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How
To > Join a Hospitality Exchange
Hospitality exchanges go by all sorts of
names, from "friendship clubs" to "homestay networks." In a nutshell, they're
loose associations of people who offer basic accommodations
in their home—such as a spare room, a couch, a cot or even space on the
floor—to travellers, for little or no fee. In return,
hosts
can use the network to find similar accommodations while travelling. In most
cases, visits are limited to a few days.
Some of the older
hospitality networks have their roots in the international peace movement; their
founders often viewed them as a way to promote intercultural understanding. The
newer networks may not arise from that same '60s generation, but they usually have a
similar commitment to promoting international friendships. Most strongly
emphasize that they're about much more than "cheap sleeps."
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You are inviting strangers into your home, or staying with
people you don't know, so there is some degree of risk. However, you can reduce
the risk with a few common-sense approaches.
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Find out whether the hospitality exchange vets its
members. Some do background checks or require reference letters.
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Meet your proposed host or guest in a neutral place
first, such as a coffee shop. If you get a bad vibe, terminate the
relationship then and there.
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Host or travel with a companion.
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Let friends and family know where you're going and how
long you plan to stay.
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Ask for referrals and testimonials from current club
members.
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Choose a club that someone you know already belongs to.
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There are countless hospitality exchange
organizations. Some are large and open to anyone and everyone. Others focus on
specific regions, interests or demographics—if you're so
inclined, you can find hospitality clubs aimed at women, cyclists or seniors.
Here are just a few of your options.
General Clubs
CouchSurfing - Founded in 2004,
this site has about half a million members around the world. Membership tends to
skew young—at one point, the average age was 25—but there are
members of all ages. To enhance safety, the site will verify members' basic
information (name, address) on request; it also encourages members to vouch for
each other.
The Hospitality Club - Founded in
2002, this large club has close to 400,000 members in 200 countries.
Servas - One of the oldest
hospitality exchanges, Servas dates back to 1949 and has members of all ages. To
join, you have to go through an interview with a local Servas coordinator. The
organization is an official observer at the United Nations.
Special Interest
Clubs
Lesbian and Gay Hospitality Exchange
International - This Berlin-based organization, founded in 1991, has
more than 500 members in 30 countries.
Pasporta Servo - This hospitality club
was created for people who speak Esperanto. No, I am not making this up.
Warm Showers - Members offer
meals, accommodation and, yes, much-appreciated shower facilities to fellow
touring cyclists.
Welcome Traveller -
This site has a "general branch" for people of all ages and niches, but it also
has "interest branches" for teachers, crafters and quilters, runners, women,
and people over 50.
Women Welcome Women Worldwide
- This British-based network was founded in 1984. The site is a bit low tech—to pay the
membership fee, for instance, you have to print out a form on the site and mail
it to the U.K. There are more than 2,500 members in 83 countries.
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