Versión en español
We have heard that traveling now is not that expensive if you know how to organize the routes, when to buy the plane tickets and what hostel or hotel you should pick at the right time, at the right price. But, many of these options are very touristy. Normally, a traveler wouldn't consider this as a first option. Not that it's wrong but to each their own, right? Here I leave you with another way to save money and have a marvelous experience in an unforgetable journey:
Couchsurfing with a Pen Pal
What is a pen pal?
If you were born in the 80s or 90s surely you are familiar with term "snail mail". In other words: writing letters to a friend. Thanks to the Internet our generation has started to become part of the globalized world. Since then, we have many webpages with the purpose of meeting people from around the world. Once you meet someone --and both decide to get to know each other better-- you and that person become penpals. Nowadays you can find them in sites like: Facebook, Twitter, Interpals, etc.
What's Interpals?
Interpals.net is a webpage dedicated to the language and cultural exchange between pen pals around the world.
We have heard that traveling now is not that expensive if you know how to organize the routes, when to buy the plane tickets and what hostel or hotel you should pick at the right time, at the right price. But, many of these options are very touristy. Normally, a traveler wouldn't consider this as a first option. Not that it's wrong but to each their own, right? Here I leave you with another way to save money and have a marvelous experience in an unforgetable journey:
Couchsurfing with a Pen Pal
What is a pen pal?
If you were born in the 80s or 90s surely you are familiar with term "snail mail". In other words: writing letters to a friend. Thanks to the Internet our generation has started to become part of the globalized world. Since then, we have many webpages with the purpose of meeting people from around the world. Once you meet someone --and both decide to get to know each other better-- you and that person become penpals. Nowadays you can find them in sites like: Facebook, Twitter, Interpals, etc.
What's Interpals?
Interpals.net is a webpage dedicated to the language and cultural exchange between pen pals around the world.
How do you find pen pals on Facebook?
Simple. Search for groups based on the topic or a group based on a tv show. That way you'll find new people to talk to.
Who's idea was to stay in their houses? Why did you accept the offer?
We just wanted to meet in person and since I was going to my study abroad in Europe, they offered me to stay. That way I wouldn't spend too much money aswell.
What if they are psychopaths?
There's something I must say. A psychopath or someone that wants to hurt you, sometimes is closer than you think. I'm not saying that on the internet you don't find them. We have enough news concerning the topic and apparently everyone has seen Taken. To know if someone is a psycho or not is simple. 1. they wont ask for personal information, 2. they will dedicate time to talk to you but will not harass or stalk; they also have a life, 3. years could pass and you still talk besides never seen each other in person before, and 4. you start getting to know about their life too, etc, etc. There's something called social skills which we use to create bonds with people.
Since when do you know them?
Since four years my german friend and 10 months my french friend.
How much time after you knew them did you went to visit?
Germany- after 4 years
France- after 8 months
Aren't you afraid to go to another country, stay at a stranger's house and not know the language? For how long did you stay?
To be honest: no. We always search a way to understand each other when a language barrier presents itself. I'll admit that after buying the plane tickets and the night before going to the airport, I freaked out a bit and thought I was crazy. But the sensation went away when I first saw them.
In Germany I stayed 4 days and in France a week.
What if you don't have a good time and you want to leave, what do you do?
It doesn't suppose to happen, but in worst case scenario, you should always have plan B in each trip that you do. Be prepared. In this case, be prepared to pay an early return ticket or book various nights in a hostel/hotel or tolerate it til you leave. Take into account that you should do a research on the costumes and habits of each country you visit. That way you'll feel more comfortable and the number of awkward situations reduces greatly.
Should I offer my house after I have visited theirs?
Of course! What kind of question is that?
Should I offer my house even if I haven't gone to theirs?
That depends on you really. If you are not sure, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't been talking to that person. But in case you always have doubts think that they'll be under your control. Invite a friend to stay with you during that time if you feel like it.
How much money do you save?
Only think that you will not be paying for staying and probably not for food too. Unless you go out to eat and unless they care that much about you that they'll pay that too from time to time ;) If they have a car, it will depend on your friend if he/she wants you to pay for gas since is the most expensive thing after train tickets (depending on the city). For sure you'll be saving -without including plane ticket and miscellaneous- at least $200 or more.
Sounds too good to be true. Tell the truth, do you pay this in another way? If you know what I mean....
Noooooooooooooooo!!! If something happens that's between you two. Who cares?
Should I give a token of gratitude?
Sure thing! They gave you their house, food and probably they even went to pick you up at the airport or train station. If you don't have much money or don't know what to buy, chocolates are always a safe bet.
Do you know their friends and family?
Duh! Ultimate proof they are not psychos.
With whom and where do you sleep?
That will depend on what you have agreed to. For example, in Germany there wasn't much space so we slept together without problems. In France there was a guest's room.
Should I tell my family and friends that I arrived safely and present them my pen pal?
Yes, why not? Be it by phonecall or webcam with apps like: MagicJack, Viber and Skype. Another proof anti-psycho.
Why is it special to have this type of friendship? Do they last? Are you still friends with them?
What can I say? They're just as special as my friends that I see daily. It feels good to know that someone from another part of the world recognizes my existence and that he/she wants to spend his/her time with me. Knowing that I would do the same -I believe- is the best part of it. Remember that you'll have the oportunity to see and experience a culture in a way that many people haven't done in their lifetime. On the subject if it last: friendships last if both parties have the interest to maintain it. Nobody can force someone to be friends with them. And yes, we still are friends with the promise of visiting each other again. Hopefully soon.
