Like many Americans, I had always dreamed up moving to Europe. And in 2015, at 35, I decided to leave Texas for Spain.

Two years later, I founded She Hit Refresh, a community that helps women over 30 take the leap abroad. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of women build new lives in countries like Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

The most popular destinations among the women I work with tend to have warm weather and flexible visa options. Spain and Portugal top the list because they’re relatively affordable for Western Europe, enjoy a relaxed pace of life, and have residency pathways that don’t require you to be independently wealthy or retired. 

One country that few Americans could probably find on a map, let alone consider moving to, is Albania. But that’s changing. 

In recent years, I kept hearing about Albania from members of my community. A handful had moved there and couldn’t stop raving about it. Intrigued, I spent a month in Albania in 2024, mainly in the capital, Tirana, and along the coast. I wanted to see what the buzz was about, and what I found truly surprised me.

Albania may not be for everyone — no place is — but for many Americans dreaming of a soft landing, it checks a lot of boxes. Here’s why I consider it the No. 1 overlooked destination in Europe for those hoping to relocate from the U.S.:

Albania is one of the few places in Europe where you can still rent a comfortable apartment for under $500 a month, according to the women in my network. This low cost of living is one of the biggest reasons Americans are flocking there.

Take Cheryl Orlov, who moved from Redondo Beach, California, to Tirana. “Even though the cost of living is rising in Tirana, it’s still a fraction of what I paid in California,” she told me. Her rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Tirana, for example, is less than one sixth of what she’d been paying for a two-bedroom cottage in Redondo Beach before she left California in 2023.

Groceries, dining out, and healthcare are also much more affordable. For digital nomads and retirees alike, Albania offers a quality of life that’s increasingly out of reach in many U.S. cities.

One of Albania’s biggest advantages is that Americans can live there visa-free for up to 12 months, a rare benefit in Europe.

You can hop on a plane tonight and start your new life in Albania tomorrow, no paperwork required. This makes it ideal for those who want to “test drive” life abroad without navigating complex visa systems.

While in Tirana, I met with Denisa Kaca Bradley, founder of Expats in Albania, to learn more about immigration options. She explained that while staying beyond a year does require paperwork, it’s possible and her organization helps newcomers with the process. 

At her weekly meetups, I met dozens of Americans: solo women, couples, and families. Many use Albania as a stepping stone. They stay for a year or two before moving on to another part of Europe once they’ve figured out the visa situation elsewhere. Others choose to stay long-term.

From the rugged Albanian Alps in the north to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea in the west and the Ionian in the south, the country’s landscape is breathtaking.

During my trip, I drove down the Albanian Riviera and visited Saranda, a lively seaside town with a beautiful promenade. It was September and the weather was still warm enough to swim and sunbathe, but the beaches were practically empty — a rare treat compared to places like Spain or Italy. On a clear day you can see Greece in the distance! The island of Corfu is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. 

I didn’t make it to the northern mountains, but they’re high on my list for next time. Remote villages, hiking trails, and gorgeous landscapes make it a dream for outdoor lovers.

Until the early 1990s, Albania was largely closed off to the world under a communist regime. Tourism has only really picked up in the last decade or so. As a result, Albania still feels authentically Albanian.

At the same time, Albanians are notably welcoming of Americans, something that surprised many expats I spoke with. The pro-America sentiment and friendliness to expats makes it easier for newcomers to feel at home and connect with the local community.

In cities like Tirana and coastal towns like Vlorë, there’s also a growing number of foreigners putting down roots. Like Monica Miranda, an American who moved from Jersey City, New Jersey to Vlorë at 43 with her dog. “I didn’t know much about Albania,” she told me. “But the moment I arrived, something clicked. One month turned into two.” Monica has now lived in Albania for nearly two years and recently received her five-year residency card.

“I’ve built a supportive community of expats from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Latin America,” she said. “We catch up a few times a week. It’s been an incredibly grounding experience.”

It may not be the first country that comes to mind, but for many Americans I’ve met, Albania has become the right place at the right time. 

Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a community and resource platform that helps women aged 30+ move abroad, and the author of ”I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe.” As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before becoming an immigrant herself in Spain.

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You don’t need to eat a big slab of meat every day to meet your protein needs. In fact, loading up on animal-based protein, especially from factory-farmed sources, can do more harm than good.

Studies show that an excessive amount of red meat can lead to increased inflammation, accelerated aging, and increased risk of chronic disease. One major culprit? A sugar molecule called “Neu5Gc,” commonly found in red meat. Your body sees it as a foreign invader, triggering an immune response that can lead to long-term inflammation.

Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet. But for many people, plant-based protein can be a powerful alternative that’s packed with benefits like fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Plus, research has continuously shown that non-meat protein sources can be better for your health, longevity, and brain function. Here are six high-protein foods I love and recommend all the time — your body and brain will thank you.

