[tmpz22]

In my experience most of the "travel blogger" industry is fake in that they project a self-sustainable journey when in reality they have a lot of money to lean on or they peddle "exposure" to smaller establishments that comp their stay.

Very few people actually do the couchsurfing or couponing style because to most people that approach is miserable and/or dangerous.

[keiferski]

I have personally met dozens, maybe a hundred, people that have traveled around on a budget. CouchSurfing especially used to be filled with some really interesting people. (No idea if it still is, but my impression is that it's become more of a dating site.)

Not everything is a scam.