I always booked hostels, but a friend's couch saved me $400 in Tokyo

My trip to Japan last month was going to cost a fortune with hostel prices. A friend I met online years ago offered her couch in Shinjuku, and I was nervous about it being weird. I took the chance and stayed for a week. Not only did I save that huge chunk of cash, but she showed me local food spots and a train line tourists never use. The hostel would have been fine, but this felt like living there, not just visiting. I got to see a side of the city I never would have found in a guidebook. Has anyone else had a couch surfing experience that totally changed how you travel?

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jordanl826mo ago

Wait, you stayed with someone you only knew from online? That's the part that gets me. I'd be way too scared it would be super awkward, or just not safe. It's amazing it worked out and you got that local experience though.

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the_blair4mo ago

My buddy did that in Japan last year. Zero awkwardness, said it was awesome.

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rileyfox6mo ago

Ever done anything that felt risky but paid off?

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