What happens when you spend three weeks traveling through Spain with a group of strangers, touring property, talking to locals, and trying to answer the big question: Could I really move abroad?

In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Thays Morgan, a savvy traveler and curious real estate investor who joined our scouting trip across Southern Spain.

Thays didn’t come with the expectation that she would find her forever home—she came to explore and to see if Spain was the right country for her.

Tune in as we unpack:

- The cultural surprises that made Spain feel safe, warm, and inviting

- Why Thays fell in love with the idea of “living smaller” and entertaining outside

- The importance of connectivity and walkability when choosing a location abroad

- How scouting trips can shape your strategy—even if you’re not ready to buy

Whether you're dreaming of a move abroad, planning a property scouting trip, or simply curious about international lifestyles, this episode is packed with real insights you won’t want to miss.

📌 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:1) Learn about upcoming scouting trips: https://expatsi.com/scouting-trip/2)

Moving to Spain Resources:

- Relocation Packages - https://movingtospain.com/services/planning-packages/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Immigration assistance - https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Tax Advice - https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Foreign Exchange brokers - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Health Insurance - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e

* I may earn a small commission from some links in this post. I only recommend trusted, vetted resources.

Book a Free 15-min Strategy Call with Vanessa from Solena Global Living: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

Chapters

00:00 Returning Home: Reflections on Travel

03:53 The Journey to Financial Independence

08:14 Exploring Spain: Expectations vs. Reality

14:35 Cultural Insights: Community and Safety in Spain

19:49 Real Estate Realities: Hot Takes on Properties

20:56 Adapting to a New Lifestyle: Laundry and Living Spaces

21:40 Living Like a Local in Spain

23:17 Understanding Property Investment Dynamics

24:57 The Benefits of Low Property Taxes

27:31 Financing and Carrying Costs in Spain

28:28 Navigating the Real Estate Process

31:05 The Importance of Representation in Real Estate

34:05 Tax Implications of Moving to Spain

37:53 Future Plans and Reflections on the Journey

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real stories and real estate tips about life abroad.

#LiveAbroad #MovingToSpain #SpainRealEstate #SolenaGlobalLiving #ExpatLife #ScoutingTrip #RealEstateInvesting #expatsi

In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I talk with Ann Reed, an American retiree who joined me on a three-week scouting trip through Spain.

Like many who dream of moving abroad, Ann came searching for clarity—could she really move her life to Spain? While the trip answered many questions about where to live and what kind of lifestyle she wanted, it also surfaced something she didn’t expect: the complex financial and tax implications of retiring in Spain.

From Spain’s wealth tax to residency rules that impact American retirees, Ann shares what she wishes she had known before booking the trip.

Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just financially planning your move abroad, this episode will help you:

- Understand Spain’s wealth tax and who it affects

- Learn why tax and financial planning should start before your scouting trip

Hear the honest reflections of someone who fell in love with Spain—but now has serious questions about whether she can afford to live there long-term.

📌 Thinking about moving to Spain? Don’t overlook the financial side. Here are some important resources to explore before your move:

1. Finance and tax advising: https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e

2. Immigration and visa options: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e

3. Rental Search: https://movingtospain.com/housing-resources/?_housing_resources_services=rental-search/?aff=9baf6b2e

Meet with Me: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

I offer a free 15-minute strategy call to help you define your next step and introduce you to the team of experts best qualified to help you navigate your move abroad.

Discover Expatsi: https://expatsi.com/expat-shop/spain-scouting-trips/

👉 Subscribe for more real stories, expert interviews, and relocation advice to help you live your dream abroad—with clarity and confidence.

Note: this post contains affiliate links to services I recommend with confidence.

From Stressed Library Director to Spanish Beach Life - A Solo Woman's Journey at 55What does it really look like to completely transform your life in your 50s? Meet Jeannie Dilger, who left her high-stress job as a library director in Chicago to build her dream life in Valencia, Spain - and she's never looked back.In this inspiring episode, Jeannie shares her complete transformation story:

✨ How she went from working 60+ hours a week to 20 hours with LESS stress✨ Why her anxiety and gut health issues completely disappeared✨ How she built a thriving social circle as a solo expat woman✨ The truth about the Digital Nomad Visa process and costs✨ Why Valencia became her perfect beach city (when it wasn't even on her list!)✨ How she cut her living costs by 50% while improving her quality of life"The best time to start your happiness project was 10 years ago. The second best time is NOW." - Jeannie's advice for women dreaming of change.If you're a woman over 50 feeling stuck, overworked, or dreaming of a fresh start abroad, this episode will show you it's not only possible - it's easier than you think.CONNECT WITH JEANNIE:https://www.adventuringalone.com/https://linktr.ee/JeannieDilgerRESOURCES MENTIONED: Immigration/Visa: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2eTax Advice: https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2eRental Search: https://movingtospain.com/housing-resources/?_housing_resources_services=rental-search?aff=9baf6b2eReady to explore your own Spanish adventure?MEET WITH ME (FREE 15-MINUTE CALL)Schedule a Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-callFollow Solena Global Living for more inspiring expat stories:YouTube: @solenagloballivingInstagram: @solena_globallivingTiktok: @solenagloballiving

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

07:13 Finding Home: The Move to Valencia

11:38 Cultural Acceptance: Embracing Diversity in Spain

13:00 Building Community: Networking in a New Country

16:44 Navigating Bureaucracy: Visa and Residency Process

22:45 Financial Adjustments: Cost of Living and Taxes

32:32 Quality of Life: The Benefits of Relocation

35:48 Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Future Expats

37:46 Making the Move to Spain

38:16 Support and Resources for Relocation

#Valencia #SpainExpat #SoloWomanTravel #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #Valencia #SpainLiving #EarlyRetirement #SoloExpat #solenagloballiving

Note: This post contains affiliate links