Anabel Merto

Sometimes you need a really good laugh. And with homework, friend drama, and the ongoing pandemic, it’s not always easy to let your mind relax. But with a new year, comes a ton of new movies and the chance to laugh. From swoon-worthy rom-coms to adorable kid-friendly flicks, the best comedy movies of 2022 guarantee a laugh from everyone in the family. No matter if you're ready to unwind with your favorite streaming service, or recline your seat back in-theaters, here's a list of the most anticipated comedies of 2022 (so far at least). I Want You Back Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Release date: February 11, 2022 In case you needed something to tune into on Valentine's Day, look no further than I Want You Back. The rom-com follows two strangers who forge an unlikely relationship and hatch a hilarious plan to win back their exes. Marry Me Where to watch: Peacock Release date: February 11, 2022 Marry Me follows a music superstar who receives devastating news on the happiest day of her life. Instead of marrying the man of her dreams, she unexpectedly makes a choice that transforms her life. Dog Where to watch: In theaters Release Date: February 18, 2022 A former Army Ranger is tasked with taking a fellow ranger, who just so happens to be a dog, on a road trip to attend the funeral of a fallen soldier. The unlikely duo makes a heartwarming bond during their hilarious journey. Turning Red Where to watch: In theaters Release date: March 2022 Blushing and turning red when you get excited about something is a rite of passage for most teens. For this 13-year-old fangirl, she takes that to another level transforming into a giant red panda whenever she's got the feels. The Bad Guys Where to watch: In theaters Release Date: April 2022 Classic fairy tale villains have a change of heart when good deeds inspire them to turn over a new life. The Big Bad Wolf and his crew decide to "go good" with a new makeover. Legally Blonde 3 Where to watch: In theaters Release date: May 2022 Reese Witherspoon is slated to reprise her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3. Details about the film's plot have been kept under wraps, but with Mindy Kaling serving as the film's writer, we're sure the jokes will be on deck. Grown ups 3 Fans of "Grown ups" are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the release date for the third season of "Grown ups 3." This comedy film has various reviews from several industry partners. In January 2020, "Greatest Show" writer-producer Tom Sharpling tweeted out a theoretical "Grown ups 3" script in the same vein as a typical Sandler movie. Although the script begins as you would expect, the director soon yells "cut!" and it turns out that the actors (Sandler and the gang) are just playing characters. They go on to portray exaggerated versions of themselves, and soon a killer is on the loose, killing them one by one. Miraculously, the script maintains the tone of Sandler's goofy comedy even with the killer in the middle. All in all, the idea for Grown ups 3 is terrific for an exercise in meta-humor, but it's probably too unusual to ever be realized. Nevertheless, one can dream.

If you decided to visit Dubrovnik by car or you opted for car rental during your holiday in the city, one of the important things will be to figure out where you can park your car in Dubrovnik. Fortunately, you have multiple options to consider when it comes to parking in Dubrovnik. Finding a parking spot in Dubrovnik that will not break your bank and that is in a good location has shown to be an uneasy task, especially during the summer months. For that reason, we explored multiple parking options and compared them when it comes to price, accessibility and close proximity to the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Parking Zones The city of Dubrovnik is divided into five parking zones. Each parking zone has a different parking fee, which reflects the convenience of the parking’s location. Parking fees also vary depending on the month – they are more expensive during the summer months. The most expensive one is Zone 0 (hrv. Zona 0) with the price per hour going up to 75 kunas. While the cheapest is Zone 4 (hrv. Zona 4), which is far from the old town and requires you to take the bus anyway or pay for a taxi so you can explore the beauties of Dubrovnik Old Town. Dubrovnik’s parking meters are easy to spot and easy to use. Be sure you check your Parking meter to know exactly in which parking zone you parked your car. You can also pay for your parking space via text, so you will have no reason to skip the parking payment. Penalties for illegally parking in Dubrovnik If you are getting around Dubrovnik by car it is important to note that buying a parking ticket is essential. If you decide to risk it and not pay for your parking fee, you will have to pay a fine. You will be charged a daily parking ticket that you are obligated to pay via bank transfer or in person at the Sanitat office (address Marka Marojice 5). What are the parking options in Dubrovnik then? Parking Spots around Dubrovnik Old Town Hint: The Most Expensive Option There are multiple options if you want to be in close proximity to the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Just outside the City Walls, you have the Buža parking, and if you walk a bit further away you will find Gradac Parking. It’s implied that parking spots this near to the Old Town come at a bit of a higher price. So you will pay 20 kunas for an hour of parking at the Buža Parking. If you want to be even closer to the old town core you have the option of Pile Gate Parking, but you will have to pay 40 kunas for one-hour off-season and up to 75kn per hour during the season. Dubrovnik City Parking Hint: The Best Value Option If you want to be close to the town and not break the bank you can consider parking your