This Female Founder Is Making Hair Accessories More Fun, While Giving Back

At Behere, we travel often and are always looking for brands and products that are great for travel, and the world. That’s why we were excited to connect with a female founder giving back – and creating a brand with a philanthropic focus! We caught up with Elle Draper, founder of Lemonelle, to learn more about her initial idea for her company and how she’s giving back through her passion.

Elle shared her initial ideation for Lemonelle

“I’ve been sewing since I was very young (mainly self-taught), and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind. I moved to NYC right after college, and having studied/ practiced art and design my whole life. I knew I wanted a career in the creative space, but I didn’t have the guts to start something on my own until I had spent a few years working at and learning from other companies.

After two years working as a graphic designer at a female-founded startup, where I was creating relationships with hundreds of small unique retail brands, I realized I was ready to BE one of those brands. To initiate my creative brainstorm, I thought back to my childhood and the days I spent playing around on the sewing machine.

I dusted off my machine and started tinkering with small accessories, simple dresses, and scrunchies. I saw scrunchies coming back into the high fashion world, and that was the idea that I ran with. Like a mad scientist, I started creating scrunchies of all sizes and materials, testing out different elastics until I landed on the *perfect* pattern, which is the one I use for all my scrunchies now.

The name came next. I didn’t want to limit myself by putting ‘scrunchies’ into the brand name, so I thought back to the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and ‘Lemonelle’ was born! Another reason I like the ‘lemon’ concept is the phrase can have different endings – lemonade is just one of many options.

Cool! Tell us more about the scrunchies

“Everything is made in the USA, and I hand-pick all the fabrics myself from a variety of sources. I choose fabrics that make sense for the season, and the product. I have to consider what material(s) will look and feel good even after they’re all cinched up. Stretch velvet works nicely and has been a popular style for fall and winter. I like satin/silk combos with beautiful prints, and for the summer collection I’m using a lot of fun spandex/swim-friendly fabric.

Recently, I’ve been designing my own *custom* fabrics (also manufactured in the US). Early on, I was sewing all the scrunchies myself, but once I had perfected the product design and packaging, I decided it was best to outsource production so I could spend more time on marketing and website design.”

Being a first time founder is never easy, Elle shared some of her journey

“Finding the right manufacturer is a trial and error process. I cold-called a long list of NYC based manufacturing studios, and found three different spots that agreed to do small batch production with my original pattern. After a few rounds with NYC based production, I decided the costs were a bit high, so I expanded my search into the rest of the US. I found a studio in Kentucky, and one in LA.

I still sew all the initial samples of each style myself when I first pick out the fabrics, but then I send the fabric to those production places for the rest. Everything is made in small batches because I think it’s special to create scarcity with limited editions. It also helps me figure out what my customers are drawn to the most.”

Not only does she hand-sew each initial sample, but Elle also focuses on having a social impact

“A portion of every sale goes towards a charity called Sew Powerful, an organization that teaches women in impoverished countries how to sew.

I chose to give back because I wanted my brand to have a social impact. Sew Powerful was my charity of choice because when I considered the skills that made it possible for me to start a company, sewing was top of mind. I realized how grateful I am to have been exposed to a sewing machine at such a young age. I want to give other women the opportunity to create things with the same versatile skill and hopefully enable them to provide for their families or themselves.

In certain cases, my donation will go towards another charity. For example, I collaborated with a musical artist, Anjali World, on a specific scrunchie style (a green one called ‘Nani’, based on her nickname). Anjali founded a non-profit called Jaws and Paws which aims to protect wildlife. The proceeds from the ‘Nani’ style go towards her organization, and I plan to expand my donations with other collaborations later.”

lemonelleWith so many hair accessories now, what makes Lemonelle unique?

“Oh so many reasons! The philanthropic aspect of Lemonelle is one piece of it, but also the product design and the whole brand-experience is different than most. The packaging is very thoughtful; each scrunchie comes in a small clear cylinder (a pillow shape for the three-packs) with a citrus candy (lemon!) because I want the ‘unboxing’ experience to be as special as the product.

Delighting the customer is really important in creating loyalty, so I also include a circular ‘thank you’ /informational card about the company and the cause within each package. The plastic containers can be repurposed as cute little catch-alls, and the aesthetic just feels more luxurious than the typical cardboard hanger that we see for most scrunchie displays. Each scrunchie style has a fun original name to suggest a more dynamic ‘story’ beyond the color, and in each scrunchie we sew a signature yellow satin ‘tab’ for an added flair and brand recognition.

As a solo female founder, I am quality assuring every single scrunchie before I send it out, and I produce all my own social media content/ website designs (for now).

Lemonelle is also very collaboration friendly! I’ve worked with a few other small brands to create cross promotional opportunities and make special ‘bundles’. For example, over the holidays I partnered with a cosmetic brand. We created a bundle where her lipstick color matched the Lemonelle scrunchie and sold it as a duo. I have more exciting collaborations in the works too.”

And of course, why are Lemonelle scrunchies so great for travel?

