Hi Reader!

This week's quote: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~André Gide

Sometimes the hardest part of creating a new life abroad is simply letting go of the familiar. The routines and places we’ve always known can feel safe, but true growth comes when we step into the unknown.

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Another PARO in Ecuador 😞

We’re keeping an eye on the pending paro (national strike) that’s supposed to start here in Ecuador on Monday.

The last one we lived through, back in 2022, shut the whole country down for 19 days. So far this time, things feel calm. There was one protest in Quito near the government buildings last week that got a bit out-of-hand, but we haven’t seen any signs of protests where we are.

President Noboa seems determined not to let things go as far as they did back in 2022. He’s already declared a state of emergency in several provinces, set curfews, and warned that anyone blocking roads will be arrested.

They’ve even followed through on that recently by arresting two truck drivers who blocked a road outside Cuenca. That’s a very different approach from past presidents, who usually let road blockades go on for days before eventually reversing the policies that caused the protests.

The big question is whether this paro will gain enough traction to really disrupt the country. Cutting the diesel subsidy is no small thing (fuel prices affect everyone), but right now, the movement feels scattered and not as widely supported compared to 2022.

It’s interesting to see this in the context of what’s happening elsewhere, like the strikes in France. People everywhere seem to be reaching a breaking point over rising costs and government policies. The difference is, here in Ecuador, even a few blocked roads can paralyze entire regions.

For now, it’s a waiting game. We'll know more on Monday.

News for Global Citizens

Here’s what we learned about the world this week…

Expat News

The Best and Worst Places to Live Abroad in 2025

The 2025 Expat Insider survey from InterNations is out, ranking 46 countries by how welcoming and livable they are for people moving overseas. Leading the pack are Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, praised for their affordability, friendliness, and overall quality of life. At the other end of the spectrum are countries where high costs, challenges integrating, or day-to-day frustrations weigh heavily on expats’ experiences. If you're considering a move abroad, the survey is a helpful snapshot of where life flows smoothly and where it may come with more hurdles. Source​

A Practical Guide to Spain’s Seguridad Social

Spain’s Seguridad Social is your gateway to healthcare, pensions, and benefits. Healthcare access depends on your situation - through employment, the Convenio Especial, or agreements with your home country. Get your digital setup in place early, keep key documents handy, and you’ll make the system work much more smoothly. Source​

Retiring in Spain: Still Affordable, Despite Rising Costs

Mal and Bill Netley, a retired British couple in El Albir, Alicante, say that while prices have gone up, life in Spain remains far more affordable than back in the UK. They chose their two-bedroom apartment in 2002 for its quiet, community feel rather than tourist crowds, and today their utility and community fees come to about €142 every three months. They split their time with a caravan in Sussex during the winter months, but they still enjoy the sunshine, lifestyle, and value that drew them to Spain in the first place along with the bonus of staying close to family without the expense of the UK’s cost of living. Source​

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UK Ranks Among the Least Attractive Destinations for Expats

In the 2025 Expat Insider survey, the United Kingdom ranked 41st out of 46 countries, placing it near the bottom of the list for expat satisfaction. Key challenges include the high cost of living, limited housing availability, and expensive healthcare. Financial concerns also weighed heavily on respondents, who reported difficulty managing day-to-day expenses. While the UK did score more positively on factors such as administrative efficiency, visa processing, and overall job satisfaction, the survey results indicate that settling into life in Britain remains a significant challenge for many expats. Source​

Travel News

Thailand Wants to Cover Your Next Flight

Thailand is gearing up to launch an exciting initiative offering visitors 200,000 free domestic flights over a three-month period. The program, expected to run from September through November 2025 (pending final approval), will cover either a round-trip or one-way journey within the country, with a value of up to about $108 USD for round-trip travel. Eligible travelers must arrive in Thailand by air, and participating carriers include popular low-cost airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion. The goal is to encourage you to explore beyond the usual tourist hubs, discover new destinations, and give a boost to the country’s tourism industry. Source​

Cruise Ferries: Northern Europe’s Affordable Travel Secret

In Scandinavia, the overnight cruise ferry is more than just a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a surprisingly affordable travel experience. Routes like Copenhagen to Oslo offer comfortable cabins, dining, nightlife, and stunning views, often at a price lower than a single night in a local hotel. For travelers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing experience, cruise ferries are becoming one of Northern Europe’s best-kept secrets, combining practicality with a touch of adventure. Source​

Venice’s Day-Tripper Fee: More Revenue, Same Crowds?

