Happy Holidays Reader!

I was going to take this week off from writing the newsletter, but I had so many news stories in my list that I figured I'd go ahead and send one for the few of you who check your email on a holiday weekend.

Quick update: We simplified the Turtle Travel Club membership.

You now get lifetime access (no subscriptions), and it’s included with the purchase of any eCourse going forward. It also includes the Moving Abroad Community, a monthly group Zoom call, quarterly Meetups, and more.

We’ll explain the thinking behind the change and share more details next week.

Our time in Auckland has been both fun and productive. I bought a new pair of glasses with progressive lenses so we're heading out now to pick them up. It'll be nice to see clearly again! And they were surprisingly affordable! I'll share the experience and cost in next week's newsletter.

Ok, I gotta go now. Hope you find the news updates helpful. Have a great weekend!

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

Big Social Security Changes You Should Know for 2026

You’ll see some notable shifts in Social Security next year: monthly benefits are getting a cost-of-living bump of about 2.8 % and the maximum benefit seniors can receive will increase as well. At the same time, thresholds around earnings and work rules are being adjusted, payroll tax limits are rising (which could mean higher taxes for some), and there are ongoing tweaks aimed at simplifying retirement age definitions — all of which could affect how much you pay in and take out as you plan for or live in retirement. Source​

Places That Pay You to Make a Move

You might be surprised to learn that a handful of towns and regions around the world are offering financial perks to entice new residents — from cash grants and housing help to renovation assistance — as a way to revive shrinking communities and breathe new life into local economies. These incentives pop up in spots from small Italian villages and coastal areas in Spain to cities courting remote workers, giving you a unique reason to consider a lifestyle change if you’re ready for a fresh start. Source​

Montenegro: Europe’s Hidden Retirement Gem

You might not hear Montenegro mentioned as often as Spain or Portugal, but that’s part of the appeal. Life here tends to move a bit slower, everyday costs are generally lower than much of Western Europe, and you’re not dealing with constant crowds. With a mix of coastal towns, mountain scenery, and a small but growing expat community, it’s starting to show up on the radar for people who want Europe without the price tag or the hype. Source​

Thailand Tops Asia’s Retirement Radar for 2026

You’ll notice Asia rising on the retirement map next year, with Thailand standing out thanks to a mix of low living costs, warm weather, scenic landscapes, and visa options that make long-term stays easier. It’s catching attention as a spot where your savings can stretch further while still enjoying beaches, culture, and a friendly expat life. Source​

Travel News

New “Do Not Travel” Alerts

You’ll want to take note if Eastern Europe is on your radar: Belarus is now firmly under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. The warning cites the risk of arbitrary detention, limited access to U.S. embassy assistance, and the country’s close ties to Russia’s war in Ukraine, including the presence of Russian military forces. Add in unpredictable law enforcement and restricted civil rights, and the message is clear — this is a destination to avoid entirely for now. Source​

AirPods Can Now Translate Conversations in Real Time

You can now use your AirPods and iPhone to translate conversations on the fly — like speaking English and hearing Spanish (or vice versa) in real time — without needing a separate app open. Apple’s translation feature works right through the system, turning your earbuds into a live language tool that makes chatting across language barriers easier than ever. It’s not quite to the level of Star Trek's Universal Translater, but it's getting closer. Source​

American Airlines Pulls Miles From Its Cheapest Tickets

You’ll want to double-check the fare you book next time you fly — American Airlines has quietly decided that customers buying basic economy tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points toward status on those cheap fares, pushing you toward pricier options if you care about rewards. We expect more airlines to follow suit in the next year. Source​

American Airlines Is Betting Big on Luxury in the Skies

We're seeing a shift in how one of the biggest U.S. carriers is selling air travel — American Airlines is quietly expanding its premium cabins and perks, adding more lie-flat business suites, extra premium seats, and upgraded amenities to attract higher-paying flyers while economy space shrinks in comparison. At the same time, the airline is tightening up its basic fare offerings, making luxury and status perks a bigger part of the experience and signalling that the future of flying with American might be all about comfort over cost. Source​

When Tourists Aren’t So Welcome Anymore

In some popular destinations, visitors are no longer being welcomed with open arms. Overcrowding, higher rents, environmental strain, and daily life disruptions are leading locals in places like Spain, Italy, Japan, and Bali to push back against mass tourism. In response, cities and countries are adding restrictions, fees, and limits to protect communities and quality of life — a clear signal that traveling more thoughtfully is becoming essential. Source​

Americans Can Visit Uzbekistan Visa-Free in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, U.S. passport holders will be able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days — no e-visa or paperwork required beforehand. This big change makes it way easier to explore Uzbekistan’s rich Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, soak up local culture, and add a fascinating Central Asian destination to your travel plans with far less hassle than before. 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 Feliz Año Nuevo 🥳)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​

P.S. Do you have any special New Year's Eve plans or are you staying in to avoid the crowds? Apparently, there will be thousands of people just a block from us on Queen Street so we're staying in for the night.