I stayed with Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, for a week. I've stayed with many of the marketers whom I study (Perry Belcher, Matt Bacak, Jason Moffatt, etc…), I've stayed with many photographers whom I look up to, such as Jeffery Scott (http://www.onemodelplace.com/member.cfm?P_ID=25854 — warning: many disturbing images…. but you can't argue the talent is mind-blowing).

The success factor is also there because now I am not just handing people my card, and getting there's. Now I meet someone, get to stay in their home, meet their family, see their business, and often go on an adventure with them. The bonding and depth of familiarity that comes with that is a lot bigger than just meeting people somewhere, or talking to them online.

It has been extremely life changing, and I am addicted.

Love you you do my friend, and I have to admit couch surfing (although is tough on my back at times) has helped me develop a ton of new friends, and always gives me an interesting experience and story to talk about later.

Life is about the experiences we encounter along our personal journey, and couch surfing is definitely something that has been a big part of my journey.

I have a comfy futon waiting for you if you ever come through Columbus, Ohio

I never miss my bed, because the gift that comes with each couch is a new friend. A new person in my life that can tell me their stories, share new experiences with me, show me around their area, and show me new adventures.

They give me something to share with my blog readers. There are often new photos and videos. Each person has their own circle of friends, which can lead to all sorts of new stories (like last week– come down to see a friend's gallery exhibit – get to go to poker night, a kegger at a car restoration warehouse, climb a billboard, visit a rotating restaurant, and end up with a speaking gig for next month's social-media event).

All these things make me not even notice the discomfort (if there is any)… and oftentimes, by the time it's actually time to sleep, I'm so tired I don't care what I sleep on.

I'm glad you couchsurf. I'm glad you're promoting to people that it's a great way to travel. I disagree about it being just something to do if one can't afford a hotel.

I think hotels are the thing you do when you can't find a couch. Hotels look the same everywhere you go… and then you just get to go to the tourist traps, etc… While couchsurfing, you get to choose who you stay with. You can base that on mutual interests, and thus practically guarantee that you'll hang with people that interest you. They'll show you places that you'd like… and likely the ones that are not in the tourist guide.

I will give you that hotels give you a lot more privacy

If you want to read my various couchsurfing adventures, or want to discuss couchsurfing, travel, adventures, etc…. it's all at http://CouchSurfingOri.com