Happy Holidays Reader!

Thankfully, we made it to New Zealand. Some Americans don't because of a simple mistake.

The hotel where we stayed in Fiji had a Fiji Airways lounge so we popped in one afternoon to see what services they offered. We specifically wanted to know if we could check-in for our New Zealand flight there (we could).

While chatting with the agent, she asked if we had submitted our New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) application yet (we had not).

So we went back to our room and submitted the online application, which said it could take up to 72 hours for approval (or decline). It was quite expensive at $68 USD each or $136 for both of us.

We submitted the application together, meaning it was for 2 travelers. My NZeTA was approved almost immediately, but it took more than 2 days to receive Amelia's approval (yes, she was freaking out the entire time 😫).

A lawyer from Hawaii wasn't so lucky. She didn't know about the NZeTA requirement and the airline wouldn't let her check-in for her flight.

We also had to submit a Travel Declaration within 24 hours of travel, which we did online. You can do that on arrival at the airport, but it's better to do it online so you're prepared and save time at the airport. We were allowed to take the express exit since we had everything in order.

We've noticed that it has been getting progressively more challenging to travel abroad over the past two years. More countries are requiring tourist visas, travel authorizations, and/or travel declarations.

For some reason, the airlines don't deem it worthy to note these requirements when you buy your ticket or check-in online. Only when you go to check-in at the airport do they mention these travel docs. And most of the time, they won't let you board without them.

This means it's entirely up to you to make sure you've filed all required documents for your destination country well in advance.

We recommend applying for your tourist visas and travel authorizations at least a week ahead of time. Two weeks ahead will give you even more breathing room.

Most travel declarations and arrival cards can only be submitted 24 to 72 hours ahead of your travel date, so pay attention to those and set a reminder so you don't forget.

Another thing to note is that OnwardTicket.com doesn't support New Zealand airports so we had to buy a real ticket for the proof of departure requirement.

Looks like we're heading to Sydney when we leave here 🇦🇺

Our experience at the airport in Auckland was superb. They have electronic passport readers at passport control and there were no lines so we breezed through that before our luggage had even arrived.

Thanks to our preparedness, the express pass through customs was equally fast. We didn't even have to scan our luggage.

The Move Abroad Toolkit has a Residency Visa Matrix to make comparisons easier. I'm thinking about creating a Tourist Visa Matrix for Visas, Declarations and Authorizations. It might be a pain to keep updated, but it seems like a handy resource. Would that be helpful for you?

We still have a couple of spots open for our Turtle Leaps to Prague in May and Riga in June. These small group trips are a fun way make new friends, explore cool places, and hang out with Amelia and me for two weeks.

​Check out the Turtle Travel Club and listen to what our members have to say.

(We're going to make some big changes to the club in the new year and existing members will get some amazing perks, including a lower price.)

We hope you'll join us in the club and out in the real world! 🐢

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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.

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News for Global Citizens

Here's what we learned about the world this week...

Travel News

Missed Documents Are Getting Travelers Stranded

Travelers are missing flights because they assume a passport is enough, only to discover at the airport that they needed a visa, an ETA, or some other entry approval they never applied for. It’s a simple oversight that’s becoming surprisingly common, and this is a good reminder to double-check every country’s entry rules long before you pack your bags so you don’t end up stuck at the airport. Source​

New Security Alert for Costa Rica

A new security warning has been issued for Costa Rica after a rise in crimes targeting tourists, including break-ins at vacation rentals and scams where travelers are pressured to withdraw or transfer money. The country remains at a Level 2 advisory, meaning you should exercise increased caution, especially with accommodations, valuables, and situations that feel off. It’s still a beautiful and popular destination, just stay a little extra alert. Source​

The Best Seat on the Plane, According to Fly Attendants

Flight attendants say the real sweet spot on most planes is the exit-row window seat — you get extra legroom, a place to lean, and you’re away from the chaos of the aisle. They’re also clear about what to avoid: aisle seats near the galley or lavatory, which are universally disliked thanks to constant foot traffic, noise, and bumps from carts. Source​