Lentils are my top choice when it comes to legumes. They’re one of the most protein-rich legumes, with fewer calories than most. They’re also higher in resistant starch and prebiotic fiber, which feed your gut microbiome.

Pro tip: Soak or pressure-cook lentils to reduce lectins, which can impact or slow down nutrient absorption. You can add lentils to soups, stews, or homemade veggie burgers.

Hemp seeds are one of the rare plant-based proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein.

They’re rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and gut-friendly fiber. Just be sure to choose organic, cold-pressed hemp protein with no added sugars.

Pro tip: Trader Joe’s sells organic hemp protein power, which I like adding to smoothies. You can find hemp hearts at Costco — perfect on salads or roasted vegetables.

Native to Brazil’s Cerrado region, Barù nuts pack more protein per serving than nearly any other nut. They’re also full of antioxidants and fiber, and have a satisfying, earthy crunch.

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Pro tip: You can usually find Barù nuts at grocery stores, but if you don’t, try looking online. I love snacking on a handful daily. They taste like a cross between peanuts and almonds.

This blue-green algae is one of the most protein-dense foods on the planet (by weight, it’s nearly 70% protein). It contains iron, B vitamins, and a powerful antioxidant called phycocyanin that helps support brain and immune function.

Pro tip: Try adding spirulina to your smoothies or juices. You can also substitute it with chlorella, another nutrient-rich algae, in powder or tablet form.

Flaxseeds don’t get enough love, but they’re a fantastic source of plant protein, omega-3s, and lignans, which have hormone-balancing benefits.

When flaxseeds are in their whole form, you cannot digest their beneficial compound, so always choose ground flaxseeds.

Pro tip: I like to keep a bag of organic whole flax in the refrigerator and grind it as needed to ensure freshness (just like you’d only grind coffee beans right before brewing). Add to smoothies, sprinkle on salads, or try my cinnamon flaxseed mug in a muffin recipe for a quick, healthy breakfast.

Sick of quinoa or couscous? Sorghum is a protein-rich ancient grain with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. One cup has 21 grams of protein (more than twice that of quinoa), and three ounces of sorghum has more iron than a serving of steak!

Even better? It’s a great source of polyphenols and one of the few lectin-free grains.

Pro tip: Use sorghum flour for gluten-free baking, or look for it in pasta form for a high-protein, plant-forward meal.

Dr. Steven Gundry, MD, is a former cardiac surgeon, founder of GundryMD, and author of the bestselling books ”The Gut-Brain Paradox″ and ”The Plant Paradox.” For over two decades, his research has focused on the microbiome’s role in chronic disease and longevity. He received his degrees from Yale University and the Medical College of Georgia, and completed his surgical residency at the University of Michigan. Follow him on Instagram @drstevengundry.

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Ever dreamed of taking a sabbatical from your career and traveling the world?

Jason Lee and his wife Katie did that when, in July 2024, they moved themselves and their son from Columbus, Ohio, to Taipei, Taiwan.

Jason and Katie, both 34, came up with the idea after they brought Forrest, now 6, to visit his paternal grandparents in Taiwan when he was an infant.

They spent eight weeks together while Jason took paternity leave and saw how special it was for his parents to bond with their grandson.

Jason tells CNBC Make It that during their tearful goodbyes at the airport at the end of the trip, “I just thought to myself, if I could make something happen where we could gift to [my parents] the extended amount of time that they could spend with this child, what a special moment that would be.”

At first he considered finding a way to move his career to Taiwan, until he realized he didn’t want to deal with its demanding work culture.

So, the couple decided to save up for a true career break so they could spend time with family in Taiwan without having to work.

The couple spent the next five years saving up for their sabbatical.

They timed it so Forrest would be in Taiwan for his kindergarten year, and decided to spend 13 months abroad to match up with the academic year, plus summer breaks, to get him back stateside for first grade.

Jason and Katie drew up the numbers and set a goal to save $60,000 for the move.

Jason says he viewed the goal like any household would save up for a home renovation project, and they used the You Need a Budget app to track their savings.

They set themselves up so their stateside expenses would be minimal while they were in Taiwan. Both of their cars are paid off, and the mortgage on the starter house they bought in 2016 is $1,200 a month. Jason says a friend is renting the house from them to cover their mortgage and leasing one of the cars while they stay.

As for their stay, they rented an apartment and spent months preparing their paperwork. Jason used his Taiwanese passport (he was born there and moved to the U.S. when he was 9), Forrest got his own Taiwan passport, and Katie obtained a spousal visa.

By the summer of 2024, Jason quit his job in sales, and Katie left her work at a nonprofit.

