Hi, I'm Douglas McCaffrey, I am a 29 year old photographer from Dublin Ireland, I moved with my family in 2011 to Glasgow in Scotland where I studied Photography in Edinburgh before beginning my Traveling journey that took me first to South America and then to Europe where I now live, near the city of Cologne with my Girlfriend and our 4 year old Daughter.

I am never happier than outside discovering more about this amazing planet we live on, either on foot or by bike. I have always loved meeting new people and learning about new places and cultures even if thats just the next city over and I love seeing a new place through local eyes.

Growing up being home educated in Ireland gave me a chance to focus on the things I was really passionate about and I spent lot of time outside exploring and discovering everything I could. I feel like home education gave me a deep love of learning that has never wained.

Sport has always been a huge part of my life and I have tried more sports and activities than I can remember but recently I have rediscovered my bike and found it to be a wonderful way to travel and explore. I will be turning 30 on June 16th 2025 but I have zero interest is slowing down and hope to continue to travel and learn as much as I can.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I first discovered Couch Surfing in the UK when looking for places to stay during a photography project that took me all over the UK. It’s wonderful to be able to interact with like minded people and learn about where you're staying from someone who really knows. I love to discover a new cities secret gems and have somewhere homely and genuine to stay. I have hosted many friends and other travellers who came to Edinburgh when I lived there and am still in touch with hosts from my travels in South America.

In the last few years I have not traveled so often and having a small child has definitely contributed to that. But this year I am turning 30 and want to kick off my 30s with an epic adventure with my best friend. We will be cycling from Basel to Cologne in 5 days and are hoping to find and meet some great people along the way. I have made so many great experiences with Couch Surfing and I am really looking forward to making more.

Interests

I grew up on the outskirts of Dublin and being home educated gave me a lot of time to spend getting to know the natural world around us. From as early as I can remember I have always had a fascination with animals and bird watching became a life long hobby.

I have sampled a very wide range of sports from Taekwondo and Table tennis to Ice hockey and Ultimate frisbee. In the last few years my main Focus has been on Rock-climbing both indoor bouldering and outdoor sport climbing. And Cycling, mostly on my road bike but also very recently Gravel (which is my new favourite)

• animals
• dogs
• photography
• vegan
• running
• juggling
• bouldering
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• scuba diving
• snowboarding
• travel
• films
• wilderness
• exploring
• outdoors
• card games
• birdwatching
• anything outdoors
• wild animals
• rockclimbing
• repairing things
• 60/70s punk

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Song: (at the moment) Rudy by Supertramp but I have a wide variety of music that I listen to and am always on the look out for a good album.

Favorite Movie: I couldn’t possibly just pick one. So I will have to say Skeletons (and english indie film) and The Guard.

Favourite book: I am currently re-reading Lord of the Rings after having first had it read to me as a child and I am loving it. but I also have to mention The Great Animal Encyclopaedia Of The World. I used to make my parents read it to me every night as a child and it still has so much sentimental value even though it’s worn and many pages are ripped I could never throw it away.

when I am not outside I love to listen to and play music my daughter and I often have jamming sessions on the Guitar and Ukulele.

A perfect evening in for me would include Music, Friends, Salt and Vinegar crisps and a late night movie.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I have done would have to be trekking through the Ecuadorian amazon rainforest for 7 hours and getting caught in the craziest rain storm I could have imagined.
I thought having lived in Scotland and Ireland where it seems to rain all the time I would be prepared for it but it was like nothing I have ever experienced and will be a memory I will never forget.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can juggle, skateboard, Ice-skate and play guitar. I love to learn about new cultures and peoples.

I currently speak English, German and a little bit of Spanish but am willing to try and speak anything. I love to swap and share stories especially of traveling or growing up.

I love cooking and experimenting with new foods and styles of cuisine, I am always willing to swap recipes and teach you how to make a mean vegan gravy and roast potatoes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my experiences and stories of traveling and growing up in a home educating family in Ireland. I have lived in 5 countries and have picked up a little of each

I love to cook and am always excited to learn and try new foods. Maybe I can cook for you when I come visit.

I have learned some great card games on my travels and love to play and chat. I find it's a great way to get to know people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Peru, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland