Nishant Prasad has dedicated five out of the last eight years to couchsurfing across the globe. Using a social networking platform, he secured free lodging and connected with incredible individuals, including his fiancé, Isabelle. After working together in India, Nishant inspired me to embrace couchsurfing too!
Nishant and Isabelle enjoyed biking in Amsterdam during their two-year couchsurfing journey! They explored Europe before venturing to Asia. (All images courtesy of Nishant Prasad)
Name: Nishant Prasad
Age: 29
Hometown: Suva, Fiji & Seattle, USA
Country count: About 75
Blog/Website: www.WTFnishant.com
Instagram: TallCupOfChocolateMilk
1. What inspired your travels?
At 21, I felt stuck in a rut. A visiting uncle from Australia encouraged me to come see him and my cousins. After a few weeks, I decided to apply for a visa. I woke up the next day to an email stating I had three months to enter Australia. I packed my bags and left my old life behind. Since then, I've become addicted to exploring this amazing world.
2. How did you discover couchsurfing?
[Couchsurfing is a hospitality exchange platform that connects travelers with locals for free stays, much like a free Airbnb with peer reviews. The community also organizes meetups globally.]
After arriving in Australia, I settled in Brisbane, got a job, and started exploring. I met a German girl named Pia, who invited me to a couchsurfing meetup. I was unfamiliar with couchsurfing but eager to meet new people. This event changed my life. Now, eight years later, I've surfed countless couches, hosted many surfers, and arranged meetups worldwide.
3. What's a common misconception about couchsurfing? Any safety tips for finding a good host?
Many believe everyone is out to exploit them. In truth, the world is filled with wonderful people waiting to be met.
For safety, rely on the reference system. If 83 people rave about your potential host, they're likely great. Aim to stay with established members and avoid those with negative reviews. Trust your instincts. Always keep contact details for nearby hostels as a backup.
Nishant and Isabelle celebrated their engagement in Istanbul, Turkey during their two-year global adventure.
4. Did you meet your fiancé through couchsurfing?
I met Isabelle through Couchsurfing. While living in Brisbane, I had French Canadians staying at my place. We became friends but parted ways due to travel plans. Years later, I visited Montreal, where I reunited with Isabelle, who was friends with one of the Canadians.
5. How do you fund your travels? What's your typical budget?
I occasionally return to Seattle to work. I'm lucky to have a supportive employer who accommodates my travel schedule!
Working abroad can be tough due to visa issues, but many platforms like HelpX, Wwoof, and WorkAway offer volunteer opportunities worldwide, often in exchange for meals and lodging.
I plan trips years in advance. Currently, I'm preparing for two major journeys. I also need to brush up on my Spanish and save funds!
As for budgeting, we don't set strict limits. We simply keep daily expenses reasonable, often spending less while traveling than at home. Typically, we spend under $20 USD each day, sometimes even less. It's about prioritizing needs over wants.
6. What's your latest adventure?
My most recent adventure began two years ago when I proposed to my fiancé in Montreal. The following day, we flew to Paris and spent the next two years exploring Western Europe, The Balkans, North Africa, the Caucasus, The Gulf, India, and Southeast Asia. A month ago, we arrived in New Zealand to travel and volunteer.
Nishant couchsurfed and hitchhiked across Georgia and Armenia last year.
7. What's one of your favorite travel experiences?
While traveling through Turkey, Cyprus, Georgia, and Armenia last year, we decided to hitchhike. The kindness of people in this region is unmatched. Despite language barriers, their hospitality left a lasting impression.
In total, I've couchsurfed over a hundred times across around 30 countries. Many hosts have become lifelong friends. The network truly comes full circle.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring travelers? Any tips for conquering fear or budgeting?
It's easy to get comfortable. You can have a solid job, a cozy apartment, and a close circle of friends. I still find it hard to leave after settling down. However, stepping out of your comfort zone brings rewards beyond what you can imagine.
Isabelle and Nishant travel on the Chiang Mai Express in Thailand, spending about $20 USD daily.
9. What are three must-have items for your travels?
- Smartphones equipped with offline maps have transformed my travel experience. While getting lost can be fun, it's nice to avoid carrying a heavy backpack.
- Compression sacks are fantastic for packing; they make fitting everything into a backpack easier, though they can leave clothes wrinkled.
- And of course, don't forget your passport!
10. What's your next travel destination?
My next big trip will be to Mexico and Central and South America. First, I need to improve my Spanish!
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Curious about Couchsurfing?
Visit Couchsurfing.com to learn more! Join a free local meetup to connect with members and ease your worries. Nishant inspired me to couchsurf, leading me to interview Kaleena Quarles about funding her solo journey by teaching English in Korea!
For further information, check out my Working Abroad Guide and tips for saving on accommodation!
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Join me on my journey
I'm heading to Iceland next week for an exciting (but costly) adventure! I'll take a two-week break from posting but will share a detailed report on costs and tips when I return. You can follow my journey on Instagram!
Let me know any questions about Iceland in the comments!
