Thomas van der Have's Photo

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  • 66% response rate
  • Last login about 7 hours ago

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Overview

  • 237 references 163 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in Dutch, English; learning French, Spanish
  • 35, Male
  • Member since 2013
  • Beverage Technologist
  • Biochemical Engineering & Food Science
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

The best way to describe yourself is to ask the people around you:

“What a great dude - someone you can count on when you need a real talk.”
— a friend, with problems
“I love hanging out with Thomas - beer, shenanigans, wonderful stories and good vibes.”
— a friend, without problems, but more stories
“Thomas is a thoughtful guest. He brings the true Couchsurfing spirit… and an unreasonable amount of travel tales.”
— a CS host
“If I could go back with him, I would. Life was more adventurous back then.”
— an ex-girlfriend, slightly nostalgic
“I have three sons, but I always worry about the middle one. I once encouraged him to study in another city. Now it’s a miracle if he’s home for Christmas.”
— my mother, still hopeful
“He picks up travellers from the street and lets them sleep at his place. It’s weird to me, but it does describe his social nature and open-mindedness.”
— a colleague
“I’m so glad I could stay with him — pure bliss, and I felt at home from the first moment.”
— a CS surfer
“I’d hire him again in a heartbeat, but the travel bug bit him hard. Now he’s destined to wander as a cure for our overworked society.”
— an ex-manager

What would I say about me?
Well, some of the actions speak louder than words...

During my studies I had the fortune to do several Erasmus programs, combining studying with travelling and took it as a great opportunity to meet people, get in contact with different cultures and learn more from life. This is the moment I learned about CS.
Upon graduation I took a gap year to Australia and Asia and will never regret that choice.
Working life has been an adventure as well, navigating my way through several companies, different industries and various roles, eventually ending up as beverage technologist.

In 2025, I took a sabbatical. I backpacked for two months in Africa and then I set off to the USA for a huge adventure to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 4300km footpath through sublime nature and wilderness. It took me five months to complete but will stay with me for a lifetime.

Now, as we move into 2026 - I am still on sabbatical and go back to one my first loves, South America! Excited to be emerged again in the Latin culture. 🙏

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

During my trips I hope to Couchsurf every now and then. It’s the best way to really experience a culture and meet the people who call that place home. I also love hearing great travel stories and life adventures; sometimes there’s nothing better than sharing a good conversation with someone new.
When I’m at home my schedule can be busy, but I still try to welcome surfers from time to time.

I discovered Couchsurfing during my Erasmus in Porto, thanks to an American namesake I met through mutual friends. That first experience of living abroad on my own changed me a lot - and it definitely awakened the travel bug.
Since then, Couchsurfing (and actually hospitality exchange platforms) has been a constant part of my life during travels, studies, and work abroad: hosting interesting strangers who became friends, staying with amazing hosts who felt like family, and joining memorable CS meetups and events.

Interests

I love learning about other cultures, religions, philosophies, and lifestyles - there’s something fascinating about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

I’m into sports of all kinds, from cycling to ultimate frisbee. And if you’re a runner, that's fantastic- let’s go for a run together.

I’m happiest outdoors: hiking, camping, or just being out in nature. There’s a special kind of serenity you can’t get anywhere else.

I enjoy good conversations and friendly debates - anything from geopolitics to the deeply controversial question of whether pineapple should be exiled from pizza.

And believe it or not… travelling happens to be a hobby too!
From time to time I have the urge for a trip abroad, it feels like a revitalisation.
Like St. Augustine said: "The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page".

  • culture
  • running
  • drinking
  • traveling
  • socializing
  • cycling
  • hiking
  • sports
  • soccer
  • geopolitics
  • philosophy
  • lifestyle
  • ultimate frisbee
  • boardgames
  • bikepacking
  • thru-hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Bleeehh, that's a lot!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

That's for you to find out.
And of course, I’m just as curious to hear about your amazing moments too.

Teach, Learn, Share

There’s always something to learn from each other! Whether it’s practicing a foreign language, cooking a local dish, going for a hike, or discovering the little wonders we usually overlook in our busy lives — I’m up for it.

And of course, the number one thing to share: stories. Time flies when you swap travel tales, unforgettable moments, and random adventures. It’s amazing how often our experiences overlap in unexpected ways, reminding us how connected we all really are. 🙂

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories and hopefully joy, fun and a good time together. I'm always looking forward to sharing thoughts and experiences and looking at things from other perspectives.
Obviously also respect and gratitude to hosts and people I meet along my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Wales, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal

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