Hello from Australia.
It's only the second week of 2026 and a lot has already happened. We've been getting questions about Venezuela and if we expect events there to affect international travel or relocation, so I'll share our thoughts below.
But first, I mentioned in our last newsletter that I bought new glasses while we were in Auckland, New Zealand. I got the highest quality progressive lenses they offered with the best progressive range. The complete eye exam, a new pair of titanium frames, and progressive lenses was $511 USD.
I bought my last two pairs of glasses in Ecuador, but I was never totally happy with them. The focal points on the lenses were off just a bit, which meant I had to tilt my head up slightly to focus on reading, and I had to tilt my head down slightly to focus on things that were far away (like the TV). It wasn't ideal.
After explaining all this to Joey at the glasses store in Auckland, he pulled out a fancy app on his tablet and placed some sort of calibration device over my frames and took a picture. This allowed him to automatically position the focal points exactly where they need to be, and it worked perfectly. I no longer have to tilt up to see down, or tilt down to see up. If you've ever had progressive lens, you probably know what I mean.
In Ecuador, the glasses tech used a black marker to manually position the focal points, which obviously wasn't very accurate.
It's so nice to be able to see again!
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.
Our Thoughts on Venezuela
When big global events happen, we get lots of questions from our viewers and readers about our perception of the events.
Since we don't talk politics (a lesson I learned as a child from my grandma), I'm not going to discuss that aspect.
However, what the U.S. does abroad does impact the expat and slow travel lifestyle.
In relation to Venezuela specifically, we're still mostly in "wait and see" mode. It appears that deals are already being struck with the "new" government of Venezuela so it looks like it could simmer down quickly, at least inside the country.
Ecuador's president supported the actions. And Ecuador, overall, is still very pro-American so we expect it to continue to be a good option for relocation and travel.
Colombia, on the other hand, has condemned the actions in Venezuela. The U.S. has also made some threats against Colombia due to its central role in the drug trade, so it might be advisable to reconsider making travel plans there if you're still in research mode (there are lots of other places that might be better right now).
The bigger question now is, what is going to happen with the broader geopolitical landscape?
If the U.S. continues to express interest in intervening in other countries, such as Cuba, Iran, Colombia, and Greenland, we could start to see some doors closing for American travelers like they have for Russian travelers since the invasion of Ukraine.
The American passport has already lost some power over the past 10 years, dropping out of the top 10 most powerful passports. This trend could continue if U.S. foreign policy continues to be aggressive.
We could also see a negative trend in how Americans are treated abroad. We've been to 28 countries in the past 2+ years and have not experienced a single anti-American sentiment. Everyone we have met seems to understand the difference between people and the politics of their home country, but that could change if international relations continue to deteriorate.
With all of that said, there's no use worrying about things we can't control. If some countries close their doors to Americans, or make immigration more difficult, others will probably make it easier (for economic reasons – they like Americans importing money into their countries).
All of this just means we may need to be more flexible in our travel and relocation plans. The world is changing, whether we like it or not.
News for Global Citizens
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
What Americans Abroad Need to Know About the 2025 U.S. Tax Bracket Changes
If you’re a U.S. citizen living overseas, the IRS’s 2025 tax bracket updates could quietly affect your tax strategy even though the rates themselves didn’t change. The new brackets and higher standard deductions are mainly inflation adjustments, but they can shift where your income lands and influence decisions about things like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit. Source​
Bulgaria Just Opened Its Doors to Digital Nomads
Bulgaria has officially introduced a digital nomad visa, giving non-EU remote workers a legal way to live in the country long-term while working for employers or clients abroad. The visa targets location-independent professionals looking for a lower cost of living within the EU, and positions Bulgaria as a quieter, more affordable alternative to Europe’s established digital nomad hotspots. Source​
11 Digital Nomad Visas That Can Lead to Citizenship
If you’re thinking beyond short-term stays, some digital nomad visas can actually be a first step toward permanent residency and even citizenship. A handful of countries now allow time spent on remote-work visas to count toward long-term settlement, as long as you meet income requirements, renew consistently, and transition into the right residency status. For anyone who wants flexibility now but a real Plan B later, these visas are worth a closer look. Source​
This Spanish Town Tops Retirement Picks for Expats
If you’ve been daydreaming about retiring in Spain, this new study might surprise you: the number-one spot for expat retirees in 2025 isn’t Marbella, Benidorm or Torrevieja. It's Calpe thanks to its strong expat community, excellent social infrastructure, healthcare access, and high proportion of foreign residents. The ranking looked at 38 destinations across Spain, weighing things like climate, cost of living, and quality of life, and Calpe’s well-rounded scores pushed it to the top, with towns like Almuñécar, Benidorm and Javea close behind. Source​
Malaysia’s Ex-PM Najib Gets Major Sentence in Corruption Case
In a high-profile ruling, Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak was found guilty again in his long-running 1MDB corruption saga and has now been sentenced to 15 years in prison along with a massive fine. The High Court convicted him on multiple counts tied to billions siphoned from the state investment fund into his personal accounts (charges he has long denied). His legal team says they’ll appeal, but this latest judgment adds to years of legal battles over one of Malaysia’s biggest financial scandals. Source​
Travel News
U.S. Passport Processing Times
If you’re planning international travel, routine passport applications are generally taking about 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives your forms. Expedited service can shorten that to around 2–3 weeks if you pay the extra fee. These estimates don’t include mailing time, so from start to finish it can take longer, meaning you should apply well before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. Source​
What Travel Will Look Like in 2026
Travel in 2026 is expected to be more intentional and experience-focused. Nighttime tourism, literary-themed trips, and active travel like running vacations are gaining traction. Indigenous-led experiences and refreshed all-inclusive resorts are also growing in popularity. You’ll likely see more sober travel options and niche trips built around personal interests. At the same time, AI and new planning tools will continue to shape how you research, book, and experience travel. Source​
Best Places for Women to Travel Solo
Traveling alone can be empowering, and some destinations make it easier and more rewarding. Cities and regions like Copenhagen, New Zealand’s South Island, Japan, Costa Rica, and Vancouver rank highly for safety, ease of getting around, friendly locals, and interesting things to do. Whether you’re after nature, culture, adventure, or laid-back exploration, these solo-friendly spots offer a mix of experiences that help you feel confident and comfortable on your own. Source​
How Travel Tech Is About to Change Your Trips
Travel technology is set to shift from clunky apps to smarter, seamless tools that anticipate your needs and make trips feel smoother. Expect smarter personalization and AI assistants that help plan and manage journeys before you even think to ask. Wearable tech like smart glasses will offer real-time translation and info on the go, while navigation tools and accessibility apps are helping more people move around unfamiliar places with confidence. These advances aim to enhance your experience without adding extra digital noise to your trip. Source​
Top Retirement Trips to Put on Your Bucket List
Retirement gives you the freedom to travel without rushing, making it a great time for longer, more immersive trips. Think slow cruises, scenic train journeys, extended road trips, and culturally rich destinations where you can explore at your own pace. Whether it’s nature, history, or simply enjoying the journey itself, these kinds of trips focus less on checking boxes and more on immersion. Source​
Essential Rules for Solo Travel
Traveling alone works best when you plan ahead and stay flexible. Research your destination, keep someone back home informed, and pack only what you really need. Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. With a little preparation and awareness, solo travel can feel freeing instead of stressful. 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 Hola)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​