Top Five Things to do in Dubai
Dubai is a special kind of place; in many ways it is leading the world in terms of development. There’s glitz and glamor in Dubai on a level that most other cities haven’t been able to emulate. While Dubai is known for its incredible architecture and its incredible shopping scene, there’s more to this fascinating city than just that. Once you’ve found your accommodation in Dubai, such as the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, you’ll need to start planning how you’ll spend your time. Here are my suggestions for the top five things to do in Dubai:
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque:
While Dubai is often seen as a modern and advanced city, this is one of the most precious old buildings. Both stunning and historically significant, the Jumeirah Mosque is open to the public, even if they are not Muslims. This allows you to have a special insight into Muslim culture while appreciating this gorgeous building. It provides a stunning contrast to the majority of buildings in Dubai. Make sure you dress modestly if you do choose to visit this wonderful Mosque.
Marvel at the Burj Khalifa:
Yes, it’s clichéd, but as the tallest building in the world you simply have to view it. The Burj Khalifa is huge; you keep looking up and then have to tilt your head back even further and further until finally you can see the highest point of it. There’s an observation deck, which is just casually located on the 124th story floor – which obviously makes for very impressive views of this crazy city.
The World Archipelago:
Also known as the World Islands, this is a man-made construction of small islands made in the rough shape of a world map. Unfortunately due to the recession, the development on these islands has not been as great as originally intended. So far, there are only a few properties built on the islands. However, it still looks very striking and is worth visiting.
Explore Dubai Museum:
For a country that seems to be really modern, there is a deep level of history originating here. Half the charm of the Dubai Museum is the fact that it’s located in the Al Fahidi Fort that was built in 1987 and just happens to be the oldest existing building in all of Dubai. There are numerous galleries, showcasing historical memorabilia and artifacts. It’s a very educational visit and perfect if you’re trying to escape the heat for a few hours.
Wonder around Bastakiya:
This is one of the oldest and most traditional Emirati neighborhoods in Dubai. It is a lovely place to wander around and marvel at some of the older buildings and constructions, including the traditional windtower, which was the earliest form of air conditioning.
These are my top five things to do in Dubai – have I missed anything special from the list? Let me know your favourite things to do in Dubai.
Best Things to do in Barcelona
When I was working in Czech Republic as an au pair, I hadn’t seen the ocean in four months. Coming from New Zealand, a long thin country that’s surrounded by water, this was the longest I’d ever gone without seeing the ocean. It was a really weird feeling, so I decided to book a long weekend in Barcelona. I visited in early January and despite being the middle of winter, it was warm enough to head to the beach, but fully clothes. My trip to Barcelona was wonderful – I enjoyed visiting Spain so much that I ended up moving there later in the year to work as an au pair again.
Barcelona’s a city that’s jam-packed with great things to do and see. After spending four days there and covering a lot of the city, I felt I’d only just got started. I would really love to revisit Barcelona one day in the summer so I can make the most of the beautiful beaches on the city’s doorstep. Once you’ve found your accommodation in Barcelona, you’ll want to make sure you plan some activities into your trip so you can make the most of your time there.
Here are my tips for the best things to do in Barcelona:
Guell Park:
As a park alone, this is an outstanding park, perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona’s city. When you factor in Guadi’s art, it becomes an exceptional park and definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona. There are lots of little surprises hidden around every corner, making it an exceptional day out. The park itself is quite a hike up the hill, so allow you a few hours to really enjoy it. As sunset creeps in, you’ll find people gathering around the lookout points to enjoy one of the best views in Spain.
The Church of the Sacred Family:
The most famous building in all of Barcelona, if not all of Spain, the Sagrada Familia is absolutely stunning and a must-see. It is one of the most breathtaking churches in the world, constructed in such a way that it will surprise you and charm you at the same time. Here is where all the crowds flock to, but it’s one of those attractions that are worth dealing with the hoards of people. Visit early in the morning so you can enjoy it with a few less people around.