“They are debatably the best travel accessory! They fit anywhere, they’re light as a feather (won’t weigh down your suitcase) and they’re incredibly versatile. Scrunchies can be dressed up or down, and unlike certain jewelry they won’t get impossibly tangled up in your travel bag.

They’re also comfortable and beneficial for hair-health. Regular hair-ties can cause split ends and unwanted kinks; scrunchies are gentle on your locks and, in my opinion, way more fun. They can be worn on the wrist like a bracelet, or in an updo for an effortless flair.

They’re perfect as travel GIFTS too; I’ve gotten amazing feedback from customers who have gotten Lemonelle as bachelorette party gifts or a bridesmaid goodies. Suitcase-caused fabric wrinkles are a non-issue as well. I never go anywhere without my scrunchies!”


Check out Lemonelle on Instagram. And if you want to support a female founder and get your hands on Elle’s scrunchies for your next trip, head to lemonelle.co.

Meet Our Barcelona City Host, Sam

When Behere cofounder, Meesen Brown, first moved to Barcelona she was fortunate to have connected with this amazing woman, Sam. A fellow female entrepreneur and remote work advocate, Sam had lived all around the world and was finally settling back in Barcelona to pursue her passion. They instantly hit it off and Sam became the city host for Barcelona, sharing her extensive knowledge of the city (and it’s incredible food) with Behere ladies. Read about Sam and her favorite things in Barcelona below.

You’ve done your fair share of traveling, tell us about how that all started…

I was born in Barcelona but two weeks later left for Portugal, where my parents were living at the time. Since then, I was raised as a ‘Third Culture Kid’ – moving every few years. By the time I was 18, I had lived in 7 cities, on 3 different continents. I had caught the ‘Nomad Bug’ and decided to keep going. My current count is 13 moves, to 11 cities, in 8 countries across 3 continents. Spanning from Barcelona, NYC, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Singapore and more.

What do you love so much about traveling?

What’s not to love about traveling?! Realizing you don’t need that many things to enjoy your everyday life except for a carry on and enough clean socks and underwear. Being constantly engaged by the novelty of a new country, new culture or language? The flavors and new ingredients of each place you land in. And the people, every time, no matter the differences, you always realize we are all looking for the same things in life. It doesn’t matter the religion, ethnicity, upbringing, we are all the same and I love being able to rediscover that every time I go to a new place.

What are you currently working on and what inspired you to start it?

I’m working on WTFBCN (Where is The Food? Barcelona) a passion project I started after leaving my 9-5 office job in Amsterdam. I used to work for a multinational company and even though life was good, life is even better now. I decided to move back to Barcelona, my hometown, to study Photography, specializing in Gastronomy. With my business background, I help restaurants with their photography, social media and marketing strategy needs.

From experience, what are your thoughts on living in new places.

Living in new places is necessary. It’s many times hard, harder than you can imagine – being surrounded by a new language, new customs, new shampoo brands you don’t know. Everything is new and this is both exciting and many times scary without a support system. Having been the ‘New Person’ so many times in schools or jobs it’s always daunting. You never really get used to it, even if you learn to adapt.
That’s one of the reasons I love being the Barcelona City Host for Behere. I’ve always so appreciated when someone has helped me figure out a new place, so I am happy to pay it forward. Plus, Barcelona is such an amazing, magical place it’s hard to not want to share this beautiful place with all the awesome (and kickass) women that have come through Barcelona with Behere. It’s been such a pleasure being able to meet these beautiful and hard-working ladies that it inspires me to keep pushing towards my goals.

We’re dying to know, what is your favorite thing about Barcelona?

My favorite thing about Barcelona is that although it might not be as big as NYC or Shanghai, it’s impossible to get bored. There is always something happening, the creativity and energy in this city is contagious! From travel-inspired ecological brunch spots like EatMyTrip, local bookstore turned tapas place like Pepa Pla, old-school favorites like Bar Cañete or wine tastings at Blended & Bottle Studio.
As well as the countless local experiences like The Paella Club, Indian Cuisine Master Classes with Anjalina Chugani, to Dining at a local sustainable farm with Foodisms, or clandestine dinner parties with Let’s Drunch in hidden venues all over the city. (By the way, most of these initiatives are run by inspiring female entrepreneurs from around the world!!).
Can’t give out all the secrets but when you come to Barcelona with Behere, you’ll be getting a personal tour of the best rooftops with views, most delicious bites, hidden gems, great brunch spots, and the best wine and cocktail bars.


To meet Sam in Barcelona and tour the city with her, live in Barcelona for a month with Behere. To get started choose the month you want to go, then an apartment, workspace and fitness studio here.
Photos and words by Sam.

Why Quitting Her Corporate Job to Travel was Just what She Needed

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories, and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new place a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Chloe Handelman, decided quitting her corporate job to travel was just what she needed. Originally from Rochester, NY, Chloe used Behere to book her trip to Bali this fall. There she focused on starting her freelance business and connecting with other inspiring ladies in Bali. Read her story below.

You quit your corporate job so what are you working on now?

