COUCHSURFING! (www.couchsurfing.org)
This is my favourite way to travel. You sign up on the Couchsurfing website, and send requests to people in the city you are going to who are available to host you. They usually say yes!
Best parts about it:
You have a new friend in the city you are going to, a native who knows the ins and outs of public transit, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants - and they usually take you out with them and their friends! Also, accommodations budget = $0.
How to do it:
People who say yes have to be comfortable with having you in their home. To assure them you are a good choice...
1) Make a profile on couchsurfing.org. Make sure you fill in everything!
2) Post a good picture of yourself (one where people can see your face well)
3) Get references. This is hard if you haven't couchsurfed yet. What you can do is add a friend that knows you on couchsurfing and they can write a review saying how cool you are. Then, each time you couchsurf, you review the person and they review you.
What to look for when couchsurfing:
1) Someone with a lot of positive references (the more the better). I do not suggest you surf with someone who has negative references.
2) Someone who speaks a language you speak (most people speak English).
3) Someone who has enough room for the people traveling.
4) Someone who lives close to the city center.
5) Someone with a complete profile - this way you can see what they are interested in and possible find someone you will really get along with for the length of your stay.
*Please note: Be careful who you choose to surf with. There are always risks, but I have not ever had a bad experience. Do you research, choose people with full profiles and positive reviews, and if you feel more comfortable, arrange to meet them for coffee first, during the day somewhere in the town.