The Gothic Quarter:
Filled with charming old buildings, the Barri Gotic is made up of buildings that date back to the medieval times. It’s a great place to walk around for photo opportunities and it is filled to the brim with cute cafes and lovely restaurants, great for enjoying a beverage while people watching. Here you’ll find a lovely mix of upbeat, upscale places to traditional guitar makers. You can easily spend a day walking around these historic streets, soaking in the old Barcelona. This is one of the most stunning parts of Barcelona and is certainly one of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona’s Science Museum:
If you happen to get caught in Barcelona on a rainy day, a visit to the Science Museum is a great way to keep yourself entertained. It’s super cheap, at only 4 Euro a ticket and there’s always lots of exhibitions to entice visitors young and old. The café here is also really nice and there’s a great view.
Parc de Montjuic:
For a lovely day out, take the tram up to the top of Parc de Montjuic and explore the beautiful castle. There’s a metro stop that lines up with the tram stop, so you can easily navigate your way to Parc de Montijuic on public transport. There are stunning views, as well as a rich history. The castle itself isn’t the most impressive castle in Europe, but the views make up for what the castle cannot offer.
These are my five favourite things to do in Barcelona and some of the best things to do in Barcelona. Do you have anything that is essential to a trip to Barcelona? I’d love to hear in the comments below:
4 Money Saving Tips that will Stretch your Money Further
Like it or not, to make it in this life you need to be able to handle your money. It’s not the be all and end all, but having financial stability can take mountains of pressure off you and give you one less thing to worry about. The peace of mind that comes from having your bills in check is priceless, and watching your savings grow is exciting and can open up many doors of opportunity that were closed in the past – including lots more travel.
Check out these 4 money saving tips to get you started on your path to a brighter, more secure future or the next big holiday overseas.
1. Use Cash
Sit down and make a budget. Once you have allocated money to pay your weekly expenses and put away your savings, take your play money out in cash. Physically paying with real notes and coins makes the whole spending process seem more real, and you will be less likely to fritter away your hard earned money if you can watch it disappear.
2. Consolidate Your Loans
Talk to the bank. Instead of juggling many different payments, get them to consolidate your credit card, car payment and any other higher purchases into one monthly payment. Balance transfer credit card can save money as banks often offer 6 months interest free type schemes if you merge your loans and save you money.
3. Drink Instant
We all love a latte from our favourate café in the morning, maybe another one on your lunch break. These can snowball quickly, and at roughly $5 for a medium coffee these days, one a day is leaving you $25 down at the end of the week. That’s around $1200 over a working year. Plus think of the damage to the environment from all those takeaway mochas. Grab yourself a reusable mug and make them at home.
4. Exercise at home.
Along with eating a balanced diet and sleeping well, exercising is the best way to keep your body running how it’s supposed to, and will help avoid costly medical bills later on. You can also save on costly gym memberships and personal trainers by doing it at home. Youtube is full of different at home fitness routines, or if you like the outdoors get down to the local track or park. Get creative, the world is your playground. Save money on your gym fees and put it aside for your next holiday.
These tips are easy, pain free and you can start right now! Life is for enjoying, not stressing over finances. So get smart and your bank balance will be growing before you know it.
“I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money.”- Pablo Picasso
These are my top 4 money saving tips that will stretch your money further. What are your favourite money saving tips? Leave your tips in the comments below.
Top Five Things to do in Berlin
Berlin is one of the cheapest places in Europe that I’ve visited, but it is also one of the most interesting. With a thick, dark and rich history, it is a city that needs to be visited. Beyond Berlin’s history, there’s a thriving art and culture scene that is one of the best in Europe. Berlin is also home to a very outrageous and fun nightlife. If I could pick one place to live in Europe, it would be Berlin. Despite visiting twice in the blistering cold of winter, I fell madly in love with this city. Once you’ve figured out where to stay in Berlin, you’ll need to figure out what to do and here are my top five things to do in Berlin:
Visit the Holocaust Memorial:
Much of Berlin is gray and concrete, and this memorial is no different. Walk through the large granite blocks that are arranged in such a way to make you feel lost. These blocks resemble tombstones and their layout is very disorientating. It is a very unusual memorial, but I found it to be very striking. Underneath there is a museum that you should at least an hour or two to visit.
