Just how comfortable is your sofa? Would you be prepared to let a stranger crash
(躺下睡觉) out there for the night? Just on the basis of a short email correspondence
(通信) and seeing a photo of the sofa,would you travel halfway across the world to do
the same? It might sound crazy,but this is exactly what millions of people are doing-it's
known as couch(沙发) surfing.
     Couch surfing is travelling on a budget,using a broad network of contacts in order to
get overnight accommodation for free,or at as little cost as possible.Participants join
dedicated(专业的) websites,providing as much information about themselves as possible
in order to make others feel comfortable hosting them,or using them as a host.
     Various safety features are available in such online networks,like verification (确认)
of names and addresses,personal references and vouching (担保) for a particular member
 as a reliable host or guest.
     As well as the financial advantages of couch surfing,participants also claim that the practice
gives them a more unique,authentic travel experience,allowing them to get to know culture
and cuisine through the locals rather than through tour agents."Couch surfing is not just about
finding free accommodation.We open our minds and lives and welcome the knowledge that
becomes available through cultural exchange," said Casey Fenton,founder of
CouchSurfing.com, "CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel,but how we
relate to the world."