Venice expanded its entry fee for day visitors in 2025, charging €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last-minute trips on 54 peak days. The city collected about €5.4 million from over 720,000 visits, more than double the revenue of 2024. But while the fee boosted funds, it did little to thin the crowds — peak days still drew nearly 25,000 visitors, outnumbering locals and leaving many residents questioning whether the measure truly curbs overtourism. Source​

These Places Are Winning at Peaceful Travel in 2025

Queenstown, New Zealand has been named the most tranquil destination worldwide, praised for its exceptional cleanliness, abundant green space, and minimal light and noise pollution. Close behind are the Seychelles Islands, celebrated for their pristine beaches and untouched shorelines. The list also highlights Kyoto, Japan; Banff, Canada; and Cairns, Australia as destinations where nature, serenity, and a slower pace of life combine to offer a restorative escape from the everyday. Source​

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Germany & Poland Connected with 17 New Cross-Border Trains

Starting December, Deutsche Bahn and Poland’s PKP are launching 17 new direct train services between Germany and Poland (up from 11). Highlights include a twice-daily link from Leipzig to Wrocław and Kraków, seven daily services between Berlin and Warsaw, and two new EuroCity night trains (one carrying on to Przemyśl, the other via Łódź). For travelers from Munich, Nuremberg or Frankfurt, the upgrades will shave off about two hours from trips into Poland. These changes come in response to growing demand for rail travel and are part of broader European efforts to make train journeys more appealing across borders. Source​

Ecuador News

Ecuador Removes Diesel Subsidy as Groups Call for National Strike

On September 13, Ecuador’s government ended the diesel subsidy, increasing the price from US$1.80 to US$2.80 per gallon. Officials say the measure is intended to reduce fiscal pressure and redirect resources to other areas of the economy. The decision has prompted demonstrations in several provinces, with groups including CONAIE (the indigenous union) and transport unions calling for wider protests or a national strike. In response, the government has announced compensation initiatives such as social bonuses, microcredit programs, and targeted support for transporters. Source​

Protests in Azuay Over Proposed Mine Near Water Reserve

Tens of thousands of residents and local officials in Ecuador’s Azuay province have protested the planned Loma Larga gold mine by DPM Metals, citing concerns about its proximity to the critical Quimsacocha water reserve and sensitive ecosystems. Although an environmental licence was granted, construction was paused when authorities called for an environmental management plan following rising public pressure. Protesters in Cuenca are demanding the license be revoked. Debate continues over balancing mineral development with environmental protection and community rights. Source​

Cuenca’s Feria Libre Sees Price Hikes Despite Subsidies

In Cuenca, prices at Feria Libre have risen sharply, even though many of the markets’ staple products are supposed to carry government subsidies. Local vendors report that subsidies and connections with supply chains aren’t always enough to offset increases in costs, especially for transport, packaging, and inputs. For consumers, that means basic food items are becoming more expensive. Meanwhile, there are calls for better transparency in how subsidies reach vendors and for measures to ensure that savings are passed on to consumers. Source​

Ecuador Climbs the FIFA Rankings

Ecuador has made a significant leap in the latest FIFA rankings, accumulating 1,588.04 points following a draw in Asunción and a win over Argentina. This performance moved them ahead of Australia into 24th place globally, putting them within striking distance of South Korea, who remain just ahead. The jump is especially meaningful as Ecuador aims to reach Pot 2 for the 2026 World Cup draw. With upcoming international windows in October and November, strong results in those fixtures could help seal that spot. Source​

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Killa Raymi: Celebrating Ancestral Traditions in Cuenca’s Andean Culture

In Cuenca and Cañar, indigenous communities recently commemorated Killa Raymi, an Andean ritual honoring the moon, fertility, and the start of the agricultural cycle. The event featured seed exchanges, folkloric music and dance, natural medicine and artisan crafts, and traditional rituals to give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The festivities also included performances by local cultural groups, spiritual ceremonies at sacred sites, and a strong emphasis on preserving ancestral knowledge and engaging younger generations. Organizers say Killa Raymi isn’t just a cultural show, it’s a vital practice for maintaining connections to land, identity, and community. Source​

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We just launched our Fall Sale and everything is 50% Off (for a limited time).

If you need some extra help on your journey to a new shore, whatever that shore may be, one of our eCourses might help you get there faster, easier, and with fewer costly mistakes (like the ones we made):

• ​Slow Travel EXPRESS eCourse – Fast track your slow travel lifestyle by learning how to simplify the logistics so you can focus on what matters most: meaningful experiences, personal freedom, and the joy of slow travel.
• ​Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse – Fast track your move abroad by learning how to wrap up your old life at home, get everything prepared for your move abroad, and get settled into your new home away from home.
• ​Ecuador EXPRESS eCourse – Fast track your move to Ecuador by learning how to wrap up your old life at home, get everything prepared for your move to Ecuador, and get settled into your new life.
• ​Online Income EXPRESS eCourse – Learn how to earn income online so you can live anywhere.

These are all located at our new home on Mighty Networks, which is much easier to use than the old platform.

If your dream is to leave the US and move abroad in the next year, now is the time to get started and we're here to help.

That's all for this week! Let me know if you have questions by replying to this email 👍

JP (Amelia says hola!)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​

P.S. Join us in Bali this January! We still have 3 spots left for our Leap to Bali starting January 23rd. We're going to have so much fun exploring the island, sharing meals, and making new lifelong friendships from a comfortable homebase near the beach. Submit Your Booking Request now and we'll see you in Bali 🥳