Couch surfing under 18

I'm looking to go to Europe next summer and my 18th birthday being in next December just seems to be a huge issue. I know the couchsurfing website says I have to be over 18 but realistically do people really care?

I don't think that anyone cares weather you're 17 or 18. I doubt they'll ask to see you passport! :-)

ok cool, thanks! Have you used it before?

I've couchsurfed for years, and never asked to see anyone's passport. And I know at least one 17-yr old who has used the site successfully.

Do you need the warning about the increasing numbers of guys using the site to find atttractive young girls to show a good time to?

Drop in and see my girlfriend and I if you make it to Istanbul - https://www.couchsurfing.com/users/4643117/profile

I am 17 and have used couch surfing with no problem!

A friend (who I met after being hosted by her in Berlin!) once hosted a 17 year old. She told me he was really nice and mature for his age, and she had no issue with him being 17. Just be careful, like someone of any age, and think carefully about who you're willing to be hosted by. Some women are more comfortable being hosted by other women, or by places with several roommates, of both sexes.

I don't couchsurf so I don't know for sure, but I would guess you should be fine in Europe. People in Europe tend to be much more mature at that age than they are in NA, and you can even go to bars and clubs at 18 (still then very loosely enforced in many areas), 16, or even younger so the age difference isn't as noticeable. In NA (particularly in the US) it could be more of a problem because of perceived liability with you being a minor though. As someone already pointed out, there are a lot of single guys who use couchsurfing to try and hook up with girls (some actually expect it), so I would stick with either females or couples who are well reviewed.

Ok awesome thank you! :)