📍Bodrum

I was born on 19.09.1991 and lived in Istanbul until I was 21. I studied International Relations at Uludağ University in Bursa.

While I was studying at university, I participated in Erasmus+ in Poland as an exchange student. That’s when I discovered my love for traveling. Since then, I couldn't have stop traveling and exploring! I have been to 16 countries so far, and I want to visit at least 30 countries before I die!

● Feel free to check my IG: instagram.com/DogusKmc

☆ At the end of my Erasmus, I traveled for 15 days in European countries on my own, and then ended up at a 5-day music festival called 'Woodstock' in 2016.

☆ I participated in Work and Travel in the USA during the summer of 2017.

☆ I hitchhiked 3000 km with my ex-girlfriend around Turkey for 28 days in 2017.

☆ I hitchhiked 5535 km on my own, visiting 14 cities in Turkey over 70 days in 2018.

☆ I had my longest solo hitchhiking trip! I started my journey on 21st October 2019 and returned home on 4th March 2020. It took 135 days in total, and I hitchhiked 7235 km.

*The Short Story of My Longest Solo Trip in Iran*

■ I started my trip in Istanbul, hitchhiking to Kayseri where I stayed for a night. The next day, I continued hitchhiking to Elazığ and stayed at the local train station. From there, I took the train to Tatvan. After spending three nights in Van, I met two female Couchsurfers, and together we hitchhiked from Van to the Razi Border of Iran. A couple we met at the passport control gave us a ride to Tabriz, where we stayed for two nights. On our third day in Iran, we took a night bus from Tabriz to Tehran. After parting ways with my Couchsurfing friends, I became a solo traveler in Iran!

Edit 1:
I hitchhiked from Tehran to Kashan, where I stayed for two nights. I met a solo female Couchsurfer, and we decided to travel together. We hitchhiked from Kashan to Isfahan and spent two days exploring the city. After that, we hitchhiked to Shiraz, where we spent two more days before she returned to Tehran. I wanted to keep exploring, but I got stuck at Maharlu Lake (Pink Lake) for almost 24 hours with another Couchsurfer. We had no food and no way to get out, which was a terrible and unforgettable experience on November 12th.

Edit 2:
After six nights in Shiraz, I hitchhiked to Bandar Abbas, where I spent the night. It was the day when there was no internet connection across the whole country. Then, I went to Qeshm Island and stayed there for six nights, waiting for the internet. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anywhere to exchange money, so I had to leave the island. I returned to Bandar Abbas and hitchhiked to Kerman.

Edit 3:
I stayed two nights in Kerman, then hitchhiked to Rafsanjan. Unfortunately, I got sick on my second day there and had to change my plans. I stayed for three nights until I felt better, then continued my journey to Yazd. I spent two nights in Yazd and met two other Couchsurfers. I hitchhiked with a German traveler to Isfahan. She had been traveling for 11 months, and it was such a nice coincidence to meet her.

Edit 4:
I spent three nights in Isfahan, meeting some wonderful people, and then hitchhiked to Tehran on my own.

Edit 5:
I hitchhiked from Tehran to Qazvin on my 80th day in Iran and stayed there for a night. Afterward, I continued hitchhiking to Zanjan, and the couple who picked me up hosted me for two nights in a village. After that, I spent three nights in Zanjan, followed by four nights in Tabriz.

*On my 89th day, I hitchhiked from Tabriz to the Turkish border.

* Total stats in Iran:
4185 km hitchhiking with 39 different cars, visiting 14 cities, and staying with 23 different hosts.

☆ I left home on the 21st of October and came back on the 4th of March, making the trip last 135 days. It was my longest solo trip. I hitchhiked a total of 7235 km and met countless amazing people along the way!

☆ During the pandemic in 2020, One of my friends and I hiked the Lycian Way. We started on the 20th of October and finished on the 10th of November. So, we hiked for 21 days on one of the most beautiful trails in Turkey. It was such an amazing experience!

PHILOSOPHY
"There is always hope."
"Everything happens for a reason."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because I dream much bigger! I love getting to know new people from all around the world. And I love traveling because it allows me to meet more travelers and locals.

Interests

I like trying new things, listening to all kinds of music that is interesting and sounds good, and playing sports like basketball, swimming, and fitness. I love walking and can walk for hours. I enjoy learning phrases in different languages from native speakers.

• music festivals
• walking
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• camping
• basketball
• hitchhiking
• language exchange
• learning languages
• learning new things
• exploring
• meeting new people
• seeing new places
• learning about different cultures

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to all kinds of music, but rap is still my favorite. Unfortunately, I haven't read much, but I have seen many movies. Captain Fantastic is my favorite. I definitely recommend it to you guys.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Once upon a time, when I was in the United States, it started raining heavily while I was riding my bicycle home with a friend of mine. We stopped and waited for a while to avoid getting wet, but it didn’t stop at all. So, when we got completely soaked, we changed our minds. We didn’t want to go home, so we left our stuff behind and stayed under the rain to enjoy its beauty for an hour. It made me feel free!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm open to learning all new things. So, I would be happy to get to know the things you'll be teaching me. I can also share some tips about hitchhiking. I basically share what I know or have

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a very respectful person. I follow the rules of my hosts. I can help with cleaning, cooking, and washing the dishes. I can hang out and chill. I'm an easygoing guy.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Poland, Qatar, Turkey, United States