Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing has enabled me to travel all over the country and stay with locals, who have an invaluable and vast amount to contribute to the trip. In my experience, I've always been well fed and treated with great respect and hospitality.

I stayed in Asheville, NC with a retired couple of professors named David and Deanne. They had the sweetest dog, Alarka! They housed me in their guest bedroom for a whole month after I got our of college! It is a time in my life that I will always be grateful for -

I stayed in NYC with a great couple of roommates, Cori and... Greg, I think. Their apartment was so cool! The shower head lit up. I felt right at home and the vibe there was so cool, as were the people.

I stayed in Sacramento with a guy named Billy. He not only picked me up from the airport, but he took me to my first dim sum and San Francisco.

I stayed in Dillion, CO with a great guy and all his friends that worked at the nearby ski resort. I felt like part of the family and was fed incredibly well. Additionally, I was connected with 1/2 price rentals and free beer. Win! Such good people.

Here in Colorado Springs, I became acquainted with the wonderful Nicole. Not only did she help me escape from my team's assigned housing, but she fed me well and kept me laughing. Couchsurfing is more than a place to crash; you get tour guides, friendships, food experiences, and life stories.

Traveling with locals is the way to go.