car at the Dubrovnik Center Parking. The price for one hour of parking is 10 kuna and a daily ticket will cost you 200 kuna. The location of this parking lot is easily accessible, although you will need to take the city bus if you want to visit the Old Town of Dubrovnik. The bus stop is right next to the parking lot and it will take you 5 minutes to get to the Old Town entrance. But if you want to have a coffee somewhere outside the city walls or just do a bit of shopping, Dubrovnik City Parking will work great for you given it is located just near multiple shopping centers. Parking Lot in Gruž Port Hint: Closest to the main bus station and the port Parking at the port of Gruž will come in handy if you are going for a trip to the nearby islands. But if you want to go sightseeing in Dubrovnik Old Town you may find the public bus commute a bit crowded and long. You will pay 20 kunas for one hour of parking in the Gruž Port. Dubrovnik City Garage Hint: The Underground Option Dubrovnik’s underground parking garage is located on Ilijina Glavica (address: Zagrebačka ulica, Dubrovnik) close to the Old Town. The garage has enough parking places for a few hundred cars, but it tends to get very crowded during the tourist season. If you decide to park your car here you will pay 20 or 30 kunas per hour, depending on the time of the year, while a daily ticket costs from 280 to 360 kuna. Conclusion – Parking Recommendations for Dubrovnik Dubrovnik’s public transport is very regular, punctual, and bus tickets are affordable. So even if you decide to park a little farther from Dubrovnik’s Old Town you won’t waste much time traveling to your final sightseeing destination. There is no need to pay absurd amounts for hourly parking just to save 5 minutes.

Travelling Europe by train is easy, comfortable, scenic and efficient. Compared to flights your journeys will be easier and more comfortable – plus there’s far less risk of being caught with extra charges for luggage or checking in! Most parts of Europe have excellent high-speed networks, and even on slower routes you’ll still get amazing views and more space to stretch your legs. Overland travel gives you a great chance to see the landscape change in front of your eyes – from mountains to coastal vistas and rolling countryside. Bring a picnic, or head to the buffet carriage to enjoy lunch with a view. If you fancy a touch of luxury, you can upgrade to first class to make the experience extra special. Once you arrive, you’ll generally find yourself right in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to your accommodation quickly. No messing about with baggage reclaim or taxis required! There are loads of different way to sort out your travels in Europe, and if you don’t want to deal with organising all the tickets, Eurail/Interrail passes, seat reservations, supplements and more, then let us do the work for you. Interrail vs. Eurail What is Interrail/Eurail? Interrail and Eurail passes are two types of European rail pass, used for travelling Europe by train. Both types of pass are very similar in usage – your nationality or residence decides which sort of pass you need. Each pass allows you to travel within and between European countries by train. The passes are valid for a set number of travel days within a usage period. Should I buy an Interrail or a Eurail pass? You are eligible for an Interrail pass if you’re: 1. A European citizen (or if you have dual citizenship) and you hold a European passport. 2. A non-European citizen who has lived in a European country for at least 6 months. You need a Eurail pass if neither of these rules applies to you. What kind of Interrail/Eurail passes are there? Both Interrail and Eurail passes come in different types, and are available for people of all ages (so not just students!). There is a reduction in price for under 28s and for over 60s – so make sure you let us know the correct age group, or your pass won’t be valid. Don’t think you can pay less by “looking young” – unfortunately, your passport number and date of birth will be printed on the ticket – so you probably won’t get away with it! One country vs. global passes Interrail and Eurail passes come in a variety of different prices, and you can buy either a “Single Country” or a “Global” pass. For the global pass, you’ll also need to choose how long you want to use the pass for: You can buy a Single Country pass which is always valid for 1 month, but only within one country (or a selection of countries in the case of the Benelux pass). Or, you can buy a “Global” pass which is valid across the whole of Europe (or, at least most of it). You can choose how long you want to use them for: from 5 days up to 60 days! Each option has a different price. As well as choosing how long you want the pass to be valid for, there is an option to select how many “travel days” you want. Don’t worry, we take all of this into account for every package, so you don’t have to work it out yourself! What is an Interrail travel day? An Interrail “Travel day” is a day when you will be using your pass to travel by train from one of your destinations to the next. There is no limit on the number of trains you can get within the 24 hour period from midnight. Within the usage period (of up to 2 months) you will be asked how many “travel days” you want to have. For interrail the options (from cheapest to most expensive) are: 5 travel days within a period of 1 month 7 travel days within a period of 1 month 10 travel days within a period of 2 months 15 travel days within a period of 2 months Travel every day within a period of 22 days Travel every day within a period of 1 or 2 months For Eurail the number of days are slightly different, but the principle is the same. Already got your Interrail or Eurail pass and not sure how to use it? Check out our step by step guide on how to use your