Right now, I am working on building up my own freelance Systems Engineering and Process Improvement consulting business. Using my corporate consulting experiences, engineering background, and interpersonal effectiveness, I bring a fresh perspective to businesses. Essentially, I help identify, solve, and implement solutions to critical business problems.

What does your daily routine look like while traveling?

This totally depends on the city I am in!
In October, I lived in Bali right near great surfing beaches. I liked to wake up, without an alarm clock, and then surf or workout. I then would head over to my workspace or a cafe with WiFi. There were always skill sharing or networking events at the workspace in the evening, so I would try to go to as many as possible. I was always open to the opportunity to grab food with friends so I did that most days too!
The point is: I create my daily routine. Every. Single. Day. I decide when I wake up, when I workout, and when it’s time to buckle down and crank some work out.
And the best part?
I don’t need to ask permission to take a walk on the beach to re-energize.

What was the most valuable thing you learned while in Bali?

That sometimes doing “nothing” is the biggest “something” you can do. One week I was in a rut. I was overwhelmed with feeling like I needed to figure everything out but had no idea where to start.
A million ideas swirled around in my mind but it seemed impossible to do anything. I reluctantly decided to do “nothing.” I still showed up every day to the workspace…. I went to networking events and socialized with peers.
And POOF!
I felt a million times better and I was able to find clarity regarding my next steps. By releasing the feeling of needing to figure everything out, things were naturally figured out for me through casual conversation and meditation.

How did Behere help in your journey?

The second I decided to use Behere, the paralyzing pressure to “figure out how to travel the world” was lifted from my shoulders.
It was my one-way ticket out of my old restrictive life. All I needed to do was show up to my new city and everything was taken care of. Behere has some of the best accommodations, incredible workspaces, and amazing fitness facilities. By knowing these were booked, I was able to focus all my attention on my business and creating a lifestyle I love.

quitting her corporate job to travel

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

My favorite memory is the meals I had with other women I met. We continuously had deep and inspiring conversations, intermingled with outrageous banter and hilarious storytelling. The friendships we developed will truly last a lifetime.

How did living in new places affect your work?

Being abroad allowed me to surround myself with like-minded peers. Back home, I felt like I was always trying to make my friends and family understand my passions and aspirations. Abroad, I am surrounded by people living out my passions and aspirations. They continuously encourage and inspire me to keep driving my life and pursuing my dreams.

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new city for a month?

Step outside that zone of comfort.
Dare yourself to explore and find comfort in the unknown.
Within one week of being abroad, I was able to learn more about myself than I had in an entire year back home.
Within one month of being surrounded by similar minded people who work remotely, I was able to develop a plan to launch my own business and make traveling and working abroad my new lifestyle.


Ready to quit your job and explore a new city? Be prepared to do a lot of research, OR head to Behere. On Behere you can book an apartment, plus workspace and fitness studio, on one easy-to-use platform. Get started below!

Connect with Chloe on Instagram @chloehandelman.
Images and words courtesy of Chloe Handelman.

This Teacher Has Been Traveling the World for Two Years

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marly Chachas, is a teacher who has spent the last two years traveling on her own. Originally from the US, Marly booked her month in Bali this fall on Behere. She spent her time in Bali focusing on launching her business and connecting with other inspiring women. Read her story below!

Tell us how as a teacher, you can travel so much?

I’m a traveling teacher! I teach around the world through short-term teaching programs and teaching English online to kids in China. I also have my own business called ‘Travels While Teaching’ focused on inspiring and helping females travel the world while teaching. My course focuses on short-term global teaching programs and online teaching positions, allowing females to travel the world, make a global educational difference, and live in jaw-dropping destinations all the while being financially stable.

What does a typical day look like for you while working and traveling?

It depends on the country I’m living in and what I’m doing during that time. It varies if I’m in a teaching program or if I am teaching online.
A typical day in my teaching programs:
Each program had different schedules, agendas, and purposes. But overall I fully focused on fulfilling the mission and duties of being a teacher in that program.  It ranged from planning and carrying out my lessons in a regular classroom setting to developing different strategies and methods to enhance the global educational movement for teachers in limited resource environments.  I also met and lived with the most amazing people from around the world.  From an afternoon aperitivo with my Italian host mom in Torino, Italy to a weekend excursion with my teacher fellows to the island of Langkawi, Malaysia… my life has been fulfilled in so many ways!
A typical day teaching online:
I wake up naturally (no alarm, yeah!!) and make myself some coffee and get ready for the day.  I’ll find one of my favorite or new coffee/brunch place to work at. Mid-afternoon I’ll find some street food for lunch (especially in Asia) and then visit a temple/museum/ walk around the local markets or attend a workout class. Then I head back to my apartment to teach online for about 4-5 hours. At night I’ll meet up with friends for dinner and/or drinks, see some live music, get a massage, or just explore the city I’m in.  There is always something new to see or do each and every day.

traveling the world for two yearsWhat would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned while traveling?

