Couchsurfing for women?

by Margie
(USA)

Is there an organization like SERVAS or Couch surfing (in which you let a traveler stay at your home for free for a couple night) that is strictly for women or for retired teachers?

My answer:

I don't know of any network specifically dedicated to hosting other travelers but a number of women's networks provide advice, and some may also provide accommodation, although I wouldn't automatically expect it.

Women Welcome Women World Wide - also nicknamed 5W. It's a membership club that puts women travelers in touch with one another.

Another women's network that can provide information and advice is Her Mail, which puts you into email contact with other women travelers or women who have agreed to be in touch with others traveling to her country or city. Again, this is not a hosting service, but if there is one in the town you're heading for, a Her Mail member might know about it.

A women's travel network through which you can at least get in touch with women interested in travel is the Thelma & Louise Club. Again, no homestays, but you can make friends this way and then, who knows...

Just one thing: even though couch surfing and other similar outfits aren't for women only, the Advanced Search features usually allow you to search for specific accommodation types, so don't be shy to specify you want to be hosted by 'women only'!

If anyone out there knows of additional resources, please let the rest of us know and I'll add them to the site.

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