She Hit Refresh

Home Swapping 101: Insider Tips & Stories from HomeExchange | Ep 75

This special episode of the She Hit Refresh podcast dives into the world of home swapping. Host Cepee is an avid HomeExchange user with over 60 home swaps, from Madrid to Mexico!Cepee is joined by Clémence Craig, Head of Growth for North America at HomeExchange, who provides an insider's look at how the platform works, its community-driven model, and answers to frequently asked questions. You'll also hear from two experienced Home Exchange members: Maria Nicholas, an American living in Malaga, and Shannon Acton, founder of Bargain Homes Abroad and the Armchair Expat podcast. They share their real-life experiences, favorite swap experiences, and essential tips for first-time home exchangers.We hope you enjoy this episode!  if you're ready to give home swapping a try, head to SheHitRefresh.com/homeexchange, and you'll get some free GuestPoints. See y'all back here next season!IN THIS VIDEO:The benefits of HomeExchange compared to platforms like Airbnb Debunking common misconceptions and misgivings about home swappingThe different types of exchanges, including simultaneous, non-simultaneous, and guest pointsReal-life stories and memorable swaps from experienced HomeExchange membersWatch episode 75 on YouTubeABOUT OUR GUESTSClémence Cragan leads North American growth at HomeExchange, making home exchange more accessible and better known across the U.S. and Canada. Originally from France, Clémence has spent the past 10 years in the United States. She’s also a mom of two young children, plus a dog and a horse! Her family uses HomeExchange for their travels, which has completely transformed the way they vacation. Clémence is a strong believer in the magic of home exchange, both personally and professionally.Maria is an American living in Spain for 14 years, blending her love for travel with remote work. She coaches purpose-driven women seeking deeper fulfillment in life and relationships, drawing from her background as a teacher, voiceover artist, and former Hollywood actress. As a speaker, she shares insights from her unconventional path, empowering audiences to embrace their differences as a compass for life's direction. Maria's mission is to inspire others—entrepreneurs, educators, and women in transition—to trust themselves, claim their space, and pursue life with courage and intention.Shannon is the creator of Bargain Homes Abroad, a multimedia platform that sits at the intersection of affordable European real estate and the dream of moving overseas. Through her website, podcast, newsletter, membership community, and popular Instagram account, she helps North Americans see that international living is more accessible than they think. Focused on homes with character, slow travel, and creative paths to life abroad, Shannon is planning her own move to Europe. For now, she lives in Southern California with her husband and rescue pup, Nellie.Where to find Shannon:Website:bargainhomesabroad.coInstagram: @bargainhomesabroadTHANKS TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR, HomeExchange!HomeExchange is the global leader in home exchange vacations, offering authentic, sustainable, and affordable vacation opportunities for everyone. With over 220,000 members across more than 155 countries, HomeExchange makes vacations on a budget possible with a nominal annual membership fee, no hidden costs or cancellation fees, and 24/7 assistance. In 2021, HomeExchange Collection was created, an exclusive community for like-minded travelers to meet, share, and exchange their luxury homes.HomeExchange is a Certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses that meet and commit to high standards of social and environmental impact. With teams in France, Croatia, Spain, and the United States, travelers can browse their entire collection of homes and schedule their home exchange at homeexchange.com

From Miami to Milan: How Thea Built a Life in Italy Thanks to Her Mindset | Ep 74

Thea Duncan is the founder of Doing Italy, a company that helps people purchase property in Italy. She helps people gain the knowledge they need to move to Italy with ease, while avoiding the pitfalls that can affect expats when moving abroad.Thea shares her personal story of navigating Italy's evolving landscape for foreigners. She discusses everything from securing visas and building a career in Italy's unique job market, and the things that she loves most about Italy.Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Miami, Thea traveled the globe until Italy captured her heart in 2002. She earned her master’s degree at Bocconi University in Milan, and later worked with some of Italy’s storied fashion and design houses, including Gucci and Luxottica. Some 20 years after her first trip to Italy, Thea lives in Milan with her husband, Diego, and their adorable son, Lorenzo.In this episode:How Thea's initial trip in 2002 sparked her two-decade journey to living in ItalyVisa options for moving to Italy, including the student, elective residency, and digital nomad visasRecent changes to Italian citizenship by ancestryThe realities of the Italian job market and why many expats choose entrepreneurshipWhat to expect when buying a one-euro home in ItalyWatch episode 74 on YouTubeThank you to our season sponsor, ⁠International Living⁠!