Living and working abroad I’ve become a better person emotionally, intellectually, and culturally. Learning about the world around me has been stimulating and addictive. I’ve learned how to be truly independent and empowered. It’s taught me how to be confident in myself and my intuitions. I’ve learned that I am the only person that can control the outcome of my life.  It’s taught me that my dreams are possible and with the right mindset, dedication, and attitude you can truly accomplish anything!

How did Behere help in your journey?

Behere was AMAZING! I was able to live on the beautiful island of Bali, with other ladies, where we played, worked, and lived our best lives! It was truly such a pivotal turning point in my life that brought on a whole new way of living and working for me.
Behere provided a seamless transition between the previous country I was living in. I didn’t have to think about it, or waste time figuring out where I needed to live, work, exercise or play. It was all done for me. And as any traveler knows, that takes up so much valuable time to figure out!
They also provided a city host, so if at any time we needed anything, she was there. They also scheduled different events we could attend making my life in Bali that much better! As a female traveler, Behere truly made a difference in my traveling, work, and social lifestyle! Thank you Behere!!

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

Tough question because there are SO many and each one has such a significant purpose and reason.  If I had to choose just one, it would be trekking (hiking) through Cinque Terra, Italy by myself. Seeing the jaw-dropping views of the 5 towns, walking through the beautiful little streets, and sipping on a spritz as I enjoyed a mouthwatering bruschetta I thought to myself…. I did it, I made it happen, I’m living my dream!

How has traveling affected your work?

Once I started living/teaching abroad work wasn’t ‘work’ for me anymore, it became a lifestyle. I finally was living out my passion and once that happened, I haven’t worked a day since!

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?

DO IT!!! It’s only a month, and you will learn SO much about yourself and other countries and cultures! Be open-minded to everything around you… food, people, and the entire experience.  You never know the possibilities a month-long trip can present.


Connect with Marly online at travelswhileteaching.com  or on IG at @marlychachas or in her Facebook Group.

Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!

Images and words courtesy of Marly Chachas.

What I Learned from Interviewing Women Around the World

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Maeve Ronan, decided to travel to meet and interview, women around the world. Originally from Massachusetts, Maeve booked her trips to Chiang Mai and Bali on Behere. She used this time to focus on building her company and interviewing inspiring women in Asia. Read her story below.

You’ve been interviewing women around the world, what do you plan to do with all this new knowledge?

“I am building my company, Girl Innovate, which gives teen girls books, curriculum, workshops, inspiration, support, and mentors to reach their full potential, impact society, and thrive in a world of endless opportunities. I’m currently writing a book filled with advice from women around the world, which is what inspired me to live abroad in multiple countries. I am collecting pieces of wisdom from all different types of successful women to broaden the perspectives of teen girls. You can follow along and learn more at girlinnovate.com or on Instagram at @girlinnovate.

What did a typical day look like for you while living in new places?

“While living abroad, each day was different, but always meaningful. My main goal was to not be too hard on myself to keep a rigid routine. As long as I got a few productive hours of work in, I was satisfied. The best part about living in an energetic, modern city was that once I was done with work, I could always find something fun to do and people to go with.”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“Behere helped alleviate the typical stress and logistics that come with living in a new place for a month. I didn’t have to worry about finding a credible apartment, fitness studio, or workspace, because it was all taken care of.

More importantly, the support from their team was incredible. When I got sick, they directed me to credible doctors and local remedies. I felt at peace knowing that even traveling by myself, I was never alone.

Booking through Behere allowed me to focus my energy on being productive in my business, rather than worry about trivial travel details.”

maeveronan1

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“My favorite memory while traveling was taking a weekend trip to Ubud, Bali with my new friends. Some of us brought work on the road (one benefit of working remotely!) and others left it behind for the weekend. My accommodation contact helped us book drivers and we were off, exploring a new town only an hour away.

We saw the incredible Tegalalang Rice Terrace, went on a death defying swing, got relaxing massages, had photoshoots at iconic waterfalls, and most importantly bonded as we reflected on the day by the pool.

How did living in new cities affect your work?

While living abroad, I felt productive every day because I made my mission clear at the beginning of each month. It’s easy to stay motivated when you love what you’re working on.

Being involved in a workspace made the biggest impact on my work. I developed my ideas more deeply and was held accountable because of the meaningful relationships I made with people around me. I also felt that living in such vibrant locations allowed me to be more creative in my work.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?

“I want women thinking about living in a new place for a month to realize that traveling is an experience that’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. Even with the extra support from Behere, traveling can be unpredictable, monotonous, and even overwhelming. But in that chaos, you find yourself, and that’s what makes living abroad such a beautiful adventure.”

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Connect with Maeve at girlinnovate.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
Want to meet incredible, inspiring people, in new places? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Maeve Ronan.

This Entrepreneur is Traveling the World while Running a Business

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Angela Garcia, is traveling the world while running a business. Originally from California, she booked her trip to Lisbon this summer using Behere. There, she focused on her work and connecting with other inspiring innovators. Read more below!

You’re an entrepreneur, we’d love to learn more about what you do.