The Airbnb Bed Sign Heard ’Round the World

A couple found a note on their Airbnb bed telling them it was “for sleeping only” (no brown chicken, brown cow), sparking a debate about how far hosts can go with their rules. Airbnb does allow hosts to set expectations, but only if they’re clearly shared before you book. So if you ever run into surprise restrictions, just know they’re not actually enforceable — and they're a good reminder to scan those house rules before hitting “reserve.” Source​

Warsaw Might Be Europe's Most Underrated Capital

Vogue makes a pretty convincing case that Warsaw deserves a spot on your travel radar. The city has reinvented itself with a vibrant food scene, beautifully restored historic areas, stylish cafés, and a creative energy that feels both modern and deeply rooted. Warsaw might be the city you end up telling your friends they have to see. Source​

New Travel Warnings for South Africa

Multiple governments — including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and China — have updated their travel advisories for South Africa, urging visitors to exercise increased caution because of high rates of violent crime, including carjackings, robberies, and assaults, especially after dark and in busy urban areas. These advisories don’t mean you can’t go, but they do mean you should be extra aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, stick to well-lit and secure areas, and take standard safety precautions so your trip stays safe and enjoyable. Source​

Expat News

Big IRS Tax Changes Every Expat Should Know for 2026

New IRS updates are bringing several important changes for Americans living abroad next year. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is increasing, and other inflation-adjusted thresholds are shifting as well. These changes could lower your taxable income if you qualify, but they also make it more important to understand the rules ahead of time. It’s a good reminder to review your situation early so tax season doesn’t catch you off guard. Source​

Retirement Isn’t a Home Anymore — It’s the World

More retirees are redefining retirement by blending it with a digital nomad lifestyle — moving abroad, living in places where their savings stretch further, and either working part-time remotely or funding life through withdrawals and passive income. This model gives you flexibility to stay in a city for months or years, soak up new cultures, and keep your nest egg healthier, but it also means thinking ahead about tech tools, visas for long stays, and ways to stay connected with loved ones back home so your adventure feels enriching instead of isolating. Source​

What It Actually Costs to Retire in Southeast Asia

If you’ve ever wondered how far your retirement dollars could stretch overseas, a fresh cost breakdown shows that living in places like Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines can be much cheaper than in the U.S. — with everyday expenses and even decent housing often costing a fraction of Western prices. Depending on how you want to live, a basic, local-style retirement might run around $1,200–$1,800 a month, a mid-range lifestyle closer to $1,800–$3,000, and an upscale life $3,000–$5,000 or more, so you can tailor your plan to your budget and still enjoy beaches, culture, food, and more without breaking the bank. Source​

Why Bali Is Trending as a Top Retirement Choice

Bali is getting a lot of buzz as a retirement destination, and it’s easy to see why. The island offers a lower cost of living, warm weather year-round, beautiful beaches, and a mix of laid-back coastal towns and lively cultural centers. It’s a place where your budget goes further while still giving you a rich, active daily life. For many retirees, that combination makes Bali a standout option to consider. Source​

Medellín Named the World’s Most Affordable City to Live In

In a global survey of more than 18,000 city residents, Medellín, Colombia came out on top as the most affordable city in the world to live in right now. Locals say everyday costs like eating out, grabbing coffee, drinks, and going out feel much more reasonable than in most other major urban centers. Bogotá also scored highly, showing that parts of South America still offer real value-for-money living according to the people who actually call those cities home. Source​

Readers' Choice: 25 Favorite Cities in the World of 2025

This year’s top-ranked cities aren’t just great for travelers — they’re places people genuinely love living in. San Miguel de Allende tops the list for its warm expat community and artsy, walkable lifestyle, followed by cities like Chiang Mai, Tokyo, Bangkok, Jaipur, Hoi An, Mexico City, Kyoto, Ubud, and Cuzco, all praised for their culture, affordability, friendly locals, and strong sense of place. If you’ve ever wondered where you could actually settle in and thrive abroad, this roundup is basically a highlight reel of cities that make day-to-day life feel rich, vibrant, and deeply rewarding. Source​

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Amelia and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we'll see you next year!

JP (Amelia Says Feliz Navidad 🎄)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​

P.S. Where are you spending the holidays this year? Staying home with family or traveling to some exotic locale? Hit reply and let us know!

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