Out: couch. In: tent

If you thought couchsurfing was an ingeniously simple concept, try Single Spot Camping. The website matches travelers with any place that can fit a tent--be it a deck, field, or 'even your garage entrance' as the website suggests.

What's in it for the traveler: more options, in theory. Locals might be more willing to offer up space outside their home than inside. It's definitely an usual travel experience. And if you've got a horse in tow (doesn't everybody?), you might luck out with a place for her, too.

For the host, there's a little more privacy compared to couchsurfing. And you get a little income (roughly 10-20 euros) directly from each traveler. You do have to pay a 40 euro registration fee, but if you register before February 28, you only have to pay 20 euros.

The website just started up last year, so the list of camping spots is sparse. So far, the listings are in backyards, farms, and vacant lots in Sweden, Norway, Australia, US, and Canada.

The information available to the traveler is pretty descriptive, though--everything from number of spots, what they're able to accommodate (tent, caravan, motorhome), facilities (electricity, toilet, shower, kitchen, playground, shops nearby), price, directions, GPS coordinates, months open, and contact info. Once you find a listing that you like, you'd just contact the landowner directly.

[Thanks, Springwise.com]

Filed under: Camping, Budget Travel