Hola!
Another week. Another country.
After we left Bali, we had one week until our next Leap to Siem Reap started.
Since there were no direct flights from Bali to Siem Reap, we had to fly through a hub, and Bangkok won on both airfare price and personal desire.
We spent 3 weeks in Bangkok back in 2024 leading up to Christmas.
And I was NOT ready to leave!
It quickly became one of my favorite cities, but Amelia had reservations. It was a bit too chaotic and crowded for her.
But that was then.
This time around, Amelia had a totally different impression.
Maybe it's because we got to hang out with a couple fellow Turtles (hola Erica and Liz!), which made our time more social (and special).
Or maybe it just took her a bit longer to see what I saw last year: a colorful, exciting, energetic city with cool buildings, great food, and wonderful people.
Whatever it was, we BOTH hated to leave this time.
And it's a good reminder that sometimes it takes a little longer (or multiple visits) before you grow to appreciate some places.
If you'd like to join our global circle of friends and meet up in real life on Leaps or when our paths cross in cool places around the world, then check out the Turtle Travel Club.
And as a thank you for being part of this Global Citizens community, you can use coupon code TURTLE33 to save 33% through Sunday on your lifetime membership in the club.
We hope you'll join the Turtles and be part of a truly special group of global citizens 😊
NOTE: If you use a VPN and the links don’t work, try disabling it or switching servers, or visit AmeliaAndJP.com/NewsArchive to view this newsletter in your browser. More and more web hosts are blocking VPN IP addresses these days. Sorry for the hassle.
News for Global Citizens
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
Moving Abroad for Healthcare
When Hilary Hodge was living in the U.S., the biologic medication she needed for severe allergic asthma would have cost her $36,000 a year. After moving with her husband to Angers, France, that same treatment dropped to about $3,000 annually. Her story highlights a growing reality: for some Americans, relocating abroad isn’t about adventure; it’s about access to affordable, life-changing healthcare. Source
Americans Flocking to Blue Zones
In 2025, an estimated 10,000 Americans moved beyond domestic destinations like Florida to settle in some of the world’s famed “Blue Zone” countries (places known for longevity, healthy lifestyles, and strong community ties). These moves reflect more than just a search for better weather or lower costs; people are increasingly drawn to environments that support wellness, social connection, and a slower pace of life, showing that lifestyle priorities are reshaping where Americans choose to live abroad. Source
Affordable & Safe Places to Retire Abroad
A new roundup highlights several countries that offer a rare combination many retirees are searching for: safety, stability, and a cost of living within reach of the American middle class. Instead of stretching retirement savings in high-cost U.S. cities, more Americans are looking overseas to places where housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses are significantly lower, without sacrificing quality of life. It’s another sign that retirement planning is becoming increasingly global. Source
Trading the U.S. Grind for an Italian Dream
A millennial couple made the leap from the U.S. to Italy after realizing they could buy a home for far less than they’d pay back home, and enjoy a slower, more intentional lifestyle in the process. What seemed like a far-fetched dream became a practical decision once they ran the numbers and reconsidered what they actually wanted long term. Their move highlights how redefining “normal” can open the door to options you might overlook. Source
The Costa Rica Exodus
An increasing number of Americans are quietly leaving Costa Rica after new travel restrictions and policy changes have made long-term stays more complicated and expensive. For years, it was one of the easiest and most popular soft-landing spots for expats and slow travelers, but tighter rules and rising costs are prompting some to reconsider. It’s a reminder that even well-established expat havens can change and flexibility is becoming even more important. Source
Travel News
Thailand Tightens the Visa Rules
Thailand is cracking down on visa runs in 2026, making it harder for expats to rely on back-to-back border crossings to stay long term. The changes are aimed at closing loopholes and pushing foreign residents toward proper long-stay visa options. For digital nomads and retirees who’ve depended on flexibility, it’s a clear signal that Southeast Asia’s easy-entry era is evolving, and long-term planning matters more than ever. Source
Travel Is Becoming a Luxury for Many
Rising airfare, hotel rates, and everyday expenses are making travel feel increasingly out of reach for many Americans. What was once considered a regular part of middle-class life is starting to look more like a splurge, as inflation and demand keep prices elevated. It raises an important question for global citizens: is travel truly becoming a luxury or are people simply being forced to rethink how and where they go? Source
The World’s Fastest-Growing Travel Destinations in 2026
New data shows international tourism is surging in several unexpected places in 2026, with emerging destinations seeing the fastest growth as travelers look beyond the usual hotspots. While classic favorites remain popular, rising costs and overtourism are pushing more people toward lesser-known countries offering better value and fewer crowds like Brazil, Egypt and Ethiopia. It’s an interesting snapshot of how global travel patterns are shifting, and where momentum is building. Source
Croatia Pushes Back on Party Tourism
Another town in Croatia is introducing new restrictions this summer, including limits on alcohol sales, in an effort to curb party tourism and shift toward a more sustainable, family-friendly atmosphere. Local leaders say the goal is to protect quality of life for residents and preserve the character of the destination. It’s part of a broader trend across Europe where popular hotspots are rethinking how much tourism (and what kind) they actually want. Source
That's all for now. Let us know if we can help you in any way by replying to this email.
JP (Amelia Says Hola)
AmeliaAndJP.com
P.S. We can notify you when we announce new Leap dates and destinations. Get Leap Alerts →