Interrail/Eurail pass. How do I know what kind of Interrail/Eurail pass I need? For most people, the best way to work out what kind of pass you need is to first work out your route and then plan how long you’ll be travelling Europe by train. Next, work out how many travel days you will be taking. Then you need to work out which journeys will require additional seat reservations, and work out how much it will cost to buy those on top. Unfortunately, the addition of Interrail reservations can make choosing your pass quite confusing. Sometimes the high cost of certain interrail reservations means that it makes more sense to choose a cheaper pass and buy a few extra tickets at full price, but then you’re into all sorts of comparisons and calculations… So where do you start!?! Luckily when you book with us, we work out exactly which tickets, passes and reservations you’ll need and which combination works out the cheapest. Let’s talk more about these pesky reservations… Seat Reservations What is an Interrail/Eurail seat reservation? Interrail or Eurail seat reservations are extra bookings required on certain trains when travelling Europe using an Interrail or Eurail pass. They are not tickets, but are used together with your rail pass to allow you onto certain services. As well as being compulsory to board certain services, they also guarantee you a seat on the train that you’ve selected. That can be a bonus in peak season when trains get really busy! Once you’ve purchased a reservation, you’ll need to stick to the train time you’ve selected, as the reservation is only valid for that departure. Do I have to buy an Interrail reservation? If you’re using a rail pass and the route you’re taking has a “reservation required” symbol on it, unfortunately, you must buy one. If you do not present a reservation with your pass when your ticket is checked, you’ll be asked to either leave the train at the next stop or pay a fine of up to €200. Nobody wants that, so make sure you do your research before you go! How do I know when I need one? Good question, and unfortunately that can be tricky. The rules change regularly and the information is not always easy to find. As a general rule, you will need one on any high-speed train in Western Europe, and on any sleeper train. On local and regional trains it’s usually not necessary to have a reservation. For our full guide on this, head to our Interrail reservations guide. When you book with us, we’ll buy you all the passes, tickets and reservations you need, tell you which ones to use and when, and let you know where you can travel without any. Easy! If you want to check requirements, the best app for train travel in Europe is DB Navigator. This gives you pretty up to date information about all European services as far as possible. How much does an Interrail/Eurail Reservation cost? The cost varies depending on each country’s rail services but generally falls between 5 euros and 30 euros. If you’re looking to save money and you aren’t short of time, it might be worth seeking out slower journeys so that you can avoid paying for reservations on certain routes – plus, you might get an awesome view! When we book trips for our customers, we work out the most cost and time efficient way to do each journey. Using our comparison software, we find the best possible combination of full fare tickets, rail passes and reservations. This means we can work out the best possible cost. That means we reduce the cost for you guys, while booking the journeys that make the most sense for your trip. Create your dream route here with our interactive map planner. Is First Class worth it? First class versus second class train travel in Europe: Usually, trains in Europe have two class options – 1st and 2nd. On high-speed trains in Spain and Italy you may also find more options to suit various budgets and comfort levels. First class train travel in Europe usually costs significantly more than second class – first class tickets could be 3 or 4 times the price when bought on the day. You can also choose a first-class rail pass and first class reservations if you go for an Interrail or Eurail pass. These cost around twice the price of their second class siblings, but you also pay more for seat reservations. The differences between first and second class trains are most noticeable in Western Europe – France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy all have pretty luxurious first class options. For train travel through Eastern Europe, there’s less of a difference as services are slower and trains older as a general rule. Here it might well not make a lot of difference whether you upgrade or not. If you’re not sure whether this is something you might want to splurge on, check out the major differences in service level below: Second class trains provide basic but comfortable facilities, with drinks and snacks available to purchase. Some high-speed trains will offer free entertainment or wifi. You can always reserve a seat, whether you’re in first or second class. First class trains will provide more spacious seats with more leg room than second class. First class carriages will generally be quieter with fewer passengers. On major high-speed routes, first class may well offer additional perks, such as free drinks/snacks, free WIFI and complimentary newspapers. On regional routes, there are unlikely to be any additional benefits beyond more space. For these trains, it may not be worth paying the extra. Overnight train travel Overnight transport can be a great way to maximise your time when travelling Europe by train. All night trains will require an extra supplement to be paid, on top of your Interrail or Eurail pass. As we’ve mentioned in our video guide, here are a range of different options for overnight travel. You can choose based on your preferred comfort level and budget between the following: