We all know a lot of guys on Couchsurfing use the platform for more than “cultural exchange.” Yet somehow you’ll see profiles with 90+ glowing reviews and not a single warning. That alone should probably be a red flag.
I usually don’t stay with or even meet up with men on CS, but I made one exception in South America because no women were available. This was a meet up only, not a stay. The guy was a local tour guide with tons of positive reviews, so I didn’t think twice.
Almost immediately the meetup turned into what felt like a marriage and romantic vetting session. He was smooth, not creepy, clearly experienced at doing this with women on the platform. I played along just to get through it, then left a clear “would not recommend” review afterward.
What I don’t get is why none of the women before me did the same. There’s no way I was the first. This is exactly how other women end up walking into situations they didn’t sign up for.
If we don’t leave honest reviews, the system doesn’t work. Especially for women who are not looking for dating or hookups and just want to travel safely.
Curious how others handle this, because the silence around it feels like part of the problem.
0