This post was translated from Portuguese by Roberto.

Aude, our French guest

Consider the following perks a well-connected traveler might enjoy: Receive free lodging, and thus eliminate one of the biggest travel expenses. Meet interesting, open-minded, well-traveled people who are interested in you. Get in on insider tips that only the locals know. Get invited to a house party or to a club that is the complete opposite of touristy. And, in the end, regain faith in humankind. These and more are the backpackers’ benefits through Couchsurfing, which, in my opinion, has yet to be outdone as a concept. Since I signed up to Montreal’s Couchsurfing community, at first as a host, I receive one to five requests per week. It’s a lot of people, and I can’t (not would I want to) honour all requests. To some people I say no, even if I have the room and the time. For others I say yes even if I’m super busy, tired, or already hosting people at home. Here are some tips on how to be one of the people who get a yes.

1. Mind your profile

Make sure your profile is attractive, complete, spell-checked and brimming with pictures that represent you well. If you look interesting, I’ll want to know more about you. If I find us compatible, or if you’re someone I can learn from, I’ll find a way to make you some room at home. At the very least I’ll propose alternate dates to fit you in somehow. I will sense that you really invested to be part of this community, and that you didn’t just throw together a skeletal profile just to score a free bed.

2. Make a brilliant Couchsurfing request

This is major. If your request looks like it was copied and pasted to lots of people, your chances of being welcomed in my home fall dramatically. Sometimes I make an exception to those with fascinating profiles. But you’ll seduce your hosts by commenting on something you read in their profiles. Use this precious info to explain why you make a good match. Offer a sincere compliment. Really, it’s no fun being hosted with people who have nothing in common with you. Say please and thank you. Everyone likes to feel special and we’re no different. I have hosted people with no references simply because I was swept away by the request. Like with those two guys.

3. Watch your timing

Don’t make a request more than three weeks in advance. Between seven and 10 days is ideal, in my opinion. This for three reasons: first of all, my home is not a hotel. Second, I don’t know what I’ll be doing in three weeks. Will I go out of town? Did our short summer just offer an irresistible sunny weekend for camping? Will I have to work during the weekend? On the other hand, making a last-minute request is risky, since I may already have plans.

4. Build references

You could do like me and, before using the community for surfing, open your home as a host to build a reputation in the community. Or, find a friend who’s already singed up and swap references. But only do this with people you’ve met and trust. Your reputation, as well as the safety of the community, is at stake. Counchsurfing, as you can guess from my rhapsody, changed my life for the better. And you, do you have tips, doubts or experiences to share?

A roaring Tuesday night, thanks to the pleasant company of surfers Amélie and Sophie.