Hola.

We've been getting lots of concerned messages asking where we are and if we're safe.

Thankfully, we are a long way from the Middle East right now, enjoying a peaceful stay in Southeast Asia with members from our Turtle Travel Club. It's a 7+ hour flight from here to that part of the world so we're in no danger, at least for now.

Unfortunately, one of our Turtles is heading back to the U.S. today, flying from Bangkok to Istanbul. Hopefully, she makes it without incident or delay.

Due to the new war in Iran and the old war in Ukraine, that flight corridor between east and west has gotten much smaller and requires a bit of a detour over the Stans and the Black Sea.

Amelia and I are heading to Kuala Lumpur next to host another Leap before we fly back to Europe via Istanbul in April.

It's certainly not an ideal time to fly that route, but our next 3 Leaps are in Europe so we need to get there one way or another ✈️ 🚂 🚗

The old saying "may you live in interesting times" definitely seems more like a curse than a blessing.

If you're traveling through the region right now, please respond and let us know you're ok, and what your experience has been.

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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.

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News for Global Citizens

Here's what we learned about the world this week...

Expat News

U.S. and Ecuador Launch Joint Military Operation

The United States and Ecuador have begun joint military operations targeting organized crime groups linked to drug trafficking and illegal mining. Ecuador has become a key transit point for cocaine shipments moving from South America to North America and Europe, and violence tied to these networks has escalated in recent years. Ecuador’s government is seeking international cooperation as part of a broader strategy to restore security. [Source]

More Americans Are Considering a Move Abroad

Interest in living abroad continues to grow as more Americans explore the possibility of becoming expatriates. Millions of U.S. citizens already live overseas, and recent estimates suggest that in 2025 more Americans left the country than moved in. Many people cite factors such as cost of living, safety concerns, and lifestyle changes as motivations for relocating. [Source]

Several Countries Rank Safer for Retirement Than the U.S.

A new comparison of global retirement destinations highlights several countries where retirees may experience higher levels of safety than in the United States. Places such as Portugal, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Ireland, Vietnam, and Uruguay score significantly higher on the Global Peace Index while also appearing on international retirement rankings. These destinations combine relatively low crime rates with established expat communities and lifestyle appeal. [Source]

Countries Where Expats Say Life Feels Simpler and Cheaper

Survey data from the Expat Insider report highlights Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia as places where many expats report a calmer pace of life and a lower cost of living. Respondents mentioned affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and everyday expenses that stretch further than in the United States. Several of the destinations also offer warm climates and established international communities. [Source]

Some Retirees Are Choosing to Live Full-Time on Cruise Ships

A small but growing number of retirees are choosing to live long-term aboard cruise ships instead of maintaining a traditional home. Frequent cruising, extended world voyages, and residential-style cruise programs allow travelers to spend months or even years at sea while visiting multiple destinations. Some retirees say the lifestyle can offer predictable costs that include lodging, meals, and entertainment, along with the appeal of constantly changing scenery. [Source]

Where a Second Passport Is Within Reach

A new global report highlights 11 countries offering relatively fast pathways to citizenship, many through citizenship-by-investment programs. Several Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, have streamlined processes and relatively modest investment requirements. In some cases, you can obtain citizenship in months rather than years if you meet investment and due-diligence requirements. [Source]

Travel News

Airspace Closures Ripple Through Global Flight Routes

Temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East are affecting flights far beyond the region itself. Airlines that normally rely on these routes for long-haul travel between Europe, Asia, and other continents are being forced to reroute flights, often adding hours to travel times. The changes can disrupt connections, lead to schedule adjustments, and increase operational costs for airlines. Travelers whose itineraries cross these corridors may see delays or different routing even if their final destination is outside the affected region. [Source]

Widespread Flight Changes Across Middle East and Beyond

Airspace closures and security concerns across parts of the Middle East have forced airlines to cancel flights, suspend routes, and reroute aircraft across multiple regions. Some carriers have paused service entirely to certain destinations, while others are redirecting flights to avoid restricted airspace. These changes have created delays, cancellations, and longer travel times for passengers across international routes. Airlines and governments have issued travel advisories as the situation continues to affect regional aviation networks and travelers passing through major transit hubs. [Source]

Airfares Between Asia and Europe Rise Due to Airport Closures

Flight prices between Asia and Europe have surged after several major Middle Eastern airports temporarily closed, removing key transit hubs from global travel routes. Airlines that normally connect travelers through Gulf hubs have reduced capacity, leaving many routes fully booked and forcing passengers to seek alternate paths through other regions. Some travelers have paid significantly higher fares for last-minute tickets, while others face longer travel times through different connecting cities. Airlines are also adjusting flight paths to avoid restricted airspace, increasing operational costs. [Source]

Former Spies Share Tips for Staying Safer While Traveling Abroad

Two former CIA officers shared simple habits travelers can use to reduce risks while visiting unfamiliar destinations. Their advice includes maintaining awareness of surroundings, blending in rather than standing out as a tourist, and planning routes and transportation in advance. They also recommend limiting what you carry, avoiding predictable routines, and keeping digital security in mind when using phones or public Wi-Fi. [Source]

Safest European Cities for Solo Female Travelers

A recent ranking highlights several European cities that stand out for safety and ease of travel for women exploring on their own. Destinations such as Prague, Vienna, and Madrid scored highly due to factors including walkability, public transportation, and relatively low crime rates. The list also notes the presence of well-lit public spaces and strong tourism infrastructure that can help travelers feel more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places. [Source]

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Safe travels.

JP (Amelia Says Hola)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​