Simple. Search for groups based on the topic or a group based on a tv show. That way you'll find new people to talk to.
Who's idea was to stay in their houses? Why did you accept the offer?
We just wanted to meet in person and since I was going to my study abroad in Europe, they offered me to stay. That way I wouldn't spend too much money aswell.
What if they are psychopaths?
There's something I must say. A psychopath or someone that wants to hurt you, sometimes is closer than you think. I'm not saying that on the internet you don't find them. We have enough news concerning the topic and apparently everyone has seen Taken. To know if someone is a psycho or not is simple. 1. they wont ask for personal information, 2. they will dedicate time to talk to you but will not harass or stalk; they also have a life, 3. years could pass and you still talk besides never seen each other in person before, and 4. you start getting to know about their life too, etc, etc. There's something called social skills which we use to create bonds with people.
Since when do you know them?
Since four years my german friend and 10 months my french friend.
How much time after you knew them did you went to visit?
Germany- after 4 years
France- after 8 months
Aren't you afraid to go to another country, stay at a stranger's house and not know the language? For how long did you stay?
To be honest: no. We always search a way to understand each other when a language barrier presents itself. I'll admit that after buying the plane tickets and the night before going to the airport, I freaked out a bit and thought I was crazy. But the sensation went away when I first saw them.
In Germany I stayed 4 days and in France a week.
What if you don't have a good time and you want to leave, what do you do?
It doesn't suppose to happen, but in worst case scenario, you should always have plan B in each trip that you do. Be prepared. In this case, be prepared to pay an early return ticket or book various nights in a hostel/hotel or tolerate it til you leave. Take into account that you should do a research on the costumes and habits of each country you visit. That way you'll feel more comfortable and the number of awkward situations reduces greatly.
Should I offer my house after I have visited theirs?
Of course! What kind of question is that?
Should I offer my house even if I haven't gone to theirs?
That depends on you really. If you are not sure, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't been talking to that person. But in case you always have doubts think that they'll be under your control. Invite a friend to stay with you during that time if you feel like it.
How much money do you save?
Only think that you will not be paying for staying and probably not for food too. Unless you go out to eat and unless they care that much about you that they'll pay that too from time to time ;) If they have a car, it will depend on your friend if he/she wants you to pay for gas since is the most expensive thing after train tickets (depending on the city). For sure you'll be saving -without including plane ticket and miscellaneous- at least $200 or more.
Sounds too good to be true. Tell the truth, do you pay this in another way? If you know what I mean....
Noooooooooooooooo!!! If something happens that's between you two. Who cares?
Should I give a token of gratitude?
Sure thing! They gave you their house, food and probably they even went to pick you up at the airport or train station. If you don't have much money or don't know what to buy, chocolates are always a safe bet.
Do you know their friends and family?
Duh! Ultimate proof they are not psychos.
With whom and where do you sleep?
That will depend on what you have agreed to. For example, in Germany there wasn't much space so we slept together without problems. In France there was a guest's room.
Should I tell my family and friends that I arrived safely and present them my pen pal?
Yes, why not? Be it by phonecall or webcam with apps like: MagicJack, Viber and Skype. Another proof anti-psycho.
Why is it special to have this type of friendship? Do they last? Are you still friends with them?
What can I say? They're just as special as my friends that I see daily. It feels good to know that someone from another part of the world recognizes my existence and that he/she wants to spend his/her time with me. Knowing that I would do the same -I believe- is the best part of it. Remember that you'll have the oportunity to see and experience a culture in a way that many people haven't done in their lifetime. On the subject if it last: friendships last if both parties have the interest to maintain it. Nobody can force someone to be friends with them. And yes, we still are friends with the promise of visiting each other again. Hopefully soon.
If everything goes well, how are the goodbyes?
I wont lie is bittersweet. You are happy that you met your friend and that you spent time together but not knowing for sure when you'll be seeing each other again is quite depressing. Another thing is that when you meet for the first time a friend, the farewell/goodbye/see you later can be a bit awkward and sometimes you don't know how to do it properly besides giving a hug and a kiss. The good thing? As soon as you get home, they are there waiting to write to you again!
Is it really worth it or do you think you might be giving up other experiences that maybe are best ones?
Well, my favorite way to travel is alone or this one. Traveling with a group and tourist guides is not my thing. To be sincere, I'm very lazy when it comes to search where to stay and how to move from one place to another without spending too much. Besides, a lot of stereotypes vanish as I get to know the good people. I like to meet people and to practice the languages I know. I don't feel like I'm losing something. I feel that I'm gaining more than expected.
Still don't convince you? You don't like the idea? It's ok, no one forces you and everyone's experiences are different :)
I wont lie is bittersweet. You are happy that you met your friend and that you spent time together but not knowing for sure when you'll be seeing each other again is quite depressing. Another thing is that when you meet for the first time a friend, the farewell/goodbye/see you later can be a bit awkward and sometimes you don't know how to do it properly besides giving a hug and a kiss. The good thing? As soon as you get home, they are there waiting to write to you again!
Is it really worth it or do you think you might be giving up other experiences that maybe are best ones?
Well, my favorite way to travel is alone or this one. Traveling with a group and tourist guides is not my thing. To be sincere, I'm very lazy when it comes to search where to stay and how to move from one place to another without spending too much. Besides, a lot of stereotypes vanish as I get to know the good people. I like to meet people and to practice the languages I know. I don't feel like I'm losing something. I feel that I'm gaining more than expected.
Still don't convince you? You don't like the idea? It's ok, no one forces you and everyone's experiences are different :)