Living Abroad with Cancer: Marla’s Story of Resilience in Spain | Ep 73

For the past three and a half years, Marla (53) has called Valencia, Spain, her home. In this episode, Marla gives us an in-depth look at how a rare cancer diagnosis a few months after moving to Spain changed the direction that she thought her “refresh” would take.Along with immersing herself in Spanish culture, Marla is working on her memoir about overcoming adversity with grace and humor. She’s traveled to 40 countries and lived in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She has been a professional fundraiser, event planner, freelance writer, and teacher of English as a Second Language. Marla has been a part of the She Hit Refresh community since 2018. She first appeared on the podcast in 2022 and shared how she's navigated some of the many curveballs thrown her way. In this episode:Marla's experience receiving a rare cancer diagnosis just months after moving to SpainNavigating the Spanish public healthcare system with a chronic illnessParallels between facing a health crisis and moving abroadHow living in Spain has impacted her healthAdvice for women considering moving abroad, especially those with a chronic illnessListen to our previous episode with Marla: Finding Opportunity in Adversity with Marla Stein | Ep 41 ⁠Watch episode 73 on YouTube⁠Thank you to our season sponsor, ⁠International Living⁠!

From Boston to Athens: Kathleen's Freelance Life in Greece on the DNV | Ep 72

Kathleen O’Donnell is a freelance writer and former digital nomad who has lived in Greece full-time since 2022. Athens, with all its chaotic charm, has become Kathleen’s home, and her love for the country keeps getting stronger. Kathleen started her writing business, secured a residency visa in Greece, and has grown her business into a sustainable and successful company. In this episode:How Kathleen transitioned from a corporate job in Boston to freelancing in GreeceRequirements for the Greek digital nomad visa and residency permitWhy Athens is an amazing city — but not for everyoneHow Kathleen built a successful freelance writing businessGreek bureaucracy and living with uncertaintyAdvice for women over 30 who dream of moving abroad but feel scaredWhere to find Kathleen:Substack: American Girl in GreeceTravel blog: mylonesomeroads.comGreek nomad visa/permit processLinkedInWatch episode 72 on YouTubeThank you to our season sponsor, ⁠International Living⁠!

Two Countries, One Brave Leap: Jacinda’s Journey from the US to Spain to Guatemala | Ep 71

Jacinda Fuller is an international educator and aspiring freelancer who’s passionate about living life abroad. After spending three lovely years in Spain, she knew that living abroad was meant for her. Now based in Guatemala, Jacinda is enjoying the warm hospitality and Latin American culture. Cepee catches up with Jacinda, who speaks about why she left Spain, her temporary return to the US, and the teaching opportunity that led her to Central America.This conversation isn't just about changing countries; it's about Jacinda's journey of resilience, adapting to bureaucracy and cultural differences, and her plans to keep evolving her career as a long-term expat.In this episode:Why Jacinda returned to the US after three years as a language assistant in SpainHow Jacinda found a teaching job at an international school in GuatemalaHer favorite things about Spain and her new home of GuatemalaAdvice on overcoming challenges and fears when moving abroadAbout Jacinda:In her free time, she enjoys baking, exploring nature, and spending time with friends. Still figuring things out, always open to new experiences, and excited for whatever comes next.Connect with Jacinda on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jacinda.fuller.9Mentioned in this episode: Creating the Change You Want to See in Your Life with Jacinda Fuller | Ep 46 Amisa (American International Schools in the Americas)Watch episode 71 on YouTubeThank you to our sponsor, INTERNATIONAL LIVING!