Released in January 2026:

Sofas & Strangers

- Couchsurfing and Interrail Across Eastern Europe

Six countries. A minimal budget. A desire to travel sustainably and meet people across geographical and cultural borders. To dare to step outside one's comfort zone and get to know new cultures, customs, and ways of life.

In the summer of 2024, single mother and freelance journalist Ingrid Hedman and her twelve-year-old son Tim set off on an adventure by train through Eastern Europe. For four weeks, they stay with strangers via the global Couchsurfing network, a community where members offer a place to sleep to other members completely free of charge. They stay with families, couples, single men, at a dog daycare, and on a farm. They experience big cities, rural areas, and the Mediterranean. On the final stop—Czechia—they stay with a family on a farm through the WWOOF network (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms), where they work in exchange for food and lodging, learning everything about organic farming methods and sustainable living.

During their journey, Ingrid and Tim visit Germany (Berlin), Poland (Kraków), Hungary (Budapest), Croatia (Pula), and Slovenia (Kanal ob Soci). They become part of everyday life with their hosts, participate in activities, cultural events, and celebrations, and meet new people, cultures, and lifestyles. Photographer Ylva Bergman accompanies them on the trip, documenting the journey in images.

The book combines diary entries, interviews with host families, and tips on eco-friendly travel, train travel, and Couchsurfing. It is richly illustrated with photos and drawings.

Through the book, we aim to inspire open-minded, curious, and adventurous families who dream of experiencing a unique, eco-friendly, low-budget vacation and want guidance for taking the step to travel by train and Couchsurf. The book offers plenty of inspiration, tips, and guides for each destination, along with practical information on booking trains, choosing hosts via the Couchsurfing network, and more. Through interviews with the people they meet, readers also gain deeper insight into the cultures and daily lives of these relatively unknown Eastern European countries.

We believe the timing for writing and publishing this book is perfect. More and more people are concerned about the climate and seeking alternative ways to travel. The Couchsurfing phenomenon has grown in popularity as our world becomes increasingly global and people long for authentic experiences and cross-cultural encounters. We also want to show that, despite all the hardships in the world and conflicts between people and ethnicities, hope still exists—a chance to unite and help each other across geographical and cultural borders if we open our hearts and minds to the unknown.

During our trip we wrote a blog where our followers could join us on our adventures. 

We also have a Facebook page with plenty of stories and photos.  

Buy the book in our webshop!