Surfing the Web is a lot like surfing channels on the television, in the sense that sometimes it is nice to let your fingertips wander and see what you come across that is worthwhile.
Nearly 4 million people are members of CouchSurfing.org, and can find a host in every country — including Antarctica and North Korea — free of charge. New Yorker staff writer Patricia Marx became a member recently, and stayed in the homes of seven friendly strangers.