Couchsurfing.com finds places to crash

NAME Couchsurfing.com

AVAILABLE For iPhone, iPod touch, iPad; Android; free

WHAT IT DOES Connects travelers for lodging, meet-ups and conversation

WHAT'S HOT Think staying on someone's couch is only for broke backpackers? Not so. The Couchsurfing network spans all demographics. Safety features let you fine-tune your search results to specify gender, profiles with pictures and profiles that have been vetted.

WHAT'S NOT Your experience will vary when used on different platforms. Android users will find themselves constantly resizing the screen.

WORTH IT Yes. You might think this type of "hitchhiking" is not for you, but after reading a few profiles you might find someone with similar interests, have some great travel conversations and a free place to rest your head.

-- Los Angeles Times