Neues Museum:
Berlin isn’t known for beaming sunshine, so if you visit on a gray or rainy day, you should make your way to the Neues Museum – hope to one of the most fascinating collections of Egyptian collections in the world. It is worth buying a Berlin Museum pass if you’re interested in visiting more than one museum. Also, bare in mind the staff at this museum are quite unfriendly and most bags will have to be checked. Despite this, this museum is definitely worth a half-day visit.
Enjoy a drink at Mein Haus am See:
This café claims the title of one of my favourite cafes in the entire world. When I was visiting Berlin one day was absolutely terribly and icy cold, so I checked out the Couchsurfing community to see whether there were any meets going on. An English girl living in Berlin had organized a coffee meet up at Mein Haus am See and I headed along. We spent a lazy Sunday, an international bunch of travelers and expats, discussing life while indulging in some of the best coffee I had in Europe. It’s definitely work checking out and is so Berlin.
Walk along the East Side Gallery:
Yes, it’s clichéd, but really no visit to Berlin would be complete without visiting the largest outdoor exhibition space in the world. As a fan of art, I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the paintings and the hope it brings. Transforming such a dark part of Berlin’s history into a visual banquet is just the type of forward thinking that Berliners are known for. Allow yourself some time to browse the wall properly, while soaking in the separation and pain the former Berlin Wall caused.
Brandenburger Tor:
This is one of Germany’s most popular landmarks, and for good reason. Originally built over 300 years ago, it has endured a number of wars and been number of different symbols throughout its history. Since 1989 and the fall of the Berlin Wall the Brandenburger Tor symbolizes the reunification of Germany. At night it looks incredible, lit up and without the hoards of tourists. However, during the day this turns into a bustling hotspot with flocks of entertaining and talented buskers.
These are my favourite top five things to do in Berlin. Did I miss anything essential from this list? Share your favourite things to do in Berlin in the comments below.
A golfer’s dream
The best of both worlds – activity and relaxation. Does such a place exist? Well, it does, and it’s not so far away either.
The Algarve is a hugely popular destination, whether winter or summer, and because of this, you can find some fantastic deals heading to this part of the world. Cut your costs even further by taking advantage of great value added extras, like airport parking from Holiday Extras and the relaxation factor will come into play, as well as save, save, save!
I was advised to check out the range of Gatwick hotels on offer with Holiday Extras and stayed in the Sofitel before my trip to the Algarve, and will certainly be booking again. The convenience of travelling to the airport at my own leisure was fantastic, and the price made me smile even more. I’d certainly recommend you look into what services are available at your airport.
Getting from A to B sorted, and the fun can start.
Vilamoura is a very popular resort on The Algarve, and because of its popularity, you’ll find excellent facilities and plenty to do. A large resort means variety, and whether you choose winter sun or summer scorching, there is something to keep you more than occupied. Another bonus is the short distance from Faro Airport, which if you’re travelling in peak season, you’ll be grateful of.
Of course, The Algarve is famous for its golf courses, and if you’re a keen golfer, this is certainly a destination I’d recommend for you! Around Vilamoura there are four top class championship golf courses. If golfing’s not your thing, why not leave your better half on the green and head to the beach, for a spot of rest and relaxation? There are plenty of water-sports if you choose to cool yourself down from the intense heat, or alternatively, just lay back, chill-out and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
One of my favourite pastimes is shopping, and this is one part of the world where shopping meets holiday fun! Vilamoura itself has plenty of shops, from tacky tourist souvenirs, to clothes and trinkets, however for a much higher quality retail therapy hit, I’d be heading to Faro. The bus network is good and reliable, so there’s no problem getting there, but if you can, I’d recommend hiring a car. This not only allows you more time to hit the shops and stroll around Faro, but makes checking out the local countryside much easier, including the nearby Roman ruins.
To get out and about in a completely different way, I’d suggest booking onto a boat trip. This is something I always try to do regardless of where I go, as a day spent floating around the coastline is not only relaxing, but allows for some fantastic photos. There are deep sea fishing opportunities too, so if you’re into fishing, ask about specialised trips.
Nightlife in Vilamoura is bright and varied, with many lively bars and clubs to spend your evening dancing and having fun. Down by the pretty marina, you’ll find lots of restaurants, as well as around the main stretch of town, and you won’t find any trouble seeking out a menu to suit, as international tastes are well catered for.
