Hi Reader!
I'm going to keep this newsletter short since we're technically on vacation in Fiji and Amelia is giving me the stink eye for working.
She wants to go lay on the beach, but I told her we have to do some work so we can afford to go lay on the beach. It's a minor tradeoff!
First, Click Here to join the waitlist for the Global Living Summit so you're the first to know when tickets go on sale and you can lock in your early bird discount.
Second, follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/AmeliaAndJP if you want to follow our adventure in more real-time. I've been posting more pics and clips there since we haven't been recording as many YouTube videos.
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Our Unexpected Trip to Fiji
Two weeks ago, we were still trying to decide if we wanted to go East or West to get to Bali for our Leap in January.
We wanted to go to Auckland, New Zealand, but we thought about going to Istanbul and then to Ho Chi Minh City if the flights were cheaper.
But thanks to Jodie, one of our Turtles who likes researching travel deals, we got cheap tickets to go to Auckland via Fiji.
Fiji Airways was running a special so the tickets were actually less to go through Fiji than the other options to go direct to Auckland.
This is one reason why we don't schedule our trips months (or years) in advance. Sometimes, we get cheap tickets for an unexpected and truly unforgettable experience.
Here's the cost breakdown:
- LAX to Fiji: $396/ticket
- Fiji to Auckland: $392/ticket
- Total Airfare LAX to Fiji to Auckland: $788/person
When we were pricing flights from the US to Auckland for our travel dates, the cheapest flights we found were over $1,200/ticket (going to Ho Chi Minh City was over $2,000/ticket).
Stopping in Fiji saved us over $800 in airfare, which we applied toward a beach vacation in Fiji.
This is something Amelia and I have always wanted to do, so this stopover allowed us to check another thing off our bucket list 🥳
Ok, Amelia is literally tapping her foot waiting for me to stop typing so I have to go before I'm really in trouble.
There are some good stories below for you to check out, and remember to follow us on Instagram for some colorful pics and clips.
News for Global Citizens
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Travel News
Retire & Roam: Seeing the World on a Real-Life Budget
If you’ve ever wondered whether world travel in retirement is actually doable, the answer is yes — and it doesn’t require a huge nest egg. With a little planning, you can stretch your dollars by choosing destinations where your money goes further, traveling during shoulder seasons, and mixing in affordable options like house-sitting or slow travel to reduce lodging and transportation costs. Smart use of points, rewards, and long-stay discounts can also make the dream of global exploration surprisingly attainable. It’s all about designing a lifestyle that prioritizes meaningful experiences over expensive itineraries. Source
Cambodia’s Big New Gateway: Techo Takes Off
Cambodia has opened its spectacular new Techo International Airport just south of Phnom Penh, replacing the old airport as the country’s main aviation hub and marking a major step in connecting Cambodia with the world. Designed with modern, sustainable features and built to handle far more passengers than its predecessor, the airport aims to boost tourism and business travel while accommodating larger aircraft and future growth. From upgraded passenger services to expanded global routes, Techo is positioning Cambodia as a more accessible destination for travelers everywhere. Source
Mauritius: Paradise With a Side of Caution
Mauritius is still that dreamy Indian Ocean destination you’ve been thinking about, but you’ll want to travel there with your eyes open: the U.S. government recently bumped its advisory to Level 2 – exercise increased caution because of a rise in reported crime that can affect both visitors and locals. That includes everyday risks like opportunistic theft and petty crime in crowds, as well as some more serious incidents in certain areas. Source
Europe 2026: New Ways to Explore Culture, Nature & Fun
Next year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Europe if you’re chasing fresh experiences — from striking immersive art installations in Paris and Germany to a celestial-themed festival in Iceland, new long-distance walking trails along the English coast, and lively food and cultural spots popping up across cities like Istanbul and Hamburg. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, creative exhibitions, or unique celebrations under the sky, these newly launched activities give you plenty of reasons to plan a European escape in 2026. Source
Top Spots for Digital Nomads in 2026
Remote workers have a new list of top destinations for 2026, with Colombia leading thanks to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and long-stay visa. Other favorites include New Zealand, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Vietnam, and several European countries offering great affordability, strong infrastructure, and an appealing lifestyle. Source
Expat News
Spain 2026: Big Changes for Visitors, Residents & Expats
Starting in 2026, Spain is rolling out a series of major updates that affect everyone from tourists to long-term residents: new road and safety rules (like compulsory seatbelts for nearly all drivers and replacing emergency triangles with roof-mounted beacons), stricter regulations for personal mobility devices and emissions zones, and a shift toward a centralized digital residency system that aims to streamline visas and permits. These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize travel, residency processes, and daily life in the country, so it’s smart to know what’s coming before your next trip or move. Source
Spain’s Healthcare: Strong but Changing – Public Meets Private
Spain’s health system is still seen as one of the better ones in Europe, but the way care is delivered is shifting: a growing share of publicly funded hospitals are now run by private companies, and private health insurance is becoming more common as people look for quicker access or extra services. That means the public system still offers universal coverage, but you might notice more private involvement in everyday care compared with other national systems. Source
Portugal’s Hidden Gem: Why This City Is Winning Over Expats
Braga, a charming northern city in Portugal, is becoming a top choice for expats and retirees who want an authentic Portuguese lifestyle without the crowds and high costs of Lisbon or the Algarve. It’s walkable, safe, and affordable, with friendly locals who often speak English, plenty of social and cultural life, and easy access to nature and history, giving you both everyday convenience and a rich, relaxed way of living abroad. Source
Rethink the ‘Best Places to Retire Abroad’ Lists
Not all overseas retirement rankings work the same, and a few key things can skew how appealing a destination looks on paper: some lists don’t weigh how easy it really is to get residency or stay long-term, others brush past taxes and healthcare costs that matter most when you’re living there, and many don’t reflect how welcoming a country truly is to newcomers, all of which can make a big difference in your day-to-day life and budget when you actually move. Source
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New Zealand Opens Fresh Visa Routes for Expats
New Zealand is rolling out new visa options aimed at making it easier for skilled workers, remote professionals, and other expats to set up life there, including a digital-nomad style visa without a strict income requirement and expanded residency pathways for people with in-demand skills or trades, plus changes to investment and long-stay permits to attract long-term arrivals. These updates are part of a broader effort to draw talent, boost the workforce, and offer more flexible ways for people to live and work in the country’s stunning landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. Source
Top Spots to Retire in Italy
Retiring in Italy is all about choosing the lifestyle you want. The best spots offer a mix of affordable housing, great healthcare, walkable neighborhoods, and that irresistible Italian blend of food, culture, and community. Whether you’re drawn to sunny southern towns or historic northern gems, the key is finding a place that matches your pace, budget, and vision of la dolce vita. Source
Colombia Is One of the World’s Friendliest Places to Be
According to a recent expat survey, Colombia has been ranked as the second friendliest country in the world, with visitors and foreigners highlighting how welcoming and warm the people are from the moment you arrive. This reputation for hospitality, rooted in vibrant culture, genuine everyday interactions, and a willingness to help strangers, makes the country feel easy to settle into and explore. Source
Correction: In last week's newsletter, the summary about Cambodia was wrong. The article was about Kuwait, not Cambodia.
That's all for now! Let us know if you have any questions by replying to this email 👍
JP (Amelia Says Hola)
AmeliaAndJP.com
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