Author: Mike Joy

Mike is an avid traveler, prolific advice giver, and Community Manager and Couchsurfing.
Advice

10 Tips for Your First Backpacking Trip

April 23, 2026
Mike Joy

First backpacking trip nerves are completely normal. Everyone who's done this felt the same mix of…

Stories

Why People Couchsurf (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

April 21, 2026
Mike Joy

We're more connected than ever. So why does it feel like the opposite? Loneliness is at…

Guides

Top 5 Festivals to Plan Your Trip Around

April 16, 2026
Mike Joy

Showing up anywhere during its biggest festival isn’t just good timing, it’s a completely different country.…

Stories

I Ran Out of Water on a Hike in New Zealand. Then Something Unexpected Happened.

April 14, 2026
Mike Joy

A chance encounter on a mountain reminded me exactly why Couchsurfing changes how you travel... and…

Stories

Destined For Travel: Georgian Mountains. There and back again.

February 19, 2025
Mike Joy

The day you stop moving is the day the world stops turning. Our DNA contains the…

Community Stories

Super Couchsurfer Alejandro pays help and kindness forward as a CS host

February 25, 2023
Mike Joy

Welcome to the Super Couchsurfer Spotlight: where we feature some of the most active members in…

Community Stories

For Super Couchsurfer Martin, Hosting on CS is Like Traveling Without Leaving Home

February 18, 2023
Mike Joy

Welcome to the Super Couchsurfer Spotlight: where we feature some of the most active members in…

Advice

Ask Couchsurfing: Tips for Budget Travelers

January 30, 2023
Mike Joy

Ask Couchsurfing: Where we answer your questions about CS and traveling. Check out our Instagram and…

Community Stories

Super Couchsurfer Espe has been traveling solo for years, but thanks to CS, has never felt lonely

January 21, 2023
Mike Joy

Welcome to the Super Couchsurfer Spotlight: where we highlight and get to know some of the…

Community Stories

Nikita, Super Couchsurfer from Belarus, shares his best tips for traveling through Couchsurfing

January 13, 2023
Mike Joy

Welcome to the Super Couchsurfer Spotlight: a space for us to highlight and get to know…