“I am the Brand Coach + Designer behind Soul Cove Creative. I help female entrepreneurs create soul aligned Brands + Websites to stand out from the crowd and position themselves as leaders in their field.
My mission is to empower women to step into their power and be seen as their true authentic self, bringing their vision to life through their brand and website.
I work with my clients one-on-one to discover their unique brand identity, develop their messaging + positioning to build their tribe, refine and map out their programs, and create a brand + website that matches the size of their vision.”

traveling the world while running a businessWe love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“I was watching the sunset with a breathtaking view of the city, laughing and enjoying a drink with friends when it hit me – I did it. This is my life now. I’m traveling the world while running my business, and in that moment I knew I could do absolutely anything. This had been my dream for so long and now I was living it – I had created a life + business around my passion.
Give yourself permission to dream big. The life of your dreams is yours to create, you just need the courage to pursue it.”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“Behere provided me with access to community and a city host. They connected me to other women in Lisbon and an amazing city host!
She invited us to events all over Lisbon, so we were always meeting new people and going to amazing spots all over the city. My host and the amazing friendships I made really made this month in Lisbon unforgettable.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month or two?

“If your heart + soul are telling you to travel – follow it!
I know it’s scary to do something you’ve never done before, but I invite you to leap. To leap before you’re ready. Make the choice and go for it! Always pursue your passion and let it guide your path no matter where it takes you.”


Connect with Angela online at soulcovecreative.com or on Instagram @soulcovecreative
Are you running a business and want to travel to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations now!
Images and words courtesy of Angela Garcia.

This Manager Convinced her Boss to let her Work Remotely from Europe

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Christi Rice, is a grants manager from Florida. She convinced her boss to let her work remotely from Europe this summer and used Behere to book three months in Lisbon, Split and Barcelona. There she focused on her work and meeting others abroad. Read her story below.

We love that you convinced your boss to let you work remotely, what is it exactly that you do?

“I’m the grants manager for the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. I work to secure private and public funding to support operations, capital projects and mission-driven programming at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and four affiliated cultural venues throughout South Florida. Current focus areas are sustaining and enhancing the largest free arts-in-education program in the country, and expanding access to the arts for individuals with disabilities.”

What would you say is the most important thing you learned while in Europe?

“Being so removed from my normal routine, social/professional obligations and network really helped me reflect on and evaluate things. Things like which relationships and activities are actually important and/or positive influences in my life, compared to those that are out of habit, or a feeling of obligation.”
work remotely

How was Behere helpful in your journey?

“Behere took all the stress out of planning my summer, which let me focus on planning the fun things and making the most of my experience. I met many fellow travelers and expats along the way, who shared struggles of finding clean/safe places to stay, dealing with shady landlords, etc.. I always felt very fortunate I didn’t have to worry about those issues.
What I like the most is that Behere is flexible, and their team always worked to accommodate my personal needs and preferences. The city hosts were also invaluable in providing local recommendations – not just where to go but when, how, what to wear, etc.. They also helped answer any questions, no matter how random, that came up during my stay.”

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“It’s difficult to choose just one… being in Europe, Croatia in particular, for the World Cup was an unforgettable experience. It was really cool to see locals and travelers alike, from all different countries, coming together to watch the games. Also, my birthday fell during the last week of my 3-month stint abroad. I organized a very informal happy hour in Barcelona, where I was living at the time, to celebrate. It was both surprising and touching to see so many new friends come out (including my Behere city host, Sam) and made me realize how much I had accomplished in just one month there.”

How did living in new cities affect your work?

“I felt I was more productive than ever. Initially, I thought the time difference (+6 hours) would present a challenge. It actually turned out to be a positive – I was ahead of every deadline or request from my team back in the US. Plus, I was able to maintain better focus on writing projects because I wasn’t distracted with emails and phone calls in real-time. Working remotely forced me to go above and beyond to use effective communication skills with colleagues and clients.
When I had phone/ video calls with funders or prospective funders back in the US, they were fascinated I was working from Spain, Croatia and Portugal. They loved that my company had placed such trust in me to allow me to do so. I think this helped me stand out in their minds and will ultimately lead to stronger, more long-lasting partnerships.
Additionally, I definitely felt more motivated and inspired by the people I met at the workspaces. I believe being surrounded by individuals with creative, entrepreneurial mindsets – from a wide variety of industries – helped me think outside the box when it came to my own work.
work remotely
Being exposed to others from around the world also motivated me to finally get serious about another personal goal of mine – becoming fluent in Spanish. I had 30 hours with a private tutor while in Barcelona, and since returning to Florida, have already booked another tutor via Skype. I’m not sure what, if any, impact this will have on my work, but you never know!”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?

“It doesn’t have to be as difficult, expensive or scary as most people think. I met many people with different backgrounds, careers, ages, marital status, who identified living abroad as a personal goal for various reasons. They were all able to step out of their comfort zones and achieve it.”


If you want to convince your boss to let you work remotely too, we’ve created some great resources to help here.
Now, when you’re ready to explore a new city, get prepared to do a lot of research. Or head to Behere to book your apartment, plus a workspace and fitness studio, in one easy-to-use platform. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Christi Rice.