Jason says timing was important: Not only did he want to make sure Forrest had enough time with his grandparents and to adjust to kindergarten, but taking the leap was also crucial for himself, Katie and the grandparents.

“This is not something that can afford to wait,” Jason says. “If I don’t do this now, I will forever lose my 30s. And then when am I going to re-explore myself again? In my 40s? My 50s? By the time I retire in my 60s? I just didn’t feel like that was a good trade off.”

What’s more, he wanted to make sure that Forrest had time to interact with his grandparents while they are still in good health and mobile.

Overall, Jason says, “as I look back to this year and I think about all the trips we were able to do and all the memories we were able to make, it’s absolutely worth it.”

In addition to spending more quality time with family, Jason set a few personal and professional goals for himself for his sabbatical.

He says his career break has given him time and energy to focus on his physical and mental health, such as going to the gym, meditating, eating healthfully and working with a psychiatrist for the first time, thanks to Taiwan’s universal health care system.

With more mental clarity, Jason says he’s turned his attention to what he wants out of his career. Prior to his break, he says he put a lot of pressure on himself to have a high-performing sales year; when that didn’t pan out, it took a toll on his sense of self.

“The whole last 10 years, I’ve been dictating my career next steps not based on what I want, but based on what the world or LinkedIn tells me I should want,” Jason says.

He realized he felt pressure to continue climbing the corporate ladder to earn higher titles and more money. “I just realized how much of that has set me up for being unhappy, when I don’t prioritize myself or what I want.”

By March, he sat down with Katie with a big realization that once they returned to the U.S., they were OK with not chasing the same salaries they had before.

“I realized that our family doesn’t need to make as much or more than what we made before in order to be happy,” Jason says. “We are so happy right now, the happiest we’ve been as a family, and we are living our life on less than what we had before.”

The Lees have big plans for their return to the states.

“The plan was always to return in August, but surprise, we got pregnant,” Jason says.

The couple had discussed having their second baby during their sabbatical, given Taiwan’s high quality of birthing and post-natal care for families.

Katie gave birth to their daughter, Ruby, in early July, so the family of four will return to the states in October when she has a passport and is able to travel.

Jason and Katie say their first career-related priority is for one of them to secure a job back in the U.S. as soon as possible to make sure their family has health insurance coverage. Jason says he’ll consider taking a lower-paying job that affords more flexibility, like with a company that makes it easier to work summers remote in Taiwan.

Katie, meanwhile, has spent her sabbatical drafting business plans for two startup ideas, a vending machine business and a play cafe for kids and their parents or caregivers, and hopes to continue building out those ideas in the U.S.

As for their journey so far, “it’s just been so transformative for the family,” he says.

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Lucy Rout is not your typical entrepreneur.

The 30-year-old Londoner — known for going viral for skiing off an icy slope in a bikini and for consulting her Instagram followers on whether she should fly 10,000 miles for a fourth date with a man — has used her eclectic experiences to develop a new dating model that’s all about making meaningful connections.

Rout told CNBC her confidence had never been lower when using traditional dating apps.

After years of being ghosted, and what she describes as a “strange dopamine cycle of downloading, trying some dates, experiencing bad behavior, writing them off, and vowing to never do it ever again, and then starting the cycle again,” — Rout determined that people were hungry for in real life (IRL) connections. 

She came up with the idea of Haystack Dating in a bid to increase the chances of people building romantic connections.

“What we absolutely can do is increase the chances and put people in the right environments where they feel safe and included. Use a bit of tech, use their similar interests and bring them together, and just make it less of a needle in a haystack and more of a needle in a sewing box,” she told CNBC Make It in an interview. 

Rout doesn’t just expect her customers to show up at an event and attempt to strike up conversations at random. Instead, attendees fill in a form that inputs their data through an algorithm that matches them with a small group of people based on similar interests and personality traits.  

“I researched the parameters that lead to meaningful connections and tried to understand a lot more about the psychology of how people work — introvert versus extrovert, effort levels, career ambition. I spoke to hundreds of people about it and I came up with this current algorithm, which we’re always optimizing,” Rout said.  

Attendees commit to an activity such as cricket or touch rugby for an hour, and then spend the rest of the evening with the full group of guests.

So far, as many as 200 to 500 people have shown up to a single event, and 92% of customers show up alone, Rout said, with events in London costing around £30 ($39.85).

Rout has been documenting her entrepreneurial journey and her distaste for men’s poor behavior in the dating world on Instagram for years.

A cancer survivor, she created a pill case called Tabuu that secured investments on BBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2023. Before Haystack, she was working on Tabuu remotely in Colombia, while posting snippets of her life, reminding women to never chase a man “unless he is the ice-cream man.”

Three years of using dating apps severely deteriorated her confidence, Rout told CNBC. She’s not alone, with dating app users becoming increasingly disenchanted with online dating.  

