|
Post by Jennifer on Jun 19, 2003 19:52:46 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I don't know if you've heard of www.hospitalityclub.org before. It's a site where you can get in contact with people all around the world. It's a free site, run by people who want contacts around the world to form friendships. I have been using this site for my 2 month trip to europe and have formed great friendships with more than 10 people. I will be staying with them. This site has people not only from Europe, all continents. If you want cheap, well free accomodation and the chance to visit a country the best way possible (getting to know its' people) you should really try out www.hospitalityclub.org ...it saved my trip and budget! For more info go to the site or email me at jenniferdoredallas@hotmail.com
|
|
romey25
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by romey25 on Jun 25, 2003 6:41:56 GMT -5
Thanks for that info Jennifer - I'm loooking it up now!
|
|
|
Post by Kim on Jun 25, 2003 9:29:16 GMT -5
Please be careful with this sort of thing.. makes me nervous, people (especially those travelling on their own) staying with strangers.
I don't know if it's such a good idea - even if you "know" them from the Internet before you go. You never know what kind of situation you are putting yourself in.
Kim
|
|
|
Post by WillTravel on Jun 25, 2003 12:56:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by LHR02 on Jun 25, 2003 15:30:12 GMT -5
The "Mom" in me has to add my two cents worth here and say this is something I would down right forbid my kids to do...or myself for that matter. There are just too many nutso cases out there and sadly the internet has given them the whole world to troll around in. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS. I don't care how many emails and pictures you might have exchanged, the bottom line is you know nothing about these people and saving ten bucks is not worth the risk and danger you could be putting yourself in. For me, sleeping in the station or even on a bench in the park seems less risky than willingly going into some place with a stranger and having them close and lock the door....with you inside! >>>>run by people who want contacts around the world to form friendships<<<< which are the code words you will find on any porn or whacko site you may came across!
|
|
|
Post by CuriousToronto on Jun 26, 2003 7:56:08 GMT -5
I am TOTALLY a fan of avoiding a situation where one could get beated, murdered, OR raped!!!! The risk just doesn't seem worth it to me. And just from my own experience people you meet on the internet aren't what you think. In my youth (think 14-15) I formed a friendship with several people on the internet. I thought I was just getting pen-pals.................to me writing to them was like writing to a diary that actually responded! Anywayz, one of them was about 30 years old and a student in a nearby University (should have known better). He was really nice and we spoke on the phone often for a while there. Point is one day we decided to meet at Paramount Canada's Wonderland (an amusment park). I brought 2 of my friends along. It was horrible!!!!!! I was 14 and this man was making lude and suggestive comments. The friends and I pretended like we spoke to our parents and there was an emergency and we had to come home. He walked us to the front gate, we exited the park, and then just re-entered and spent the rest of the day by ourselves! After that I no longer answered emails or calls from him. Thankfully he disappeared out of my life........... Oh and I have another crazy story like that except the other one was way more whacked!! Point is don't trust people you meet on the internet. Always keep your guard up. AND don't put yourself in positions where you are vulnerable. ALWAYS stay in control!!!!!!!! PS: The people on this board seem to be different. Having said that if I were ever to meet someone from this board I would STILL be brutally careful or just not do it at all. PPS: I've come to trust Kim and dustoffmom though
|
|
|
Post by Kim on Jun 26, 2003 8:37:46 GMT -5
Yeah, we're pretty harmless! Might talk your ear off but that's the worst that would happen! ;D
Kim
|
|
|
Post by LHR02 on Jun 26, 2003 8:54:33 GMT -5
and we tend to be very opinionated and brutally honest if we think you are just going off the deep end. ;D
I also moderate another 'travel' board...have met a couple of them in person, but like you, I am really wary about folks I chat with on line. As in your example above....you just don't know these folks!
Except Kim of course, whom I have never met but feel like she's my daughter too! ;D
ging
|
|
|
Post by jennifer on Jun 26, 2003 12:59:00 GMT -5
Wow! It was only to helP! I didn't think you'd react so strongly. I personnally will be using this method and I don't really thing it is that dangerous. I will be meeting the people in a public place, have a coffee, and if it feels right, go back with them. If anything doesn't click, well ciao! I know there are risks involved, but the minute you set foot outside, you take risks! anyways!! just wanted to respond! xoxo Jen
|
|
|
Post by LHR02 on Jun 26, 2003 14:16:57 GMT -5
Sorry Jennifer! Really. Didn't mean to diminish your post, but I do react, strongly, when something strikes me as unsafe. You may feel comfortable with this...best of luck and be safe out there....but there are loads of quite young, unexperienced backpackers that frequent this board to look for tips and cost saving measures. It would be unwise of us to NOT point out that in the end, this is a quite risky venture. Nothing against you personally, not at all.....but for me.....it's not worth the risk and I have to say so. No one needs take my advice, that is all it is, my advice and opinion. ;D
ging
|
|
|
Post by jennifer on Jun 26, 2003 18:51:33 GMT -5
Hi there! Sorry if I acted as if I took it personnally, it's just that it struck me the way you all reacted so negatively. I think you got to live a little. I figure the whole idea of being a female alone backpacker is a risk on its own. I only got in contact with girls, have their passport numbers, adresses and phone numbers, I plan to suprise call them, just for "hey who knows!" I really know there is a risk involved, and trust me my mother has let me know too! .. I just thought it would interest some people, I find living with locals is the best way to get to know a place, as for I have adopted this way...I guess I really can't say you are wrong though, but you have to take the chance, sure don't go directly to one's house though, as you might end up meeting a 7 foot ogre waiting to harass yoU! well... I guess the pros and cons have been listed, traveller's beware but have fun! xoxo Jen
|
|