In this series:

1. Introduction to Hospitality Exchanges
2. Comparison of Online Hospitality Exchanges
3. Pros and Cons of Hospitality Exchanges
4. Why it pays to be a host in a Hospitality Exchange
5. Personal Experiences and other Hospitality Exchange Resources

In my searching I found 4 different hospitality networks that actually boast enough actual users to make them useful. Those 4 are couchsurfing.com, hospitalityclub.org, globalfreeloaders.com, and servas.org.

Couchsurfing.com

• members: 242,784

• safety: Couchsurfing has implemented two processes to facilitate safe exchanges among its members. First, is a system where users vouch for one another. You are only supposed to vouch for someone if you know them personally, and are sure that they are trusworthy. Additionally, only members that have already been vouched for 3 times, can vouch for other members. This makes it harder for users to just create a bunch of fake user names, and have them all vouch for each other. The second security measure is a system of verification where couchsurfing verifies a users physical address by sending them mail to that address, and verifying a users real name through a credit card check.
• registration: Simple registration form and profile page. Can be done online in 15 minutes. Verification is optional, but costs $25 and will take a couple of weeks to verify address.
• other: I like the couchsurfing interface more than the other sites. It is easy to navigate, and provides a lot more information about individual users. With their additional security features, and international structure, I think they are putting themselves in the best position to flourish as a community into the future.

HospitalityClub.org

• members: 304,932

• safety: Hospitality Club provides their hosts with their guests passport numbers which should be checked upon arrival to confirm identity. Interface includes a section where users can leave comments, recommendations, or complaints about other users.
• registration: Simple registration form and profile page. Can be done online in 15 minutes.
• other: Hospitality club boasts the most users of any hospitality exchange.

GlobalFreeloaders.com

• members: 49,364

• safety: Users are able to leave comments, recommendations, or complaints about other users.
• registration: Simple registration form. Can be done online in 15 minutes.
• other: No real “profile” page limits the amount of information you can get about another user before actually engaging in communication with them.

Servas.org

• members: 15,000

• safety: The Servas.org application procedure is a lot more involved. Applicants must provide references, and complete a formal application which includes an essay. Then applicants have to attend an interview with a Servas.org representative. All of this is meant to determine whether or not the applicant is trustworthy, and if they are compatible with the Servas mission.
• registration: Applicants go through an application process that takes about 3 weeks to complete. The process requires the applicant to provide references, complete an application and essay question, as well as attend an interview with a Servas representative.
• other: Servas describes itself as being more than just a hospitality exchange, it is a promoter of peace. The application is a lot longer and more involved than the other hospitality networks, but that results in a network of users that are a lot more commited to the cause. Servas users in general are a much more interesting group, that are really interesting in being involved in the experience of a hospitality exchange. They are not just looking for a free place to crash.

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