UPDATE 3-22-22
I am so upset to be saying this, but due to changes at work my trip this year has been cancelled. I intend to keep my plan and save it for next year. I have been planning this cross-country trip for ages and I have no intention of not doing it, but unfortunately I will be remaining in Florida for the remainder of 2022.

Thank you to all the hosts and other members for your help and recommendations, they are still significantly appreciated. I look forward to taking my trip next year and hopefully finding some time to do a smaller trip later this summer!

~

Hello extended family, my name's Melissa, but you can call me Meli! I'm a 27 year old originally from Washington State. I am very proud of where I came from and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. For the time being I'm living life to the fullest and exploring new areas, but some day I intend to settle down in Washington and hopefully be able to host as well.

Background~

I grew up in a poor household, but was fortunate enough to go to college for a couple years on financial aid. After college I had a relatively "normal" life, living in a studio apartment with a comfortable 9 to 5. I had a car that got me from A to B, a couple plants, a sweet cat, and plenty of family and friends nearby. Although I was fortunate enough to have acquired stability, my mental state was far from stable. PTSD, anxiety, and depression to name a few. To most I seemed put together, but I was far from okay and constantly searching for a way out.

A couple of impulsive decisions lead me to sell off all my things, leave my jobs, and say goodbye to my family. At first it was a temporary move to Minnesota to help a friend flip a house, but it quickly turned into something a little more crazy after discovering my extended family (CS).

My first experience with the Couchsurfing community was in the Twin Cities. I'd had a successful, though awkward, meet up with my first host. A few wrong turns and some unkind words directed at google maps got me to a small parking lot and a mini panic attack inside my car. After pulling myself together I entered the Wabasha Street Caves of St. Paul. My anxiety quickly turned me into a wallflower, but I managed a few short interactions.
I wouldn't say the people I grew up around were boring or dull, but what I discovered that night was that some people are far more vibrant than others. And every interaction I have had with this community has brought a whole new sense of color and light to my world that wasn't there before. The crashes, the meet ups, hosts, and even casual conversations have brought new ideas and lessons that I am very thankful for.

2019 was very much a travelling year for me, but the rise of Covid in 2020 "grounded" me for a while. I've spent most of 2020 and 2021 working in Florida and saving up for future travels. I never expected such a tragedy would last so long, but I have been making the best of it. It is my intent to spend a good chunk of 2022 travelling again.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why CS~

Anyone can figure out a way to visit a new place with a bit of research, discipline, and determination. Sometimes we sacrifice comfort, sometimes time, and other times we just say screw it and accept the consequences of disgregarding budget. The most comfortable option may not be the most cost effective. The easiest or most cost effective option may not always result in the best of experiences. When I decide I want to go somewhere, I weigh all my options and decide which one I believe will give me a memorable experience worth sharing with others. Couchsurfing gives me another option to consider, but it also gives me people to swap stories with. The whole world gets a little smaller with every interaction.

Music, Movies, and Books

Interests~

I majored in art in college and I love nearly every style of artwork. I find the history behind art to be really fascinating and I love learning about an artist's indiviudal inspiration. Museums usually get top priority for me when I visit a new place. A unique museum or exhibit stays with me long after I leave a place.

Growing up in Washington I was surrounded by beautiful mountains, stunning trails, and a lot of unique widlife. I adore hiking and camping and love even the smallest of nature trails. Hikes, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, and even a nice city park are usually high up on my list when I'm looking to explore a new area.

My interests have a tendency to vary depending on the day. I'm perfectly comfortable spending the day indoors either at a small cafe or just sitting comfortably at home listening to music. On the other hand I love a crowded amusement park, a bustling shopping mall, or a late night party! I'm a go with the flow, trust the vibe, and get carried away by the tide kind of person. There is little I won't try, and I'm always looking for new experiences.

What I Can Share with Hosts

For Hosts~

I'm travelling alone and I have my own transportation. I don't smoke pot or cigarettes, or do drugs. I drink socially (and responsibly). Even when I travel I still go to the gym regularly. I'm not much of a chef and tend to live off the deli section of grocery stores. You don't want me to cook for you, I promise. I'm great around pets, and shy around kids. I was raised to be respectful of all different lifestyles, religions, and people. You probably won't get me to share any poltical or religious views of my own, but I don't mind hearing yours and I don't judge.

Unless time and circumstances prevent me from doing so, I try to keep the first day I stay with hosts free of plans. It is my hope that we can swap stories and get to know one another. I usually have some ideas about what I want to see, but suggestions and tips to better experience your city are sincerely appreciated.

For me personally, I think being forward and honest provides the best experiences. If you want something, come out and say it. Happy just trading stories and spending time together? Sounds great. Help with the cleaning? Done, where's the cleaning supplies? Join you at your favorite spot? Lemme get my shoes on cause we're going right now. A gift? You got it, it may not be extravagent, but it'll be meaningful. The more forward you are about what you expect from your guests the easier it is for us to enjoy our time together.

A Warning I Hate that NEEDS to be Here~

Families are not perfect and I don't expect this one to be. While the majority of interactions I have had with members of this community were positive, I have most definitely met some people who are here for the wrong reasons. I am NOT looking for a relationship, partner, etc. I am happily single and not in the least bit interested in anything besides platonic friendship. Thank you for respecting my boundaries and having pure intentions.

And finally, I tolerate a lot of different viewpoints but if you are homophobic, sexist, or racist we are not going to get along.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States