I'm Traveling the World and I Didn't Quit My Job

Guest post by Kelsey Dixon
The young professionals of today are writing the history of its generation in the workforce. Our generation is driving change and innovation in our world and it’s different than what the generations before us experienced. So why would the workforce stay the same? We want to live in the NOW and we refuse to only work for retirement.
With the world at our keyboards, our access is limitless. We are more connected than ever. Why not use this as a foundation for a career? For a lifestyle? Work can be a passion and a blend into your personal hopes and dreams. It can be an enabler rather than a detractor.

Curious about how I do what I do?

You may share in my curiosity to seek what is different—what is uniquely your own—and you’re not alone. There are thousands of people, heavily millennials, who are building something from scratch in order for their work to fit their desired lifestyle, not the contrast. It’s not a new concept. But the world is starting to notice, and starting to evolve to fit this lifestyle. Hence why companies like Behere exist, to make living in a new place easier.
I'm Traveling the World and Didn't Quit My Job
There’s enough room and opportunity for anyone to pursue it. Existing roles are being reinvigorated through the perception of a new lens, giving them boundless possibilities of execution. Companies and cultures are shifting to realize that hustle can happen outside of the cubicle and progress can thrive regardless of physical location. On top of this, there are jobs created daily that require no physical space, just skills and a laptop. Even beyond that, we’ve never had better access to the tools that can help us create our own jobs, income and revenue streams—out of thin air.

But how exactly do we do that…

Perhaps the scariest part about this is the fact that no one before us has laid out a successful path for it. We get to pave our own trail, and navigate the speed bumps along the way. This isn’t smooth sailing, this is a caught-in-the-windstorm and batten down the hatches sort of sail. But the cool part is, the views are pretty astounding (literally and figuratively).

This is how it started for me

In September of 2017, I left the comforts of my waterfront Seattle apartment to pursue a dream: live and work abroad. I had heard of the stories about the people who quit their corporate jobs to go live on an island and work behind an ice cream stand. I had seen that this was possible, but I still had to do this radical thing with less-than-specific guidance because I was doing it differently: as an entrepreneur, with clients, with a team, with a co-founder. 99% of my job was through my computer anyway, so in theory, this would work right?
I’ve taken my work abroad, from a van trapezeing around the north and south islands of New Zealand for a month. And I got to see Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Mt. Cook National Park, Fjord National Park and more.

The South American leg of my journey

While traveling and working in South America, I was the most productive I had ever been, inspired by my environment and the space I worked in. All this instead of feeling the grind of rush hour traffic and inside the sphere of the same four walls every day. My video conferences were super productive because I took advantage of the scheduled time I had with anyone at any given time. No longer were the days of luxury where I could tap my partner on the shoulder and ask a quick question. Instead, I relied heavily on platforms like, Asana, G-chat, Slack, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or GoogleDocs. We found out by accident (through calling to try and cancel our American cell plan) that our T-Mobile plan allows us unlimited texting and data in more than 210 countries at no additional fees—most of South America included.
The craziest part was the 60-hour round trip drive to Patagonia, and then visiting Patagonia, without taking a single day off work. I’m fortunate here that I have a hubby that loves to drive. I worked a 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. day because that was 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seattle hours. So, in the mornings we hustled the drive, day by day. And we’d find a friendly place to stay (with fast WiFi, always a requirement). I’d finish my day while my husband took care of all our meals, errands and planning next steps (he was also lightly working on a startup of his own). With GoogleDocs’ offline feature, I was even able to knock out a lot of writing while literally surviving the treacherous roads in the middle-of-nowhere Argentina. But I did it. I maintained my high-production workload while seeing El Chalten, hiking the Tres Lagos, exploring Torres del Paine and enjoying coffee in Puerto Natales. Not your normal after-hours activity.

How you can make it possible

My point (and hope) in sharing my story is to show it’s possible. It may sound crazy, but it can be your reality. By working while traveling, I was able to fund our travels so that we could stay longer. And by traveling while working, I brought a fresh, global perspective to our team. By leaving the day-to-day in the office, it also left more responsibility to my team, which equated to massive jump in growth and a slashing of comfort zones. I became a production house for the backend of our business, elevating it to challenge our growth projections even over a successful year prior. And I sat in a hammock rather than at a desk (it wasn’t always that glamorous, but still worth it!).
Again, this is why companies like Behere exist. Because by booking with Behere you have your housing, workspace, fitness studio, plus an international community, all while abroad. This is essential in the world we live in today, where living more flexibly is not only possible, but beneficial in so many capacities. We all have dreams to live a life we wish we had—attach it to an action and a timeline? There will be no better time, so why not now?
And why not you?

Want to travel and live around the world? Here are your next steps.


I shared my story about taking my business abroad. Now, this is how I did it…

  1. Find your work.

    There may be an opportunity to do your current job remote. The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris has a lot of helpful tips in asking for it. Otherwise, you’ll need to find it or create it. In finding it, utilize resources, sites and communities that offer remote job opportunities. Have a skill? You could freelance, if you’ve got a little cash saved up that could get you by either before getting work or down the road for a cushion. Or, build it. That’s what I did.

