I can see where you're coming from but Couchsurfing is more than a free place to sleep. They actually specifically say that if it's what you're looking for, you

I can see where you're coming from but Couchsurfing is more than a free place to sleep. They actually specifically say that if it's what you're looking for, you're probably best off elsewhere. I hardly ever saved money using CS (dinners, gifts, etc) but I have experienced amazing kindness all around the world and made lasting friendships. Once you experience something like that, you feel obligated to give back, to pay forward. Yes, there will always be bad people in every community, especially as it grows. You get better at spotting them quickly. If you're a girl, don't get greedy, spend time chatting with the potential male host, stay with a girl or at a hostel. Couchsurfing is not for everybody, though, which suits me just fine.