“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” (Paul Theroux)

Ever heard of Couchsurfing? If you haven't, should give it a look ( and a chance!). It's a life-changing experience.
And it was through it that Nathalie and I met.

As they describe themselves "CouchSurfing (CS) is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences.

And how does it work? Members share hospitality with each other.In another words...you make a profile, inform what you offer ( a bed, a room, a sleeping bag, a couch or even if you don't have any of them available you can always meet people for a coffee, a drink or just show them around your city),how many people you can host and how long they can stay. If you don't feel like having people around your place, that's fine. You can join the groups and participate of meetings, parties and events they organize.
Afterwards, the host and the guest should write a feedback to each other in the site and they'll be published in both profiles. Neither of you can delete it. So that's how you check how trustworthy the people are: based on their feedbacks.If you have a negative one, you have less chances to be hosted in another trip.
Is it dangerous?Not really, but caution is never enough. I, for instance, never host or ask to be hosted by someone that doesn't have at least 5 feedbacks(that's my criteria).

Now CS is becoming more popular,appearing on TV shows and magazines, so might be that there will be more people trying to take advantages of it, so it's just a matter of you paying attention to the profile description and the feedbacks. The more information they have ,the better. Who is really into CS won't risk ruining the chance to meet new people "cheating" on other users anyway.

CS is not just about getting free accommodation. Is a great way to make new friends,learn more about local life and culture than if you stayed in a hotel/hostel. The beauty of it is going to a house of a total stranger and leave 2 days later with a friend for life.
Enjoy!