Seat – the cheapest option, you’ll have a seat in a normal carriage, which reclines back a little bit. Couchette – you’ll share a cabin with other travellers. Couchettes are normally for 6 people and offer a small bed with sheet and blanket for you to use. A more comfortable option than a seat, but cheaper than a sleeper. Sleeper – depending on your group number, you’ll share your cabin with other travellers. Sleeper compartments are for up to 3 people, with a comfy bed, duvet, sink and space for hanging clothes. Often refreshments and breakfast are included. Private sleeper – the same as a sleeper, but you book out the whole cabin for yourself and/or your group. This is the most expensive option, offering the highest level of comfort. How much does a night train supplement cost? The costs vary a huge amount; a seat or couchette could start from as little as 10-30 euros. A private sleeper could set you back over 200 euros! Some overnight trains – such as the night train from Venice to Paris – don’t offer Interrail reservations. Instead they just offer you a discount of around 25% off full price tickets with your pass. These might be best avoided if you’re looking to save money. Advance Tickets After all this talk of Interrail and Eurail passes, it’s easy to forget that these passes aren’t the only way to travel Europe by rail! In many cases rail passes provide great value, but not always. If your journey is short or will involve a lot of costly reservations, it might actually be cheaper to buy your tickets individually. Advance tickets can be even cheaper than a pass – particularly if you check different booking sites for deals. The only down-side is that booking in advance means losing some flexibility. For the cheapest fares, you generally have to stick to the chosen service. If you miss it, you will be asked to buy a new ticket! We’d advise booking as early as you can manage – at least 3 months is best in most cases. This will give you the greatest choice of times at the best prices. Different providers have different bookings horizons, so you’ll need to keep your eye on the ball to keep track of availability. You can use the handy DB Navigator app to reliably check which times are available across most providers. It’s also worth noting that a large percentage of European train tickets are not available as E-tickets. Remember that you’ll need to factor in P&P processing time and costs – or use a local agent in your home country. We will consider all these factors for you when you book with us, so you can rest assured that as the experts we will take all of this into account! Disabled train travel in Europe If you or someone that you’re travelling with has a disability, rail travel is an awesome way to make your dream trip reality! Travelling by rail avoids a lot of the issues you might come across when flying or taking buses. In Western Europe, most trains have disabled access, station assistance and wheelchair spaces available. Depending on your needs, you may or may not need to contact your travel agent or directly contact the rail company to arrange your journey. Eastern European trains can be more difficult, due to older trains and stations – so if in doubt make sure you check! If you/your companion is able to walk short distances or can get themselves in and out of your wheelchair unaccompanied, you may not need to do anything differently. Wheelchairs that fold can be stored in luggage racks, and you can book yourself a regular seat if you feel confident to do so. If you need to book a wheelchair space for your journey, this can usually be done over the phone or online. Wheelchair spaces are standard in all Western European trains, as are ramps for access if required. Station assistance can also be booked in advance should you need it. If you or your companion uses a power-chair, or needs to be accompanied by a carer, it’s not a problem either. Carers can often travel for free/at a discounted rate, and assistance with ramps and station mobility can be arranged in advance. There may be some restrictions on the kinds of trains you can travel on, but as long as you know the dimensions of your chair, this is easy to check and accommodate. If you need to change trains during your journey, you can arrange for a station assistant to pick you up from one train and make sure you get onto your next one too. Due to the variety of needs different travellers have, it’s best to contact the rail provider directly to explain your requirements. Alternatively, contact us to explain your dream trip, and we’ll do our best to make it happen! Remember... Preparing to travel Europe by train is super exciting, but it can also be stressful. Unless you’ve got a lot of time to spend researching and comparing prices, getting the cheapest possible deal can be tricky! You’ll need to do your research. That means visiting different booking sites to check prices and book individual tickets. If you’re smart, a combination of all the above ticket types can be the way to get maximum value from your trip. Remember to ensure you follow all the rules of travel too – to avoid any unnecessary costs. Obviously we think the best way to book train travel in Europe without the hassle is to do it through Euroventure… we might be a little biased, but we’re happy to help with any level of service – from buying your train tickets through us to embarking on one of our independent Europe trips or group tours! You can always contact us for more information on what we do. Make sure you think about the type of experience you want too. For some people, a rail pass may still be the best option, even if it’s not the cheapest. That’ll certainly be the case if you want a bit of flexibility in your Europe trip. Making last minute changes to your advance tickets will cost you a fortune, and the trip is supposed to be fun at the end of the day!

Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. You can hike past ancient temples first laid down by the Incas, contemplate the awe-inspiring power of Iguazú Falls, or spend the day watching wildlife from a dugout canoe on one of the Amazon's countless igarapés (narrow waterways). You can barrel down Andean roads by mountain bike, go white-water rafting on Class V rivers and surf amazing breaks off both coasts. And once you think you've experienced it all, head to the dramatic landscapes in Tierra del Fuego, go eye-to-eye with extraordinary creatures in the Galápagos, and scramble up tableland mountains in the Gran Sabana for a panorama that seems straight out of the Mesozoic era. Cultural Treasures South America's diversity doesn't end with landscapes. You'll find former colonial towns where cobblestone streets lead past churches and plazas little changed since the 18th century. You can haggle over colorful textiles at indigenous markets, share meals with traditional dwellers of the rainforest and follow the pounding rhythms of Afro-Brazilian drum corps. South America is home to an astounding variety of living and ancient cultures, and experiencing it first-hand is as easy as showing up. La Vida Musical This is one of the world's great music destinations. Nothing compares to hearing the rhythms of Colombian salsa, Brazilian samba, Argentine tango and Andean folk music in the place where they were born. Buenos Aires' sultry milongas (tango clubs), Rio's simmering garrafeiras (dance halls), Quito's salsotecas (salsa clubs) – all great places to chase the heart of Saturday night. Yet this is only the beginning of a great musical odyssey that encompasses Peruvian trovas, soulful Ecuadorian passillos, fast-stepping Brazilian forró, whirling Venezuelan merengue, steel-pan Guyanese drumming, Paraguayan harp music and more. Simply plunge in – though you might want to take a dance class along the way! Captivating Landscapes From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the undulating waterways of the Amazon, South America spreads a dazzling array of natural wonders. This is a continent of lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, misty cloud forests, bone-dry deserts, red-rock canyons and ice-blue glaciers. After taking in some of the incredible natural wonders found in every country in South America, you can head to the coast for an idyllic retreat among palm-fringed, white-sand beaches and photogenic tropical islands. As landscapes go, there aren't many other places on earth that offer so much variety. Why I love South America By Anabel Merto, Writer Be mindful of what you're getting into: South America can be a lifetime addiction. I didn't realize this when I first hiked Andean trails and visited pre-Colombian sites more than 15 years ago. Like other travelers who shared the journey, I was hooked. I fell hard for the incredible wonders of this continent: its mist-covered peaks, thundering falls and vast rainforests. Add to this the human-made treasures: buzzing indigenous markets, picturesque colonial towns and vibrant cityscapes. This is just the beginning, and in South America there really is no end. It's the reason I've returned so many times, but know there is still much more to discover.

