As travellers struggle to find accommodation over the holiday period, an increasing number of backpackers are using a website that links them with people who will let them crash on their couch for free.

There were more than 270 Newcastle couches up for grabs on the website in the lead-up to Christmas.

The service, created a decade ago, was designed to help travellers genuinely experience the people and places they were visiting. It has since snowballed.

It’s also an opportunity for hosts to take part in cultural and language exchange.

Sometimes travellers bring a gift and hosts typically offer to show them around their town.

Safety is ensured through feedback on the website that classifies hosts.

German backpackers Miri Scherer, 24, and Felix Hausler, 23, crashed on a couch in Merewether before Christmas.

The pair are friends from university and were making their way down the east coast.

Mr Hausler has couch surfed across Australia, South America and Spain and said it was the best way to travel. He has stayed with young people, families and older people.

‘‘In Australia there are lots of Germans travelling in hostels,’’ he said.

‘‘You always meet Germans, this is the way to meet locals.’’

Ms Scherer said she was able to select to stay with only girls.

‘‘You can report [the sites] if it’s not safe,’’ she said.