We spoke with Ferenc, a Budapest-born Master’s student, AIESEC alumnus, and seasoned solo traveler, who shares why StayingBee’s community-driven verified platform is perfect for independent travelers seeking freedom, connection, and peace of mind while traveling.
Who are you, and what kind of traveler are you?
I’m Ferenc, originally from Hungary and currently studying my Master’s in Copenhagen. I’m a former member of AIESEC with a passion for solo travel. I don’t like waiting around for people to join me before doing things I enjoy. I’m comfortable going on my own.
I love having the freedom to explore at my own pace, while connecting with locals and experiencing a city authentically.
I want to be less of a tourist and more of a visitor — someone who can really deep dive into the life of a city.
How did you discover StayingBee, and why did it make sense for you?
I heard about StayingBee through AIESEC channels. Even though I left AIESEC in 2020, I still like to follow the organization and see what’s going on.
StayingBee made sense to me because it’s similar to Couchsurfing, but with more of an emphasis on community and connection. I’m a long-term Couchsurfing user, but recently I’ve been looking for a new platform to try.
StayingBee felt like a second-chance to experience something community-driven again. I instantly signed-up and encouraged my AIESEC friends to do the same.
For me, connection is key. I’m not just looking for a free place to crash—I want a host I can vibe with, share a meal, and have meaningful conversations with.
I don’t want awkward situations where you arrive, sleep, and leave without ever connecting.
When I travel on my own, I make sure to stay with a local to experience the best of both worlds: community and independence. You can spend time together, but you can also choose to have your own space.
Feeling safe and comfortable is also really important when staying with someone you’ve just met. StayingBee’s community verification process added an extra layer of trust and gave me the assurance that my host had good intentions.
It’s safer, more reliable, and built for travelers who want real interactions.
StayingBee combines affordability, community, and verification. Paying a small fee ensures hosts and guests are committed, which avoids last-minute cancellations. On Couchsurfing, hosts can cancel at any time.
It’s also more personal. Other platforms can feel overwhelming, from searching endlessly for the best place to sending countless booking requests that go unanswered.
StayingBee’s community element helps filter out people and places that don’t align with what I’m looking for.
Solo travelers who want to save money, enjoy some company, and avoid typical tourist experiences.
Young people, alumni from global networks like AIESEC, and anyone who wants an authentic, local travel experience.
Even if you enjoy exploring alone, StayingBee gives you the opportunity to connect with hosts in a meaningful way.
👉Ready to experience solo travel like Ferenc? .
If you’re already part of a verified community, StayingBee makes it easy to travel with people you know and trust.
Absolutely. It’s affordable, secure, and built for travelers who value connection over convenience.
For anyone traveling solo who is already part of a verified community, StayingBee is a practical and trustworthy alternative. I’m excited to use StayingBee again and eventually host someone myself!
Giving back to the system feels natural.
Ferenc is a Hungarian-born, Denmark-based Master’s student, AIESEC alumnus, and new StayingBee user.