I have a question: how do you know that you’re prepared for every possible thing coming your way? Are you ready for whatever disaster may or may not visit your area? Have you tested your survival skills in an unfamiliar setting? Well, look no further for answers. I’ve asked around, did some research and even tried a couple of locations myself. And here it is, my list of top survival vacations in the USA and the world. You can try them on your own or as a part of a group, with your family and friends. These vacations can be very challenging, they can take you to the limit, yet somehow they might be fun as well. SpecOps: Basic Survival Training Can you survive one hell of a weekend? Discovery Channel’s host Mykel Hawke takes you on an adventure of true survival. You start in a cozy hotel, but then you’re transported to the training site, where you will need to find food, water and shelter for the night. You are provided with some basic gear, but no food or cell phones are allowed! This is the most real experience of a true survivalist camp. The weekend also includes a live navigation course, first aid training and food preparation. When you finally depart home, you will feel much readier should you face similar situations in the future. Please notice that you will need to bring some of the equipment by yourself, and it is also recommended reading “Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Guide” or any other survival courses before this training. Get Lost This is as real as it gets. The Black Tomato’s Get Lost experience is about dropping you in a completely unfamiliar, distant location, and you have to find your way back to the civilization. In other words, you are completely and utterly lost. You will need to look inside you, find your emotional, mental and physical resources, and survive this unusual journey. When you sign up for the Get Lost experience, the only thing you get to choose is the type of the environment. You will not know the country and the exact location until you land there. You will be given the necessary guidance and equipment. The Black Tomato support team will track you from the distance, but you will not see or feel them there. Docastaway This is a challenging tourism to remote, uninhibited island. The opposite to the mass tourism, Docastaway takes you to secluded, untouched islands in Indonesia, Philippines and Oceania, where you can test your survival skills in an unusual environment. Essentially, you will become a Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks’ character from “Castaway” (hence the name). If this is something that you are tempted to try, select their Adventure Mode experience and the level of isolation. The levels start from “low” (you have a guide nearby) all the way to “high” and “extreme” (you’ll have an island of your own with no shelter, the guide is on a different island). The tropical views are incredible, but trying to survive on an uninhibited island will surely keep you busy. The islands with the low level of isolations and prepared cottages feel like a vacation. On the other hand, the extremely isolated islands that have no constructions will push you to the limit and provide you with a genuine survival experience. Aboriginal Living Skills School Cody Lundin’s ALSS is one of the leading and most famous preparedness schools in the United States. Its main focus is survival education. Lundin is a real instructor with three decades of unbelievable experience. He founded the school to help others to heal and improve themselves by challenging our daily comfort zones. He will gladly take you on this unique survival vacation, trekking across desert and tundra, as you learn how to overcome whatever the wild throws in your direction. Perfecting your survival qualities is always the right way. There are many courses and locations, so you can definitely find something that can be both educational and challenging. Cody Lundin promises to teach you skills necessary for the most extreme of situations, where you need to survive without any gear available. One particularly tough yet important course is the “Nothing” course, where a group is stranded in the wild with only their clothes and nothing else. You will learn what needs are the most necessary to tend to, because your survival will fully depend on them. SurviVacation This Indiana-based survival clinic is perfect for a family get-a-way, where you can learn tons of camping skills during a 3 day weekend – without suffering along the way. It takes place at Survival Training Willow Haven Facility. You will pick a lot of useful skills and have fun while doing so. The location has a lodge, equipped with all the modern commodities, so you’re not going to actually sleep in the woods. It might not sound suitable for the veteran survivalists, but this can be a great starting point to acquire various skills and firsthand experience. At SurviVacation, your family will learn navigation, water purification, several methods of starting a fire, gathering and hunting for food, and much more. No prior survival experience or knowledge is required. Final Words As you can see, the choices are limitless. Survival vacations range from the easy “walk in the park” to the extreme tests of your resilience and stamina. But that is exactly what survival is all about, overcoming whatever surprises the wild throws at you. So have a great and enlightening vacation!

