Hi Reader!

Did you catch our video from Prague? People told us we wouldn't want to leave once we visited this ancient city...and they were right! It was so much more than we expected!

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The KINDNESS of Panamanian Strangers...

We just wrapped up 18 days in Aruba, including a full week of being (mostly) unplugged.

7 days of laying on a white sand beach with turquoise waters lapping the shore was wonderful! We're feeling very refreshed and ready to work on all the cool things we have planned for the next year 🚀

Yesterday was our first full day in Panama City. We're hosting a Leap here in November and wanted to come check it out and plan our gatherings before we head back to Ecuador in a couple of weeks.

We left our hotel around 1PM to get some lunch and halfway through our walk there, the heavens opened up and rain started falling in sheets.

There was nowhere to get out of the rain so we hunkered down under some tropical foliage that provided at least a little cover, thinking the rain would stop any minute.

It didn't.

After about 10 minutes, a man in a print shop across the street stepped out and waved us over. The street was a river by this point so we sloshed through the water as we ran for cover.

The man handed us a towel and invited us to take a seat until the torrential downpour stopped, which was another 25 minutes. He even offered us some hot tea! He was so nice!

After the rain stopped, we continued on our way to lunch, which was only 2 blocks from the print shop. We paid with cash (they accept U.S. Dollars here) and received our first Panamanian coins for change.

I was so excited to see them that the lady explained the coins and their imprinted images to us. Then she pulled out some newer, shinier coins that were "más bonita" so we would have better looking money to take with us.

We've only interacted with a few people during our short time here so far, but the kindness of Panamanian strangers has not gone unnoticed. We're already starting to appreciate the allure of this enticing city.

Next week, we're hosting our very first real-world Club Meetup here in Panama City. The event details are available inside the Turtle Travel Club in the Turtle Events space (if you would like to attend). It's also open to members of our Expat community on Discord (check the Announcements channel).

Amelia is giving me the stink eye right now, so I think I'll wrap this up so we can go out and start exploring PC...with an umbrella, this time ☔️

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Join Us in Cuenca this October

One queen room just became available for Leap #2 to Cuenca from October 11-25.

Counting Amelia and me, there will be 13 of us Turtles there exploring this magical old world city.

Check out the Leap Details and then submit your booking request by clicking this button:

News for Global Citizens

Here’s what we learned about the world this week…

Expat News

Why Panama Is Becoming North America’s Top Escape Route

Political tensions, soaring costs, and post-election uncertainty are driving a record number of Americans and Canadians to make Panama their new home. In the past six months alone, one relocation company has seen a 300% jump in inquiries, with many citing lower living expenses, affordable healthcare, and a laid-back “zero stress” lifestyle. Panama offers year-round warmth, U.S. dollar currency, and visa programs that welcome foreign residents. From retirees saving thousands on utilities and taxes to remote workers doubling their purchasing power, the draw is clear: Panama promises a higher quality of life at a fraction of the cost. Source​

The Most and Least Affordable Countries for Expats in 2025

A new global ranking shows big contrasts in the cost of living for expats, with some destinations demanding top dollar while others let your budget stretch much further. The priciest spots tend to be in Northern and Western Europe, while the most affordable are scattered across Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For anyone considering a move abroad, knowing where your money will go furthest can make all the difference. Source​

Your Portugal Retirement Wishlist (Outside Lisbon & Porto)

If you’re picturing retirement in Portugal but want something quieter than the big cities, here are ten local gems that might just fit the bill. From the balanced charm of the Silver Coast where beach days blend with village markets, to the university-city energy and top-tier healthcare in Coimbra, there’s a perfect spot here for every kind of retiree. Source​

Why Portugal’s Expat Boom Is a Win for Financial Advisers

With UK tax reforms pushing more wealthy residents to look abroad, Portugal is emerging as a hotspot, not just for expats, but for the advisers who serve them. Steve Thompson of St James Global says Lisbon and the sunny south are set for a surge in high-net-worth arrivals over the next decade, thanks to favorable living costs, climate, and residency programs. This influx is creating fresh opportunities for expat-focused financial and legal services, as newcomers navigate complex tax rules like Portugal’s NHR 2.0 regime and inheritance tax changes affecting pensions. For advisers, the message is clear: Portugal is open for business. Source​