  2. Pick your place.

    I recommend somewhere that’s less expensive than where you live now. Behere has some great locations to choose from, so that’s a great place to start. That way, you can give yourself some grace to get set up in your work, and you may even save more money that way (we were able to save a lot more in Chile than what we were saving in the U.S.). Don’t forget to think about timezones. For me, it mattered that I was able to work during Seattle business hours, so South America was appealing for that reason.

  3. Downsize, downsize, downsize.

    Sell the things you don’t need on eBay or Craigslist. It’s all replaceable. By having less, you’ll be more mobile and flexible. Bring less clothes, you won’t need them all or you can buy them there (we usually all wear the same core things anyway!).

  4. Get set up.

    This seems daunting, but it’s really not too bad once you get into it. This means rerouting your mail to a permanent address if you’re moving out (we chose my mom’s home. Thanks, mom!). Book at least your first week or use a platform like Behere to book everything a month before you arrive. Notify your credit cards (and make sure you don’t have foreign transaction fees). Set aside savings for back up. Adjust your cell plane (T-Mobile’s One Plan provides data/texting in over 210 countries! I highly recommend looking into this option).

  5. Buy the things.

    I’m a proponent for downsizing, but there will be some things I’d suggest purchasing to make downsizing easier. For example, clothes that can work for various scenarios. This is largely dependent on where you’re going. Get quality, easy luggage, backpacks and bags to protect your tech as well as portable chargers. 

  6. Pick a date.

    This might be the most important part of this list. Pick the date and then make the list so you can work backwards toward your goal! Even if you’re not sure if it’ll be possible, if you pencil in the date, the urgency suddenly exists and you can say it out loud and make it real.

  7. GO.

    Plan the basics I’ve mentioned here but don’t overly plan and overthink it. Just do it. You CAN. It won’t be perfect, but you’ll figure it out along the way! Enjoy it. Relish in the uncertainty. Know you’re living your dream and most people don’t have the courage to even do that. You’ll figure out the rest, and your experience will be invaluable.


Guest Post by: Kelsey Dixon

Kelsey Dixon is the “Dixon” of the female millennial duo who founded davies + dixon, a digital marketing firm that creates daring ideas to get stories told. Kelsey currently remotely manages her team and clients as she adventures. Follow Kelsey’s journey on Instagram at @kelseystartingroute.

Images and words courtesy of Kelsey Dixon.

Women Making Moves | Skylar Schneider, Team USA Cyclist

Our team connected with this driven, forward-thinking woman, Skylar Schneider. Since a young age, she has traveled and pushed herself out of her comfort zone. A Team USA Cyclist, Skylar shared her journey into cycling (that started when she was just 4 years old!), some of her greatest challenges and how it got her to where she is today – living in and biking for Holland.

Where are you from and where do you currently live?

I’m from West Allis, WI which is just outside of Milwaukee. Home is still West Allis, however my base in Europe is in Southern Holland.

Tell us about your journey to cycling. What inspired you to start?

My dad was already a cyclist when he met my mom in high school, although she didn’t think the sport was cool enough and swore that she would never touch a bike. Later in their relationship he built her a custom hot pink bike, which was enough to change her mind.
Both of them raced around the US and passed on the love of the sport to my siblings and I. I did my first race at four years old and am now one of the youngest women in the World to be racing at the highest level of the sport.
skylar schneider

What has been your greatest achievement?

In 2016 I qualified for the World Championships and represented Team USA in Doha, Qatar. I went on to finish 2nd place and earn a silver medal in the road race. Standing on the podium in the red, white, and blue of the United States uniform is a feeling I’ll never forget and hope to achieve again one day!

And your greatest challenge?

The greatest challenge is the time spent away from home. In a given year, I spend more days away than I am home. Therefore, I sacrifice a lot of time with my family and miss out on holidays. During the Spring while I was living in Holland, my dog passed away and this broke me. I knew that when I returned home it would never be the same. I grew from this experience by realizing that it was OK to cry and it was OK to talk about it with my family as we mourned together, despite being so far away from them. In other words, communication is key – especially with loved ones – and something I’m constantly working at to keep our relationships strong despite the distance.

How has traveling and living abroad inspired/pushed you and provided you with valuable life experiences?

I have realized that every time I travel, I am changing a bit as a person. My own understanding of the world has been shaped by the beautiful and imperfect places that I have had the opportunity to see, and the people I meet along the way.
With these valuable and raw life experiences, I’ve been pushed and inspired to have more compassion and an understanding for other cultures. You can learn a lot from people by observing- especially the locals who have a rhyme and a reason for the way they’re doing things. Like this, you’re opening your mind to doing something different than you might normally and developing a better understanding for the people around you.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since moving abroad? Any advice for someone thinking about living abroad?

At 19 years old I essentially moved abroad where a lot of unknowns and lessons awaited me. I was living in a place where my only transportation was by foot, bike, or train. I learned to strategically plan my grocery store trips, load a train card, and plan logistics for getting the places I needed to be (…and so much more).
For anyone living abroad, there’s a balance between letting go and living in the moment, while also understanding when it’s super important to plan for the future. Ultimately, you’re going abroad to enjoy it and not be stressed out the whole time, so really take advantage of learning from your mistakes and remembering that ‘que sera, sera’.

