Welcome to World Aware, your weekly roundup of global news and insights that actually matter if you travel internationally, live abroad, or you're thinking about it.
Did you catch this week's video about what we pack for full-time travel that makes anyplace feel more like home?
Many of the items we discussed would be handy even for shorter trips, but several require a checked bag because they can't be carried on planes.
Amelia and I are impressed with people who can travel full-time with just a carry-on, but that's just not possible for us.
We like to have our kitchen gear and it takes a lot of liquid "product" to keep Amelia's naturally curly hair looking more like it's styled and less like Roseanne Roseannadanna. It's quite the accomplishment! 😂
Slow travel makes checked bags less inconvenient because we don't move around as much. If we were fast traveling and changing locations every few days or weekly, downsizing to a carry-on would become more important.
I still can't believe we've been travelling full-time for almost 3 years. I honestly didn't think Amelia would last this long, but we're having so much fun exploring new countries and seeing incredible places.
We've experienced more things in the last 3 years than most people do in a lifetime. And we're both incredibly grateful to have this opportunity.
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Retirement Experts Say Greece Is the Top Choice for Americans Retiring Abroad
Five retirement professionals all pointed to Greece as the best country for Americans looking to retire overseas, citing its lower cost of living, relatively affordable private healthcare, Mediterranean lifestyle, and established expat communities. They highlighted options ranging from Athens and Thessaloniki to Crete and the Peloponnese. [Source]
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Offers a Property-Free Path to Retirement
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa gives retirees a way to live in the country without buying property, as long as they have qualifying passive income, private health insurance, and do not work while in Spain. The visa can be renewed, leads to eligibility for permanent residency after five years, and provides a convenient homebase for exploring the Schengen Area. If you're living on retirement income or investments, this visa could provide a straightforward route to settling in Spain while keeping access to much of Europe. [Source]
Panama Tops Global Expat Survey for the Third Year in a Row
Panama was ranked the world's best destination for expats in the 2026 InterNations Expat Insider survey, earning high marks for personal finances, ease of settling in, housing, and visa processes. The survey found that many expats reported comfortable living costs and high overall satisfaction, while also noting weaker scores for road infrastructure and urban environments. [Source]
Tax-Friendly Asian Countries for Budget-Conscious Retirees
As more Americans look overseas to make retirement savings go further, many are considering Asian countries that combine lower living costs with favorable tax policies. If you're planning an international retirement, comparing each country's tax treatment, visa requirements, and overall cost of living could make a significant difference to your long-term finances. [Source]
Bali Bans Two Dutch Expats After Run Club Sparks Discrimination Backlash
Bali has banned two Dutch expats from re-entering Indonesia after authorities accused them of organizing a running club, saying foreign nationals have no right to act as event organizers inside Indonesia, or set rules that exclude locals. The organizers said the local exclusion issue was caused by an automated registration error and apologized, but immigration officials said the incident demonstrated discrimination against Indonesians. [Source]
Travel News
Wildfires Disrupt Travel Across Southwestern France
Major wildfires near Bordeaux have burned more than 42,000 hectares and forced over 250,000 residents and tourists to evacuate, with campsites, hotels, roads, and rail services affected. Flights from Bordeaux are still operating, but extreme heat and strong winds could trigger further flare-ups and closures. If you are traveling to southwestern France, avoid affected areas, monitor local evacuation notices, and prepare for sudden transport disruptions or accommodation changes. [Source]
Earthquake Disrupts Travel Across Japan’s Kyushu Region
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, killing at least 18 people and causing widespread damage to buildings, roads, rail lines, and utilities across Kyushu. While tsunami warnings have been lifted, aftershocks remain a concern, and flights, bullet trains, and local infrastructure continue to face disruptions. If you're traveling to southern Japan, especially Kyushu, expect transport delays, service interruptions, and possible changes to your itinerary, while destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have not experienced the same level of disruption. [Source]
U.S. Updates Belgium Travel Advisory With Crime Warning
The U.S. has updated its travel advisory for Belgium, keeping the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution while emphasizing that petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from vehicles, is common in tourist areas and on public transportation. The advisory also notes the potential for demonstrations and a continued terrorism risk, but Belgium remains generally safe to visit with sensible precautions. If you're traveling there, keep valuables secure, stay alert in crowded places, and monitor local security or protest updates. [Source]
Edinburgh Introduces the UK’s First Citywide Tourist Tax
Edinburgh has become the first city in the UK to charge a tourist tax, adding a 5% levy to overnight accommodation costs for stays of up to five nights. The city expects the tax to raise about £50 million a year to fund cleaner streets, parks, and cultural projects, while helping manage the impact of growing tourism. If you're planning an overnight stay in Edinburgh, expect your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or campsite bill to be slightly higher, with similar taxes likely to spread to other UK cities such as Glasgow. [Source]
That's all for this week. Let me know if you have any questions.
Safe travels.
JP (Amelia Says Hola)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com | TurtleTravelClub.com​
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