As you can see, Vilamoura is not only varied, but it offers a rather more sophisticated, upmarket kind of holiday, without the pomp and ceremony, and is certainly laid-back too – an interesting mix! Cut your costs by checking out facilities available near you, such as Bristol Airport parking and look forward to more Euros to enjoy your break, and a stress-free start to your summer holiday.
What could be better?
My Best Value Locations in Europe
Europe doesn’t have to be expensive to travel, although it can be. When I lived in the Czech Republic as an Au pair, I was lucky enough to do a lot of travel. I nipped over to Berlin for a weekend, spent a few days exploring museums in Vienna and fell in love with Budapest. There are a number of countries in Europe that will not only destroy, but also violate your bank balance. I’ve intentionally avoided countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark because I don’t think I’m at a stage of my life where I can afford to do them properly.
I was surprised to find that there are a few places in Europe that are barely more expensive than Asia, but include all of the comfort and charms that Europe is adored for. Here are some of my favourite places in Europe that not only have the cheapest accommodation in Europe, but are also very entertaining and have a unique flavor. If you’re planning on visiting Europe for the summer, you must check out some of these money saving gems:
Lisbon:
There’s an old charm feel about Lisbon, the city which seems to be built up spiraling around the old castle that is perched on the hill. There are little cobblestone streets everywhere; delicious pastel de nata and you’re only a stone throw away from Sintra. You can spend a day riding around on the old, red trams that slowly drag themselves up and down the winding streets. Another bonus of Lisbon is that it’s literally on the water’s edge, meaning you’re never too far away from a beach – what else could you want? It’s definitely one of the best value locations in Europe.
Istanbul:
Half in Europe, half in Asia, Istanbul is a hot pot for both culture and history. There are few things that compare to Istanbul’s stunning skyline, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Grand Bazaar is chaotic, mesmerizing and almost timeless. Istanbul is irresistibly photogenic and is a lot kinder on the budget than most capital cities in Europe.
Budapest:
I love Budapest; it’s no secret. I’ve been here twice and both times find myself in awe of how irresistibly beautiful this city is. Everything about Budapest is cheap: some of the cheapest accommodation, cheap food, and the alcohol’s cheaper than water. It’s one of the few places in the world where I’ve found myself in a swanky wine bar, able to afford to buy wine by the bottle without cringing. The view from the riverfront is stunning and New York Café is an absolute must-visit.
Berlin:
Ah, there’s so much history and culture crammed into Berlin, that even without its affordable price tag it is an essential stop on any trip to Europe. Berlin is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting places in Europe to visit if you are interested in art, culture or history. Though the majority buildings in Berlin tend to be dark and sterile, you’ll find a great number of them are painted in beautiful murals. Even the tram rides are enjoyable, with random buskers joining you for a stop or two to play some music. Not only does Berlin have one of the wildest party scenes in Europe, it’s also dirt-cheap. I’m so fond of Berlin that I actually spent a great deal time researching the logistics of me moving there.
Those are my four best value places to visit in Europe – I think most of them barely cost more than traveling in capital cities in South East Asia.
What are your favourite great value destinations – in Europe or elsewhere?
Dealing with travel emergencies
There is nothing scarier than when things go wrong on the road – after all, you’re far away from your friends and family at home and there are so many extra variables that make it scarier than normal. I’ve known a few people who have lost their wallets while traveling and been completely caught out, stranded in the middle of nowhere with no money. Dealing with travel emergencies is the last thing you want on your holiday. I always suggest carrying a spare credit card during your travels, but it can be challenging trying to discover the top credit cards for travel.
Expect the worst:
During my travels I’ve had a lot of bad things happen: I was stabbed in Indonesia, I had my camera stolen, my laptop screen shattered, I lost one of my ATM cards, I fell sick numerous times and I used both travel insurance and my backup cards to help bail me out. Even if you have travel insurance, they often require that you pay for medical treatment and are reimbursed, meaning that you need to have the funds to do so otherwise you wont get the treatment you need as fast as you need it. Preparing for the worst means that if it happens you don’t have to stress about how you’re going to cover it. You can focus on moving forward. It makes dealing with travel emergencies a little bit easier.
