because they thought it was
great for her to experience people from many different cultures.
For a male's perspective you can also read about Gilxs Wendes couch surfing experience,
Couchsurfing Is More Than Just A Bed.
I Did It: Michaela Grill
Michaela, 25 who is originally from Austria, has worked and
studied in a number of cities around the world including Madrid and
Berlin. She has an appetite for travelling, seeing new places, meeting
interesting people and spending time getting to know the locals of all
the places she visits.
Link to the article: http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/travelinsurance/backpacker-insurance/career-gap/michaela-grill.asp
