Welcome to World Aware, your weekly roundup of global news that actually matters if you travel internationally, live abroad, or you're thinking about it.
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A few weeks ago, I shared an article about 9 countries that aren't very welcoming to American tourists.
The top country on the list, that has supposedly shunned Americans, was France.
We spent nearly 2 months there in 2024 and that was certainly not our experience. We felt very welcomed, even when we butchered their beautiful language with our unsuccessful attempts to speak it.
However, that was 2 years ago. Maybe things have changed since then.
According to several readers who either visited France recently, or who are currently living there, things have not changed.
The French people still welcome Americans, despite the stereotype that they don't.
Like many other countries we've visited, the people may not agree with the politics, but they don't judge individuals based on that.
At least most don't.
While in Kuala Lumpur, I took a Grab ride and the driver was a Muslim named Mohammed. I cringed when he asked where I was from, not knowing how he would react given the current state of affairs in the Middle East.
But I was honest and his reaction was totally unexpected. He said he loves America, despite the political climate.
He said, "The people want peace, but the politicians want war. It's the same everywhere."
Then we talked about our families. He has 3 teenage girls, and just like every other dad on the planet, he cannot do or say anything right. He said he never knows what he's walking into when he gets home.
He and I laughed a lot on our short ride, just like two regular guys. We may be separated by distance and ideology, but we're all the same when you get down to basics.
The same is true here in Albania where our next Leap starts on Saturday. During our Pre-Leap Huddle Zoom Call, a couple members voiced concerns about being American in a mostly Muslim-identified country (even though we see very few hijabs here).
We asked the manager at our Leap lodging what he thought of Americans and he said we make the best guests. We follow the rules and take care of the rooms (unlike the French and Italians – his words, not mine).
Amelia's hair stylist told her that our YouTube video about Albania "has done a lot to help the Albanian people." Then she gave Amelia a big hug and told her she loved her.
A young waiter at a random restaurant went full fanboy on us. He was so happy to see us that I thought for a second he was going to cry tears of joy. He loves our videos about his country and obviously didn't care that we're American.
If you have any doubts about the Albanian perception of Americans, here is a photo from a brand new cafe and play area here in Tirana. The two flags in the middle are from the U.S. and Texas, with the Albanian flag on the right.
(Albanians have a soft spot for Americans because Woodrow Wilson was the lone holdout that led to Albania being recognized as an independent country after WW1. And also because of the role the U.S. played in helping ethnic Albanians during the Kosovo war in the late 90s.)
When you see a sensationalized headline about what people think of Americans (or anyone), take it with a grain of salt.
Most people don't think much about it, and those who do understand the difference between people and politics.
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World Aware News
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
Portugal May Extend Citizenship Timeline
Portugal is set to extend the Golden Visa pathway to citizenship from five to ten years. Crucially, the residency clock will now start from the first residence card issuance rather than the application date, removing earlier allowances for processing delays. There is no transition period or grandfathering for current applicants. [Source]
Latin American Cities Gain Momentum Among American Expats
Cities across Latin America are seeing increased interest from American expats drawn by lower living costs, improving infrastructure, and cultural appeal. Real estate demand is rising in key urban hubs, with buyers seeking both lifestyle changes and investment opportunities. As more Americans relocate, housing competition and prices in popular neighborhoods may increase, making early entry into these markets more financially advantageous. [Source]
Canada Expands Citizenship Eligibility Rules
Canada is updating its citizenship laws to allow more people born abroad to Canadian parents to qualify, reversing earlier restrictions that limited eligibility by generation. The change aims to address fairness concerns for families living internationally. Expanded eligibility could open new pathways for dual citizenship, giving more people access to Canadian residency rights, healthcare, and mobility benefits tied to holding a Canadian passport. [Source]
Second Passports Through Ancestry Offer Lower-Cost Pathways
Citizenship by descent is emerging as one of the most affordable ways to obtain a second passport, especially compared to investment-based programs. Eligibility depends on proving ancestry ties to countries that allow generational claims, such as in Europe. For those who qualify, paperwork and processing times can be significant, requiring patience and careful documentation gathering. [Source]
Krakow Tops Europe for Digital Nomads in 2026
Krakow has been ranked the best European city for digital nomads in 2026, driven by its low living costs, strong safety rating, and affordable internet. Monthly expenses average around €1,423, with particularly low costs for food and connectivity, while the city also offers a walkable center and growing tech scene. [Source]
Americans Abroad Find New Ways to Reduce Tax Burdens
Americans working overseas are increasingly using tax strategies like foreign earned income exclusions and residency-based benefits to reduce their U.S. tax obligations. While the U.S. taxes citizens globally, these provisions can significantly lower taxable income if used correctly. Navigating these rules carefully can lead to meaningful savings, but mistakes or misunderstandings may result in unexpected tax bills or penalties. [Source]
Travel News
Travel Rewards Programs Lose Value for Frequent Travelers
Airline miles and hotel loyalty points are becoming harder to use effectively, with limited availability and rising redemption costs reducing their value. Travelers are finding it increasingly difficult to book flights or stays using points without restrictions or added fees. Relying on rewards programs may no longer deliver the expected savings, making it harder to offset travel expenses through loyalty benefits alone. [Source]
Some Popular Tourist Cities Fall Short of Expectations
A new ranking highlights several well-known global cities that travelers often find underwhelming due to overcrowding, high costs, or lack of authenticity. While these destinations remain popular, visitor experiences don’t always match expectations shaped by social media or marketing. Choosing less-hyped alternatives or adjusting expectations can help avoid overspending on destinations that may feel crowded or less rewarding in person. [Source]
Civil Unrest Abroad Requires Careful Planning and Awareness
Travelers caught in civil unrest situations abroad may face sudden disruptions, including transportation shutdowns, safety risks, and restricted movement. Preparation, such as monitoring local news, registering with embassies, and having exit plans, can make a significant difference. [Source]
Solo Female Travelers Highlight Safest and Riskiest Destinations
Experiences from solo female travelers point to certain countries standing out for safety, hospitality, and ease of navigation, while others pose more challenges. Factors like local attitudes, infrastructure, and personal security play a key role in overall comfort. Destination choice can significantly influence travel experience, especially for those traveling alone, affecting how freely and confidently they can move around. [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​