Frequent use of dating apps can contribute to a decline in mental health and negatively impact a person’s body image, according to a study published in April. Increasing the number of available partners on dating apps lowered self-esteem, the study found. Across heterosexual and LGBTQ + connections, ghosting and online sexual violence were factors that contributed to psychological distress. 

These experiences are leading to a decline in dating app use, according to an OFCOM report from late 2024, which tracked how U.K. adults spent time online. From 2023 to 2024, Tinder lost nearly 600,000 users, Hinge saw 131,000 less visitors to its app, Bumble shed 368,000 users, and Grindr users were down 11,000.  

As millennials and Gen Z leave online dating behind, IRL events are making a comeback, and even dating apps are trying to tap into the hype. Hinge announced a $1 million fund in March, for social groups across New York, Los Angeles and London to put on events for young people to connect in person and build relationships.  

Bumble IRL was founded in 2022 with a range of exclusive in-person events centered around fitness, food, music and charity. 

“Yes, you can meet 5 Hinge dates in a week, or you can come to one pub once and meet a few hundreds. I think people do want to find love, and they’re just no longer willing to put themselves through the crap that comes with dating apps.

“That’s exactly where I got to. I got to dating burnout. And I just thought to myself, you know, I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m actually going to try and fix it for other people,” Rout said.

It was at an entrepreneurial networking event that Rout met her now-boyfriend in December 2023. In a turn of events that she documented on Instagram, she flew 10,000 miles as he was travelling to South-East Asia to meet him again for a fourth date.  While she was navigating her new relationship, Rout was developing Haystack to help others find love. 

With nearly 50,000 followers, it was Rout’s Instagram community that drove the initial sales for Haystack, with word-of-mouth reviews and recommendations helping spread the word. 

“Whilst I’d say initial sales definitely were driven by my Instagram community, you don’t go back if you’ve had a bad experience. I am not going into the numbers, but we have had a very high return user rate,” she said.

Haystack is set to launch in Leeds, and together with her team of six, Lucy is bringing her events to the rest of the U.K.

“In IRL events, there’s a hell of a lot more accountability, and people behave very differently in person than they do virtually. There is no way in hell that people in real life would have said to me some of the things they said on dating apps. People behave better. They’re kinder.” 

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If you ask Donna Morris, there’s one behavior that’s the ultimate red flag an employee won’t get far in the workplace: when someone is a “Debbie Downer.”

Morris, 57, has been executive vice president and chief people officer at Walmart since 2020, helping shape the employee experience of 2.1 million workers since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to her current role, she spent 17 years at Adobe in a variety of leadership positions — and throughout her career, she’s learned a thing or two about red flags in the office.

“Nobody wants [to hire] a Debbie Downer,” Morris tells CNBC Make It, adding that this kind of person is “constantly negative. You know they’re going to show up [and] they’re going to bring the problem, never the solution. I like people who bring the problem and a suggestion for how they might resolve [it.]”

A “Debbie Downer” can also be someone who’s a naysayer, sharing negative opinions about others’ ideas and goals, or regularly being a hindrance to new projects and perspectives. This could make it difficult for them to make the connections needed to climb the corporate ladder, or for their bosses and managers to trust them with new projects.

If your co-worker has this character trait, they’re “only going to support you to a restricted limit,” Juliette Han, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, told CNBC Make It in June 2023. “They need you to stay within a short leash, and might discourage you from meeting new people in the company or going after new projects if it doesn’t benefit them directly.”

That doesn’t mean you should practice toxic optimism, pretending everything is fine when your team is facing difficult circumstances, for example. It’s unnatural and unrealistic for someone to be happy all the time, Morris says. Similarly, a continuous negative spiral could be a signal that you’re in the wrong job or company, she adds. 

There are a couple attributes that separate the most highly successful employees to those who fall short, says Morris.

She thinks highly of workers who “deliver what you are expecting at the time that you’re expecting,” she says. “You’re better to deliver early than to deliver late, and you’re better to deliver more than less.”

“Another green flag is they’re open to opportunities, and they put their hand up to take on more,” she adds. “Or they bring a problem with the remedy or request help in a timely manner, as opposed to the house is on fire.”

You can show you have this kind of team player, self-starter attitude by offering help even when you’re not asked for it, like volunteering to mentor the new intern or pitching an idea that solves a problem your boss has been dealing with.

Demonstrating radical intellectual curiosity, like researching a new AI tool or a new software your competitors are using, then sharing your findings with your boss or manager, also goes a long way, according to Michael Ramlett, CEO of global data intelligence firm Morning Consult. 

And if you’re willing to help your colleagues along the way, acting as a mentor and sharing the things you’ve learned, that’s the icing on the cake, Morris says.

“People who you see are actually helping others [are a] total green flag.”

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