You don't always have to spend money to make money. If you want to launch a side gig to generate regular part-time income, or if you're looking for some quick extra cash, there are websites that can help you do it. Depending on whether you're looking to earn extra money quickly or build a long-term income stream, each of the following websites offers unique advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) tailored to different needs and interests. Read on for more information on each site. Upwork How it works: Upwork is essentially a meeting site where businesses and freelancers throughout the world can connect and collaborate on certain projects. Businesses hire freelancers for a variety of different services, including writing, web design, running SEO campaigns and pretty much any work that can be done on a computer. Highlights: Upwork takes a commission from 5% to 20%, but the more money you make, the less the commission is. Drawbacks: Upwork has been so successful that there is a lot of competition on the website, and that can be a real drawback for people who are new to the site, says Sacha Darosa, owner of a digital marketing agency in Toronto called The Shirtless Web Guy. "Before I started my business in web design, I created profiles on websites such as Upwork. In the beginning it was a struggle to attract any attention from buyers on those platforms because there's so much competition. And much of the competition was from overseas, which made it impossible for me to compete with others on price." So Darosa lowered his prices and for a while, he was working for next to nothing. But the positive feedback made his profile look better, and Darosa started charging more. Fiverr How it works: This is also a popular website that can be helpful for freelancers. Know something about digital animation? You can work for someone who doesn't have these skills and pick up some extra cash. Even better, you can offer to compile web research for someone for fast cash. Highlights: You can make good money from the site, asserts Dan Bochichio, a web designer and digital strategist in Albany, New York, who runs a two-person company called Bocain Designs. He says that his firm makes $3,000 to $5,000 a month from Fiverr. "To stay ahead of the competition, I make sure my Fiverr profile and gig descriptions are well written and communicate the value of the services I'm offering. When someone reaches out to me, I make sure to reply as quickly as I can and follow up with to inquiry by asking good questions. A quick, but carefully written reply will increase the odds of them hiring you drastically," Bochichio says. Drawbacks: Bochichio's success aside, Fiverr's name comes from the fact that many people used to work for $5 a task. You can ask for more (and arguably should), but a lot of your prospective clients are probably expecting you to work for next to nothing. Etsy How it works: If you're artistic and are the type of person who can make custom jewelry or refrigerator magnets, Etsy is the place to sell your products. Highlights: It's easy to navigate the site and set up a shop. Drawbacks: There's a lot of competition on the website. On one hand, the branding is big, and a lot of people know about Etsy. But once you put up your wares, as with Upwork and Fiverr, you are one in a gazillion people selling stuff on Etsy. It may feel a little overwhelming. TaskRabbit How it works: Are you willing to get your hands dirty? People come to this site to find those willing to do various tasks, such as putting together a bookcase, cleaning a garage or running an errand. Do as many tasks as you want, and this could become quite the part-time (or full-time) job. Highlights: You can apply for tasks, but you can also put up a profile, explaining what tasks you're available for and skilled at, and people may end up seeking you out for work. Drawbacks: A lot of the tasks you'll find on TaskRabbit are, as noted, physical – like setting up furniture. Of course, if that's your jam, that's a plus. Wonder How it works: People come to this site when they need research done. Wonder doesn't hire just anyone, but you can apply. The process takes about five minutes, according to the website. And if Wonder thinks you have the skills to do research, you'll get access to its dashboard. You can then choose to answer a question – perhaps coming from a business executive or an author writing a book. Highlights: Researchers report making, on average, $8 to $16 for each detailed answer, and job sites suggest researchers can make, on average, about $20 an hour. In short, Wonder offers an ideal gig for those who really enjoy the process of doing research, as opposed to those who just want to make fast money. Drawbacks: As noted, the money is not spectacular, especially if you spend a lot of time answering questions. If that happens to you a lot, you may wonder why you're using Wonder. ThredUp How it works: With the tagline "secondhand clothes, firsthand fun," this e-commerce company appeals to thrifty types looking how to make money and sell their clutter for cash. The online thrift store sells women's and kid's clothes. Here's how it works: You send your clothes in a ThredUp bag with a prepaid mailing label, and ThredUp will decide the value. They're looking for nice clothes and popular brands, and keep in mind there's a fee if your items aren't accepted. So, if you have clothes better suited for a yard sale, hold a yard sale. But if you have quality outfits you no longer want, ThredUp enables you to sell unwanted items and may even pay you enough so that you can buy new threads. Highlights: The process is pretty easy. ThredUp will send you a prepaid bag to put your clothes in, or a shipping label if you prefer. Drawbacks: You won't get paid (naturally) until your clothes reach ThredUp, and they've been accepted. But if they aren't