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.
Travel Club Updates
Our Leap to Granada, Spain is open for booking. There are still a couple of spots left so if you would like to join us for a truly unforgettable travel experience, now is the time to submit your booking request (we adjusted our pricing structure slightly based on how rooms are being shared).
And we just announced our next Leap to Cuenca, Ecuador for December 2026 (coming soon). We'll announce our January 2027 Leap next week just as soon as we get the details finalized.
We’ve also updated our club membership to make it more accessible at a time when people need community and a sense of belonging more than ever. The Turtles are a friendly bunch and we're waiting to welcome you.
​Join now to attend the New Member Welcome Zoom Call with Amelia and me (raw and real) on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
New Travel Scam
Booking.com just announced that they've been hacked. Cyber criminals stole personal data for millions of their customers and they're using it to hijack reservations.
We experienced this scam firsthand for our lodging in Cambodia. The hotel where we stayed got hacked and, luckily, they prepared us for the scam messages that we started receiving.
Here's how the "reservation hijack" works...
You'll get an email or text message with a link asking you to make a payment for your upcoming reservation.
It will look legitimate because AI is helping these mostly non-English speaking scammers sound more American or British or whatever language the target victim speaks.
Once you click the link and make the payment, the money is gone and there's a good chance they've also installed malware on your device that will help them steal even more personal information.
If you receive a suspicious message about an upcoming reservation, DON'T CLICK THE LINK.
Instead, go directly to the original reservation website to check your account status. Or call the customer service hotline from the website (not the message).
Thanks to AI, these scammers are getting more effective and dangerous so you need to constantly have your spidey senses on high alert and think before you click.
If you find World Aware helpful, forward it to a friend who’s thinking about traveling internationally or moving abroad.
If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here: World Aware ↗​
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.
World Aware News
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
Spain Leads Global Quality of Life Ranking for Expats
Spain ranks as the top destination for expats seeking quality of life, marking its fourth consecutive year in first place based on feedback from over 10,000 people across 46 countries. High marks for healthcare, leisure, and climate help set it apart, while cities like Valencia and Málaga remain especially attractive. The United Arab Emirates and Panama follow, offering tax advantages and lower living costs. [Source]
Central and Eastern Europe Attract Americans Seeking Affordability
More Americans are relocating to Central and Eastern Europe, drawn by lower living costs, historic cities, and improving infrastructure. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and Romania offer a balance of affordability and cultural richness, especially compared to Western Europe. This shift reflects a broader search for value, where housing, food, and services cost less, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget. [Source]
Healthcare Costs Drive Expats Toward High-Quality, Lower-Cost Systems
High costs, coverage gaps, and long wait times are leading more Americans to delay care or look overseas for treatment, with nearly half worried about affordability in 2026. Countries like France, Portugal, Spain, Panama, and Costa Rica offer lower prices, faster access, and English-speaking doctors, attracting retirees and medical travelers alike. Seeking care abroad could mean paying a fraction of U.S. prices and getting quicker appointments without long delays. [Source]
Travel News
Booking.com Data Breach Fuels Rise in Sophisticated Travel Scams
A data breach at Booking.com exposed customer details like names, contact information, and booking data, enabling a surge in “reservation hijack” scams. Criminals are using real trip details to impersonate hotels and trick travelers into sending money. While financial data wasn’t accessed, the stolen information makes scams far more convincing, increasing the risk of fraudulent payment requests tied to legitimate bookings. [Source]
Tourists Shift to Southern Europe as Middle East Travel Slows
Flight and hotel bookings to Spain and Portugal are rising as travelers redirect plans away from parts of the Middle East due to safety concerns. Southern Europe is benefiting from this shift, seeing increased demand as a perceived safer and more stable alternative. This surge is pushing up prices and availability in already popular destinations, especially heading into peak seasons. [Source]
Passport Expiration Rules Continue to Catch Travelers Off Guard
Many countries enforce a “six-month validity rule,” requiring passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. Travelers who overlook this might not be allowed to board the plane, even if their passport hasn’t technically expired. This rule varies by destination, making it essential to check requirements in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions or costly rebooking. [Source]
Global Travel Sector Surpasses Expectations With Record Growth
Travel and tourism saw its strongest year yet in 2025, growing faster than the overall global economy. Strong demand, especially for international trips, continues to fuel recovery and expansion across airlines, hotels, and destinations. This sustained growth is likely to keep prices elevated and popular destinations crowded, particularly during peak travel seasons. [Source]
Japan Gets More Expensive With New Taxes and Fees
Japan is introducing higher tourist taxes, transportation costs, and price increases across accommodations and attractions in 2026. These changes reflect efforts to manage overtourism and fund infrastructure improvements. Travelers should expect higher overall trip costs, particularly in major cities, making budgeting and early booking more important than before. [Source]
"Travel Itch" Becomes Constant as Trip Demand Stays High
A growing number of people experience a persistent urge to travel, often planning future trips while still on the current one, as travel shifts from necessity to lifestyle. Research links this “travel itch” to stress relief, curiosity, and the appeal of new experiences, reinforced by social media exposure. [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​