Really Useful Travel Apps for iPhone: CouchSurfing

After detailing DB Navigator, let’s continue our small series of useful iPhone apps with CouchSurfing.

CouchSurfing

Couchsurfing is a conceptual website you should already know if you’re traveling. And, if not, you should definitely discover it! To summarize, this is a way to meet locals when you are traveling, to sleep on their couch rather than at a hostel or hotel, and to meet other travelers while you’re at home by lending your couch.
So, obviously, the CouchSurfing app won’t be of any help if you’re not a CouchSurfer, but if you are, it will be of great help!.

With the application, you can:

• Search profiles
• Make requests for personalized accommodation
• View the requests you’ve made
• See responses

Of course we can ask “what is the point of an app that you have to be logged into to see responses when we can just visit the website for that?” Well, there are 2 answers:

• The application saves the data from your last search, so even if you’re not connected to the internet, you can read the information your host has sent you so you will know how to contact him/her and know how to get back to your host’s place.
• The CouchSurfing website is not in the least bit intended for use with a smartphone. For example, searching for hosts systematically crashes Safari on the iPhone.

It’s true that the app lacks features for now. Ex: you cannot access your private messages, it’s not possible to edit your profile, nor can you read the contents of groups. But, after all, it is a relatively new app and there is a good chance it will improve in the near future.

Verdict: An indispensable application for all CouchSurfers!

Price: Free
Reviewed version: 1.3.1