What is your fav place you’ve been? Where you’re off to next?

“My favorite place to travel to is Colombia! There’s something about the charming towns, happy people, and fresh food that makes me fall in love every time I’m there! The culture is dramatically different than what I’m used to in America or Europe, but what I’ve learned from Colombians is that you truly don’t need a lot to be happy- in other words- money doesn’t equal happiness.
Although 99% of my travels throughout the year have to do with cycling, my next trip is an actual vacation! My family and I are going to Montreal, Canada. My grandma grew up in Montreal but hasn’t returned in many years, so the family is going with her to learn more about her roots. It has been in the works for about 3 years and now it’s just 2 weeks away!
Overall, I hope women will feel encouraged to travel using Behere, and inspired to learn more about themselves by embracing the challenge and independence of going abroad.”


Connect with Skylar at myscarletsky.com or on IG @sky_schneider.
To learn more about Behere, click here.

How This Business Owner Conquered Her Fears to Travel Alone

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature,  Nevica Vazquez, is business strategist that started her company to have more freedom. She shared how as a business owner conquered her fears to travel abroad alone. Originally from New York, Nevica booked her month in Lisbon this summer on Behere. In Lisbon she focused on work, getting amazing photos taken and connecting with the community. Read about her summer in Lisbon below!

You started a company to help woman realize their full potential, tell us about it.


“I’m a Business Strategist at NevicaVazquez.com to digital bosses who know their businesses have huge potential, but don’t have a business plan spelled out and locked in place. The women I work with are past the beginner stage and are ready to refine and restructure their business so that it’s built to grow to six figures.

My clients are online service providers and have been in business for 2-4 years. They’ve tried, tested, and launched a lot of things. Their business has made around 20k – 40k, so they know their ideas can make money, but they haven’t been able to make their business consistently sustainable. So, I come into their business and help them figure out what is, and isn’t, working. Then I help them refine and restructure what they have, to create a business that’s built to grow.”

What did your typical day look like in Lisbon?


A day in My Lisbon Life went like this:
8:00 am – Wake up + meditate in my beautiful living room, which had floor to ceiling windows and looked out to the amazing streets of Lisbon
8:30 am – Workout. Though Behere has the option of a gym membership, I chose to workout from my apartment with Youtube videos and workout apps because I had the space and it was what I preferred!
9:00 am – Get ready for a day of work!
10:00 am – On a good day, when I wasn’t rushing to start working, I would get a smoothie at my favorite lunch place in Lisbon, Sama Sama
10:30 am – 3:00 pm – Work, which means: client calls, emails, creating business plans, sending clients their action steps
3:30 pm – 4:00pm – Back to Sama Sama for my favorite crepe (the Charles), and chat with the owners, Sofia and Malte, about life and what was going on that day
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Go for a walk along the Tagus river to work off lunch, people watch, get refreshed and inspired!
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Squeeze in 1-2 more hours of work
7:30 – 8:30 – Walk up to my favorite lookout, with other women from the Behere community, at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, to watch sunset
9:00 pm – Find somewhere cool and new to go for dinner (my fav dinner spot was Mez Cais LX in LX factory)
11:00 pm – Get a pastel de nata for dessert at Manteigaria
11:30 pm – Go to Tasca Do Chico to listen to Fado music and end the night!”


What would you say is the most important thing you learned while in Europe?


“Traveling abroad on my own was always a big dream, and fear, of mine. I knew I wanted to do it but was afraid of being alone. One day while reading a book in front of the Tagus River, it hit me that I did it/was doing it. I had the courage to get over my fear and travel alone to somewhere I’d never been before, where I didn’t know the language. Realizing that I overcame a fear in that moment was so empowering, it made me feel limitless. 

I really feel I can do anything since I had the courage to get over this fear.

business owner conquered her fears

Another huge takeaway I had in Lisbon was that there are people living their dream lives. Depending where you come from, you can sometimes feel life can only happen one way, because it’s all you see. But when you get out of your comfort zone, and surround yourself with people with different perspectives, you realize there is no one way to do life. And that you can create the life you want, if you have the courage to do it!”


How did Behere help in your journey?

“The most impactful way Behere helped on this journey was connecting me with other women in Lisbon and providing a City Host. My biggest fear of traveling was being alone. But the second I landed I had the opportunity to make friends and meet my city host.
Our city host connected the Behere community before we arrived and set up a welcome dinner so we could all hang out. She was an amazing host and connected me with other groups of people in Lisbon so I was always meeting new people and going to new places. Having her there for me in Lisbon really made it a special experience!
There’s nothing like visiting a place with a local! I’m so grateful Behere connected me with other amazing female business owners.”


Are you running a business and want to travel to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations!
Connect with Nevica on her website, NevicaVazquez.com or on Instagram @nevicavazquez.

Images and words courtesy of Nevica Vazquez.