The CouchSurfing Project is a free, Internet-based, international hospitality service, and it is currently the largest hospitality exchange network. The project was commenced in 2003 and formally launched on January 1, 2004. The idea is people in the network crash on the couch of others around the world (free room).As of March 2009, it had more than 1 million members in 232 countries and territiries. According to their own published statistics, 35% of their members are currently offering their couches to host travelers (with another 18% saying "maybe", and others who are travelling at the moment).[1] According to Alexa it is currently the most visited hospitality service on the Internet, averaging more than 30 million daily page views in July 2008.
Members use the website to coordinate contacts and home accommodation (or "surf" others' "couches") with other network members around the world. The website allows the creation of extensive profiles, and uses an optional credit card verification system, a personal vouching system, and personal references to increase security and trust between members. The site offers other features such as discussion groups, events and meetings, and live chat.
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