Couchsurfing started as a project among a small group of friends in 2004 – it has now evolved into a popular platform which encourages people to rethink travel and aspire to exploration, adventure, and the formation of new friendships. The concept is simple – instead of staying at hotels/hostels when travelling, users of Couchsurfing have the option to stay in locals’ homes, as temporary guests or “couchsurfers”, making their vacation a social experience enriched by cultural exchange.
What started as a passion project now has 14 million members and provides its services in 200,000 cities worldwide. Couchsurfing now supports 4 million travelers/surfers, 400,000 hosts, and 100,000 events on an annual basis.
Couchsurfing basically provides users a platform where “hosts” (locals who are willing to open up their homes and offer them as places for travelers to stay) and travelers can connect. What results is cultural connection and a more authentic travel experience.
In addition to being a unique concept, Couchsurfing makes trust and safety a top priority – the website provides a messaging and verification platform over which travelers can connect with hosts they are interested in, and gauge whether they are a good fit for them. They can also look at hosts’ profiles, to see what other travelers have said about them.
Users can sign up and use Couchsurfing to find hosts in the country they plan to visit – staying with the hosts is completely free. Hosting international travelers is also free, and both hosts and travelers can also attend traveler events in their cities, free of cost. However, for verified members, Couchsurfing also offers the option of verifying their SMS and address, an ad-free experience on the Couchsurfing website and mobile app, and a boost in rankings on search results for hosts.
Aspiring affiliates can find an external affiliate program for Couchsurfing on Viglink. The website lists a commission rate of $10. To apply, simple head over to the website, sign up, and begin promoting Couchsurfing’s services in order to supplement your revenue stream. Websites that are based on travel, budget travel options, and cultural exchange can be particularly suitable affiliates for Couchsurfing – however, there is no restriction, and anyone can join the program.
The primary benefit of being a Couchsurfing affiliate is, quite obviously, the commission. By referring aspiring travelers and interested hosts to Couchsurfing, marketers can earn a substantial amount which can boost their incomes. As per Viglink, marketers stand to profit from a commission rate of $10.
In addition to the commission, marketers also get the chance to offer their audience a unique, one-of-a-kind travel opportunity, which will attract more traffic based on the novelty factor alone.
Travelers from all across the globe, people on a budget, people interested in adventure, or people looking for a unique cultural and social experience are all part of the target market for Couchsurfing. Anyone who is looking to visit a country where there are Couchsurfing-supported hosts is automatically part of the target audience.
