Taking part in home exchange programs can be a great way to travel and spend less money all the while enjoying the comforts of a well equipped house or apartment. The concept is also called "house swapping" at times. It's an alternative to hotels, websites like AirBnB or hospitality exchange. It's often considered one of the first systems of collaborative consumption. It's great way to save on accommodation costs and it can also be a good way to have someone take care of your cats and plants while you're away.
How it works
Sign up with a home exchange website. There are many of these. Before you pay any kind of fee you want to assure there's enough demand for your home and that there are offers in the places you want to visit.
Then you can enter your own home on the website. It's good to be as precise as possible.
Now you can try to find places and dates that work for you.
How to get money short term (not now)
Here we talk about ways you don't get money now, but you actually learn about the roads that exist that will take you to a better future. We do these things ourselves.
| Google Earn thousands. 
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Sell cars Some call it car flipping. 
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Movie Extras Earn a quick $200. 
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| Ebay Buy for a dollar, sell for 2. 
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Dumpster Free stuff everywhere. 
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Alibaba Buy in China. Sell here. 
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| Yardsales Find hidden gems. 
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AirBNB Rent a room. Or a couch. 
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Turo Rent your car out. Or two. 
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| Medical Testing It may earn you thousands. 
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Sperm Donor Help others and make money. 
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Cell Phone Flipping Some people make 50k/year! 
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| Online Surveys It will earn you some cash quickly. 
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Translations Speak any other language? 
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Freelance Writing It is possible. 
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Further reading
- Wikipedia about home exchange
- Wikivoyage with a more hands on guide
