World Aware is a weekly newsletter from Amelia And JP about moving abroad, expat life, and the realities of building a life outside the United States.
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No video this week (for a good reason)
Published 3 months ago • 4 min read • World Aware
🌎 World Aware
by JP Stonestreet
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.
You may have noticed that we didn't post a video this week. The one we have ready to go isn't about the World Cup and that's pretty much all the YouTube algorithm cares about right now.
So, we'll be posting that video next week when the World Cup is over and our viewers are more likely to see it.
The weather here in Belgrade for the past week has been beautiful! Temps in the 70s F with blue skies and a light breeze. We've been enjoying lots of long walks along the Sava and Danube Rivers.
Sunset over the Sava River at the Belgrade Fortress
We've also been busy at work on more ways to help people leave the U.S. for a higher quality of life and a lower cost of living.
First, the Turtle Travel Club now has a FREE Starter Membership option. You can join conversations, share where you are, and discover other Turtles who might be nearby.
Our goal with the travel club has always been to bring more people together and take some loneliness out of the world, especially for world travelers who find it difficult to meet people. We hope this new free Starter plan will help us supercharge that goal.
Second, over the past several years, we've been interviewing and vetting immigration attorneys in several popular expat countries so we have more experts for you in our Expert Referral Network.
Third, for the past several months, we've been working on a new program to help accelerate your move abroad. This is something we should have done a long time ago, but late is better than never.
We're not quite ready to announce it yet, but it's coming soon. Our target launch is September for a small number of people who are planning to leave the U.S. in the next year. Stay tuned!
Ok, I think that's it for this week.
Are you going to watch the World Cup finals? This one should be great if you're a soccer/football/fútbol lover.
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World Aware News
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
Deadly Wildfire in Southern Spain Kills at Least 12
A fast-moving wildfire near Los Gallardos in southern Spain has killed at least 12 people, injured several others, and forced more than 1,400 residents to evacuate. Authorities said some victims died while trying to escape through a dry riverbed, and officials believe several of those killed were foreign nationals. If you're traveling or living in southern Europe this summer, monitor local wildfire alerts closely, as extreme heat is increasing the risk of rapidly changing conditions. [Source]
Spain Tops the List for Expat Healthcare
Spain ranks as the best country for expat healthcare in a new survey, earning high marks for affordability, accessibility, and quality. The report also found strong overall satisfaction among expats living there, supported by Spain’s near-universal healthcare system for legal residents. [Source]
A Dutch Expat Found a Slower Life in Colombia’s Barichara
A Dutch expat settled in Barichara, a colonial town known for its preserved architecture, mountain scenery, and relaxed pace of life. Over the past 15 years, he has helped restore nearby land through a reforestation project that also welcomes visitors seeking a nature-focused escape. [Source]
Critics Warn Bali Financial Hub Plan Could Bring More Risks Than Benefits
Indonesia is fast-tracking legislation to create an international financial center in Bali, arguing it could attract global investment during a period of economic uncertainty. However, there are concerns from economists and analysts that the proposal lacks sufficient safeguards, pointing to potential transparency issues, property speculation, and questions about whether Bali is the right location for a financial hub. If adopted as proposed, the plan could reshape investment and development on the island. [Source]
Travel News
Europe Delays New ETIAS Travel Authorization Until 2027
Travelers heading to most European Union countries will not need to apply for the new ETIAS travel authorization until at least 2027 after another delay to the system’s rollout. The program will eventually require eligible visitors to pay a fee and receive travel approval before departure, but for now only the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is in effect, with mixed reports of border wait times. [Source]
Europe’s Lesser-Known Balkan Destinations Are Drawing More Travelers
With many of Europe’s best-known destinations becoming busier and more expensive, travelers are increasingly looking to the Balkans for better value and a more local experience. Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina are gaining attention for their scenery, culture, and affordability, with Albania seeing a sharp rise in interest from American travelers. [Source]
Japan and Southern Europe Lead the Global Travel Boom
International tourism reached another record in 2025, but growth has been concentrated in a handful of destinations. Japan recorded the strongest increase in international visitors since 2019, while Spain, Greece, Portugal, and several other European countries also continued to attract more travelers. Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, and Ireland saw declines in international arrivals. [Source]
That's all for this week. Let me know if you have any questions.
P.S. Please do us a huge favor and make sure you're still subscribed to our YouTube channel. For whatever reason, YT has been unsubscribing our loyal viewers en masse. Thanks for checking 😊
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