accepted, you will have to pay a fee to have them shipped back to you – or they can responsibly recycle them. Swap How it works: Like ThredUp, Swap is an online consignment storeonline consignment store. After you send in used clothes and toys and games, Swap will sell them for you. As for how much you can make, the website explains that if something is priced for less than $10, you'll get a 30% credit to buy something from Swap.com – or 20% of the sale price back in cash. If your item sells between $10 and $20, you'll earn a 50% credit or 40% back in cash. If it sells for more than $20, you'll receive a 70% credit or 60% cash. Highlights: It's easier than, say, selling on Facebook Marketplace, where you generally must meet somebody to hand off an item. And aside from collecting stuff in your home, and putting items in a prepaid box sent to you, the process is pretty easy. Drawbacks: As with ThredUp, you may have your clothes rejected, which means either you won't get them back – or you'll pay a fee to have them returned to you. Gazelle How it works: If you have an old cellphone or another device (think iPads and computers), you can sell your electronics here. The website will give you a cash offer for your device. If you agree, you'll be sent packaging materials. Gazelle pays the shipping costs, and you'll wait for a check in the mail, a gift card to be sent or cash transferred to your PayPal account. You may not make a fortune, but it's better than letting an unused device collect dust on a shelf – and far better for the environment to sell it than toss it in a landfill. Highlights: As you would expect, it's a pretty seamless process from start to finish. Drawbacks: If you send in, say, a phone, and the phone isn't what Gazelle thought it might be, the offer for what it will pay for it may go down considerably. On the other hand, Gazelle will send you your phone back for free. So you aren't risking much, other than time. CardSell How it works: This is a popular site for selling gift cards. Maybe some of the gift cards you got last Christmas have sat around unused, and you don't think you'll ever use them. Well, tell CardSell what you have, they'll make you an offer and if you agree, you can exchange it for cash or, ironically, another gift card. Highlights: There's no charge to mail your gift cards to CardSell, and the process is pretty easy, as you would expect. Drawbacks: You'll never get the full value of your gift card, of course. So you might ask yourself: Isn't there some friend or family member I can sell this to? OfferUp How it works: If you don't have the energy to hold a yard sale, OfferUp may be the next best thing. After you take a picture of what you have and price it, hopefully somebody nearby will see it online, love it, send you a note and you'll meet – in a public place, OfferUp's website recommends – and you can get your cash. That said, OfferUp also offers ways to mail items to buyers. Highlights: OfferUp is often compared to the ever-popular Craigslist, but some users claim it's an easier site to post on, probably because if you download the app, you can instant message buyers and sellers, and members have profiles, so you can get a better sense that people are who they say they are. If somebody has earned badges that OfferUp gives out, that's also a good sign they're considered a trusted, reputable seller on the website. Nevertheless, you'd still do well to use common sense and buy and sell OfferUp items in public places. Drawbacks: As noted, if you're meeting a buyer to sell an item, meet in a public place. You don't really know who you're dealing with. On its website, OfferUp says, "Keep in mind that just because someone is buying or selling online doesn't guarantee your safety: You're responsible for your safety, so when you arrange a meetup, take sensible precautions. In the event of an emergency or any danger, call 911 or your local emergency number." Neighbor How it works: Do you have storage space in your house? Or maybe an empty garage or storage shed? You could sign up on Neighbor.com and offer to store your neighbors' stuff. It's sort of like Airbnb for the self-storage industry. You don't pay a dime and set your own prices. The person who rents your space will pay Neighbor.com a service fee for getting the two of you together. And on the plus side, if this goes well, now you have incentive to clean out your attic or garage. Highlights: You're paid via direct deposit, or you can receive a debit card at the end of the month. There are some small fees taken out of your payment for using the Neighbor website (a processing fee of 4.9% of the total reservation plus 30 cents per payout). Drawbacks: There don't seem to be many. Well, if somehow you suddenly need to use your storage space, you may be a in a pickle. If that's the case, you need to give your renter 30 days advance notice to pick up their stuff. If you don't give them enough notice, according to the Neighbor website, you'll get a $60 eviction fee. Merch by Amazon How it works: John Frigo, an affiliate manager for a website called MySupplementStore.com, says he sometimes makes money on the side by creating designs for T-shirts. He sells on Merch by Amazon as well as other platforms like Redbubble.com. Highlights: Frigo says you can simply upload your designs and get paid. "Graphic designers can upload T-shirt designs and at that point it's pretty much entirely passive, and you're paid a royalty for every one of your designs that sell – but you don't have to handle returns, do any customer service or ship anything," Frigo says. Drawbacks: You probably won't get rich. For instance, Merch by Amazon offers examples of royalty prices, and for a T-shirt that sells for $15.99, the royalty would be $2.21. Still, once the hard work – designing the piece – is done, it's easy money. If somebody buys your T-shirt, that is.