Couch Crashing Etiquette
May 20, 2010 by Travel Guide Greg
Filed under Travel Guides
Thanks to the internet, individuals traveling on a budget can now search for free accommodation from all over the world. This service is usually offered in members-only website for and by the members.
The process of searching and landing a free couch is called couch surfing, maybe the actual use of such couch can be considered as couch-crashing.
Personally, I am not an advocate of couch-crashing unless the owner of the couch is a good friend. If it involves strangers, the element of danger is too real to be ignored. But, if you have no other option but to take advantage of the kindness and hospitality of a stranger, then you have to do what you need to do.
Couch-crashing is the evolved form of hitch-hiking. But, instead of a car, we are now dealing with a couch in a stranger’s place. This is an entirely novel arrangement. If, by any chance, you find yourself in such a situation and you are at a loss on how to behave, perhaps the following couch-crashing etiquette guide can help you out:
While you are still in the process of discussing the possibility of landing a free couch, discuss with the kind stranger how many nights you expect to stay or are allowed to use his or her couch. Be true to your word. Do not spend an extra night on the couch unless it is permitted by your host.
The acceptable length of stay varies but mostly depends on the kindness and permission of the host. One night is the usual arrangement, two nights is acceptable and three nights may still be considered tolerable. But if the length of stay exceeds the three-night period, it is already considered rude – unless, of course, you have already struck a higher level of friendship with the owner that makes an extended stay acceptable.
The arrangement only involves free use of a couch. This means that it is impolite to use anything else in the house unless you are explicitly permitted by the host. This includes the use of the bathroom and the kitchen. To avoid crossing the line of the host’s hospitality, make sure to discuss it with him or her first before you decide that it’s alright to do so.
Do not expect the owner to wait on you. The owner has a schedule to keep and it is up to you to make adjustments. So, inquire on when you are allowed to enter the house at night and when you are expected to leave the house in the morning.
If you have been using your host’s electricity and water utilities, offer to pay your fair share at the end of your stay. It doesn’t matter whether s/he demanded payment or not. Your couch-crashing may not cost your host a cent but electric and water usage will certainly cost some money. So, do the right thing and offer to pay a reasonable amount for your usage. You don’t have to insist if the owner refuses to accept the payment.
Finally, do not forget to say you sincere “thank you” at the end of your stay. Good-manners suggest that you offer the same kindness and hospitality to your host when s/he happens to visit near your place.