Find a good credit card:
When I was in Thailand, my friend entered in a Muy Thai fight. I told him not to, and I suggested it wasn’t the smartest idea, but he was set on it. Less than 10s into the fight, the opponent smacked him right in the middle of his nose, resulting in a pretty nasty broken nose. We had to leave the island and made our way promptly to a hospital so he could have a nose job. The operation cost just over $3,000 and he had two options: either pay and get the operation right away or wait for insurance to come through and risk his nose settling incorrectly, increasing the damage. Thankfully, he had a credit card and elected to get the surgery straight away. Now he’s not as ugly as he could have been if he waited.
How to choose a good travel emergency credit card?
It can be challenging finding the right travel credit card, but there are lots of online websites that allow you to quickly compare credit cards so you can find the best match for you. Look at the interest rates (you want a lower interest rate), what rewards, if any, the cards provide and what kind of limit you can get. This will vary considerably depending on what country you are from, what kind of limit you’re looking for and what your credit history is like.
I’ve always traveled with a credit card – I simply feel safer with it. Do you have any tips for dealing with travel emergencies? Share them in the comments below.
Things to consider when planning a short break
Planning a short break is the sort of thing that people leave right up until the last minute. One of the many reasons for this is that because you’re going away for a shorter time than a summer holiday, you assume that it’ll be a simpler task. This, however, isn’t always the case – there are many things to factor in to ensure you have as good a time as possible. Not planning properly can leave you stranded somewhere you don’t want to be, doing things you didn’t imagine doing. We’ve compiled a guide of things to consider before booking your trip.
One of the most crucial things to think about is the travel. How are you going to get to where you’re going? This is also something to consider when choosing your destination. If you’re travelling by car things are much easier and often cheaper, but this can depend entirely on things like distance and parking costs. Consider that you might not be able to park easily when you arrive. If you’re travelling by public transport, it’s best to book in advance so as not to be disappointed when you get to the train station and realise there are no tickets. The long and short of it is that you should get clued-up long before you go.
Where do you want to stay? The question is, unfortunately, nowhere near as simple as that. Where you want to stay depends largely on the type of break you’re going on, the length of time you’re staying and of course your budget. If you’re going on an adventure break you might want to stay somewhere less luxurious, but on the other hand if you’re planning on spending the weekend at a spa, a 5 star hotel fits just right. Assess the options in the location you’ve picked and check out reviews of your selected hotels to make sure you’re getting the best deal and that you’ve picked the right type of accommodation. Speaking of budgets there are some really great ideas for cheap UK weekend breaks up on the Visit Wales website that give you a great insight into what to expect.
Whatever type of break you want to go on you should always put the location first. Of course, this largely depends on where what you want to do can be found. The best way to do this is reverse-engineer the process. Say for example you wanted to go rock climbing, there no sense in looking for good hotels in the city before you’ve found out whether rock climbing is available in the area. Make sure you check out the local amenities too – There’s something to be said for little village cottages, but if you’re in the middle nowhere and you enjoy eating out in the evening, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Top Romantic London Shows
Valentine’s Day might be long gone, but there is always a good reason to spend quality time with that special someone. A good theatre show can transport you and your other half into a different world and time. There is something alluring about the combination of carefully designed costumes, captivating music, and charming storylines. If you want to make the most out of a special occasion, let Show & Stay guide you through some of their beloved musicals and plays, including some top romantic London shows.
Once
Once is a relatively new show, which nevertheless captivated audiences in Broadway, before arriving on London’s West End. Inspired by the critically successful film (it received a Grammy and an Oscar, among many other awards) the critics have also surrendered to the charm of this unassuming show. The musical tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech girl who go back and forth between feelings of love and friendship as they perform the most poetic and tender songs.
Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is much more than a classic love story; set in 19th century Paris, a young singer Christine becomes the protégé of the Paris Opera House Phantom, a talented musician who had to give up his career because of a deformity in his face. The Phantom is secretly in love with Christine, although she is engaged to someone else. The events surrounding this love triangle will keep you hooked with Christine’s final decision being a great topic of conversation once the show is over. This show has been performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre and has enjoyed huge success in the West End for the past 26 years.
Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia is the heart-warming and vivacious musical that has had the world captivated. Not only for the die-hard ABBA fans, the show tells the uplifting story of a young woman’s search for her father prior to her wedding on an idyllic Greek island. This musical is packed with contagious ABBA songs and charming characters that give a new meaning to friendship and family ties.
The Bodyguard
Based on the famous 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard is the hit jukebox musical featuring the iconic songs from this best-selling soundtrack. This show is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an outstanding live performance of this classic love story between a singer and her bodyguard. Regardless of which show you choose, it’s the experience that counts. London, its elegant theatres and an overnight stay at a trendy hotel make for an unforgettable and romantic city getaway that you may want to repeat soon.
These are our suggestions of the top romantic London shows – what are your favourite London shows?
How to Find a Good Couchsurfing host
I’d like to say I’m an expert at Couchsurfing, but I haven’t really done it that much. I have been a host in the past here in Christchurch – my housemates and I hosted three people a few years ago. The reason we stopped? Our last Couchsurfing guest stayed a whopping 6 months and by the time he left we were a little heartbroken.
I’ve Couchsurfed in Mexico, San Diego and in a few places in Spain: San Sebastian, Rota and Bilbao. The truth is, I love Couchsurfing – it’s a great way to meet locals and to get a really unique experience. The problem is, though, I also love hostels… so I haven’t Couchsurfed as much along my adventure as I would if I wasn’t so fond of hostels.
I’ve had a lot of great experiences; I did a road trip with my Mexican Couchsurfing hosts to Ensenada and with my Rota Couchsurfing host to Gibraltar. I drank Sangria with my Couchsurfing hosts in San Diego and in Bilbao. But I had one bad experience with my host in San Sebastian and I think it could have been avoided.
This isn’t quite a Couchsurfing horror story, but if I wasn’t being so cheap I don’t think I would have found myself in this situation. You see, my host clearly stated on his profile that he wanted a girlfriend from every country. I kind of ignored it, because I thought it was some quirky Spanish thing and made it clear to my host that I had a boyfriend (well, a guy I was seeing back home) and that I wasn’t interested in anything than hanging out and getting to know him and San Sebastian.
We went out for Pintxos and drinks and everything was going well, until we went back to his mother’s house (where I was not entirely welcome? I had to be quiet and come in a different door as to not rouse her). I was removing my ridiculously hilarious rainbow pajamas from my backpack when he decided to slap my ass. I was caught off guard and turned around and told him it was not appropriate, I had a boyfriend and was not interested. He started quoting my profile saying that I love to live in the moment and that I should do so with this opportunity he was presenting me. I declined and he pushed. It took about twenty minutes of very clear “this is not going to happen, should I leave?” for him to stop the advances, and they never really stopped.
I felt kind of delated and a little offended, I simply wanted a great Couchsurfing experience and I hadn’t done anything to give this guy the wrong impression. He had raving reviews from other people who stayed, but if I’m completely honest I went against one of my first “rules” when choosing a Couchsurfer or Couchsurfing host:
Choose someone you think you’d actually want to be friends with.
You see, accommodation was really expensive in San Sebastian and although this host and I had no outstanding similarities, I had chosen to lower my standards and “give it a go”. I don’t know whether it’s superficial to say, but I think you can get a pretty good indication of how much you’ll get along with someone by reading their interests and hobbies on an online profile. However, do make sure you are doing this with a VPN to hide your IP. You wouldn’t want unsavoury people finding your physical location through your IP.
There are a few other things you need to do to make sure you find a good Couchsurfing host:
Look at their references, like, stalk them.
I don’t mean this in a creepy way, but if they’ve got references from other people gushing they’re the “best Couchsurfing host ever” then chances are you’re going to be well looked after. My Couchsurfing host from Rota was awesome, had incredible references and he even invited us to stay, although we were originally looking to go to Cadiz, which is a short ferry ride away. In the end we were glad we chose Rota and to stay with him because he was an incredible host that really made that trip for us.
Start looking in advance.
The further you look in advance, the more likely you are to find someone that you’ll really want to stay with and that might end up being a real friend. Read their hobbies, beliefs and where they’ve been in the world, see if you’ve got anything special in common or to bond over.
Those are my tips for finding a great Couchsurfing host. Do you have any suggestions? Have you Couchsurfed anywhere?