Travel News

U.S. Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Thailand

If Thailand’s on your travel radar, the U.S. State Department is advising you to “exercise increased caution” due to civil unrest in some areas. The advisory highlights insurgent activity in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, and warns against traveling within 50 km of the Thai-Cambodian border, where fighting between military forces has escalated. For those still planning a trip, officials recommend having an evacuation plan, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and securing comprehensive travel insurance before you go. Source​

Europe’s New Travel Authorization Will Cost More Than Planned

If you’re heading to Europe in 2026 or beyond, you’ll need to budget for the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). And it just got pricier. The fee has jumped from the originally planned €7 to €20 (about $23.20) for most travelers aged 18-70. ETIAS isn’t a visa, but it will be required for visa-free visitors from 59 countries, including the U.S., to enter 30 EU nations for short stays. Applications will be online, approvals could come within minutes, and once granted, it’s valid for three years or until your passport expires (so renew your passport early if you need to). Source​

8 Destinations Perfect for the Joyfully Single Traveler

Traveling solo isn’t just about independence; it’s about freedom, presence, and saying yes to experiences on your own terms. From Kyoto’s contemplative gardens to Lisbon’s warm conversations, Reykjavik’s rugged adventures to Oaxaca’s sensory delights, each destination offers something special for those happily exploring without a plus-one. These 8 spots prove you don’t need a partner to have a rich, fulfilling travel experience. Source​

Aruba Tops List as Safest Caribbean Island

If safety is high on your list when choosing a Caribbean getaway, Aruba just earned the top spot in a new 2025 ranking. The island holds a Level 1 U.S. Travel Advisory (the lowest risk category) thanks to low crime rates, minimal hurricane threat, and solid healthcare. Add in well-maintained roads and the natural beauty of white sand beaches with Turquoise water, and you’ve got an easygoing destination where peace of mind comes built-in. Source​

7 Phrases That Make You Sound Like “That” American Abroad

Ever worry about coming off as the stereotypical obnoxious American when you travel? A globetrotting travel expert who’s visited 70 countries has a list of seven phrases you might want to retire. From asking for prices “in dollars” to declaring “everything is so cheap here” or searching for the nearest Starbucks, these comments can make you seem out of touch, or worse, disrespectful. Even well-meaning remarks like “Your English is very good” or comparing things to “how we do it back home” can land the wrong way. Her advice: learn the local currency, embrace what’s different, and keep an open mind. You’ll enjoy a richer, more respectful travel experience. Source​

Ecuador News

Ecuador Declares Another State of Emergency for Coastal Region

Ecuador's president, Daniel Noboa, has declared a fresh 60-day state of emergency in four coastal provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Manabí after a surge in violent attacks linked to escalating gang conflict. The decree suspends key civil rights, opening the door for joint military and police operations. At the same time, Noboa is proposing another referendum, with a package of seven constitutional changes on the table, from allowing foreign military bases and casinos to restructuring government oversight and judicial controls. Critics warn these moves could tip the balance of power and further strain Ecuador's fragile democratic institutions. Source​

Colombia Protests Mass Deportation from Ecuador

Colombia has formally protested after Ecuador deported hundreds of Colombian prisoners without what Bogotá calls “safe and respectful” transfer protocols, labeling the move an “unfriendly gesture.” Ecuador refutes the claim, stating that each case followed legal procedures, complete with judicial rulings and notifications to Colombia. Reports say around 700 individuals were returned via the Rumichaca International Bridge starting July 8. Source​

Meet the “Plump” Newcomer of the Andes

Imagine hiking through Ecuador’s misty cloud forests and stumbling upon a tiny, round, warty toad you’ve never seen before. That’s exactly what researchers did and now Steve Backshall’s Andean toad is officially the newest member of the amphibian world. Found only in a small stretch of the Cerro Candelaria Reserve, this rare species has been spotted fewer than six times in 16 years. With its brown body, yellow belly blotches, and stubby fifth toe, it’s as distinctive as it is elusive. Source​

That's all for this week! Let me know if you have questions by replying to this email 👍

JP (Amelia says hola!)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​

P.S. Join us in Cuenca! We have one room available for Leap #2 to Cuenca in October so if you would like to join us, submit your booking request today.