Hola,

Some of you have noticed that we haven’t posted a YouTube video in a while, and we’ve received a lot of messages asking where we’ve been.

The short version is that we’ve taken a step back from regular YouTube videos over the past few months. After many years of creating on that platform, it felt like the right time for a reset and a shift in how we spend our time and energy.

That said, we’re definitely not retired (or retiring) 🙂

If anything, we’ve been busier than ever behind the scenes.

Our focus lately has been on building and growing the Turtle Travel Club, organizing Leaps, improving our educational resources, and working on projects that feel more aligned with where we are right now and how we want to help people moving forward.

One of those (minor) updates is the Residency Visa Matrix. Amelia just finished updating it with the latest and greatest visa info. If you’re researching your options or comparing countries, you can download the latest version here:

👉 Residency Visa Matrix by Amelia And JP v9​

We also just created a new Slow Travel UNLOCKED Course (it's free) that walks you through how slow travel actually works and how it can work for you. Get access to it here:

👉 Get the Free Slow Travel UNLOCKED Course​

And yes, there are a few new things in development that we’ll share as soon as we get them finished.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched, followed along, and supported us over the years. Even though regular YouTube videos are unlikely for the foreseeable future, we’re excited about where things are heading and look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey with us.

---

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.

---

News for Global Citizens

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

Correction

In last week's newsletter, the link was broken for the article about the new rules for flying into Singapore. Here is the correct link...​

Expat News

Sri Lanka’s New Digital Nomad Visa

Sri Lanka has officially launched a digital nomad visa, giving remote workers the opportunity to live on the island while earning income from abroad. The new visa allows you to legally base yourself in Sri Lanka without needing local employment, making it an attractive option if you run an online business or work remotely for a company outside the country. Source

Greece Expands Golden Visa Options

Greece has expanded its golden visa program in 2026 by adding a new investment pathway beyond real estate. Instead of only purchasing property, you can now qualify by investing roughly $259,000 in approved startups listed on the national registry, Elevate Greece. The change broadens the program for investors who aren’t interested in buying property, but still want residency options. The number of U.S. citizens granted Greek golden visas jumped 49% in December 2025 compared to the previous year. Source​

Sri Lanka Named Cheapest Place to Retire in 2026

Sri Lanka has been ranked the cheapest place to retire in 2026. The ranking highlights the country’s low cost of living, affordable housing, and relatively inexpensive healthcare, making it appealing if you’re looking to stretch your retirement income further. Sri Lanka is increasingly showing up on the radar for retirees who want a lower-cost base without sacrificing quality of life. Source​

More Black Women Are Choosing Life Abroad

A growing number of Black American women are choosing to relocate overseas in search of greater safety, affordability, opportunity, and overall quality of life. Many cite burnout, political tension, and rising costs in the U.S. as motivating factors. Meanwhile, destinations in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean are drawing interest for community, lifestyle, and a stronger sense of ease. Source​

The Wealthy Are Moving Abroad in Record Numbers

The world’s wealthy are relocating across borders at levels never seen before, driven by taxes, political stability, lifestyle, and long-term security. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly choosing destinations like United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Switzerland for their favorable tax policies and stable environments. If you pay attention to where capital flows, you can see a clear pattern: people with the most resources are prioritizing mobility, diversification, and optionality. They're positioning themselves in countries that offer economic predictability and global access. Source​

Travel News

Thailand Cracks Down on Visa Runs

Thailand is tightening enforcement around so-called “visa runs,” making it harder for foreigners to string together back-to-back short-term entries to live in the country long term. While the laws themselves haven’t dramatically changed, immigration officials are reportedly applying stricter scrutiny to repeated border crossings and extended stays without proper long-term visas. If you’ve been relying on tourist visas or frequent exits and re-entries to remain in Thailand, this is a clear signal that authorities expect you to transition to a more appropriate visa category. Source​

Is the U.S. Passport Losing Strength?

The American passport is gradually slipping in global rankings as other countries expand their visa-free access. While U.S. citizens still enjoy entry to many destinations, the relative power of the passport has declined compared to nations that now offer broader mobility. Shifting geopolitics and changing visa agreements are reshaping global travel access, meaning you can’t automatically assume the U.S. passport guarantees top-tier flexibility anymore. Source​

CDC Issues Warning for Popular Vacation Destination

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a new travel health warning has been issued for Seychelles, a popular warm-weather vacation spot, due to rising illness concerns. The advisory urges travelers to take extra precautions, including staying updated on vaccinations and being mindful of local health conditions before booking or departing. If you’re planning a trip to a tropical destination, it’s a reminder to check official health guidance ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard. Source​

Tour Operators Push Back on Cuba Concerns

Travel advisors and tour operators say tourism in Cuba continues despite recent headlines about power outages and supply shortages. Industry professionals report that resorts and tourist areas are operating normally, with contingency plans in place to minimize disruption for visitors. While broader infrastructure challenges remain part of the national conversation, operators say travelers are still arriving in strong numbers (especially from Canada) and that on-the-ground conditions in tourist zones are more stable than some reports suggest. 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​

P.S. We can notify you when we announce new Leap dates and destinations. Get Leap Alerts →​