52 Money Saving Travel Tips, US Passport Processing Time are Getting Shorter, Travel + Leisure Destination Of The Year, Thanksgiving In México, Investment Lot Scams, and more Expat News

Welcome back to Expat News by Expat Rebel. Here’s a weekly digest to keep you updated on the Expat World. If you were forwarded this message, you can get the free weekly email here.

In this issue:

52 Money Saving Travel Tips
US Passport Processing Time are Getting Shorter
Travel + Leisure Destination Of The Year Is…
Thanksgiving In México
Investment Lot Scams
And more Expat News

Expat Enclaves

I had a someone ask about expat enclaves and how they don’t like them. And I agreed. I’m not interested in living with a bunch of US Americans or a little nicer Canadians in an entire condo building or neighborhood.

US Americans and Canadians living in a foreign country tend to be very international and more mellow. I have some that are friends. But, I know more Mexicans. My area has very little foreigners. And a vast majority of them are only here during winter. I am surrounded by locals.

And it’s great.

Really. I prefer it.

We all have something in common. Being peaceful. Enjoying the slowness. We don’t need to rush.

Why eat fast food when you can enjoy fabulous tacos slowly. There is more enjoyment in taking your time.

Christmas Tree is already up in my favorite nearby mall here in Merida Mexico

Expat Rebel YouTube & Audio Podcast

Expat news every week. Want to listen to a weekly podcast about being an expat and traveling the world? Each week, we post a new podcast with news you’ll find in this weekly email plus bonus stories, wisdom, and fun from Expat Rebel Chris. Listen to Expat Rebel podcast. It’s like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from Chris and we have plans for special guests later this year. You can subscribe on YouTube for video, and Apple or Spotify), or wherever you listen to audio podcasts.

Travel News

US Passport Processing Times Are Finally Getting Shorter – US travelers may finally be free from the bureaucratic scourge of months-long passport wait periods, for the first time in three years. According to the latest estimates, Americans could have their little blue books processed in less than a month. Get your passport before you think you need it, aka now.
52 Money Saving Travel Tips: Save Before & On The Road – lots of great tips
No matter what you do on a plane, you’re probably annoying someone; Here are the top complaints? – long list of how people annoy each other on planes. Here is to flight attendants for deescalating over 99% of the issues.
American Airlines Reminds Flight Attendants Not To Provide Better Service To Coach Passengers – The airline told cabin crew that they shouldn’t give economy passengers blankets, pillows, or treats from business class. American framed this as consistency, which is to say making sure that there are no occasional surprise and delight moments in the coach cabin.
United Airlines Passenger Checked A Bottle Of Tequila. Someone Took A Shot Before It Hit Baggage Claim. – View from the Wing – airlines have to accept responsibility for similar incidents. When you check a bag with an airline, the airline is responsible for it even though they aren’t the only one that touches it.
Travel + Leisure Names Destination of the Year 2024: Costa Rica – Travel and Leisure has proudly named Costa Rica as the 2024 Destination of the Year, recognizing the nation’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future and its deep connection to the land and Indigenous communities. Explore this collection of articles about Costa Rica. A blue zone, beautify beaches, fabulous rain forest, great surfing, fantastic art and food, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Congratulations Costa Rica on being the top destination for 2024.
Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained it’s not perfect but it is helpful at times. Just remember if this system was applied to the USA itself many parts would have high-level advisories to avoid travel there.
Mexico is always a popular destination for US Thanksgiving travel – Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated at all in México locally but it’s a great nearby place to warm up and enjoy Thanksgiving without snow.
Be careful with the area of Cancun where you search for Airbnb – Some areas where Airbnb rentals are located are in high crime areas. Always be aware of the neighborhood before booking.

Sunset with my neighbors fishing boat

México Expat News

Investment lots, the disease of the real estate industry in Yucatán – good article about the problems with investment lots. Be very careful buying them anywhere. Work with people that others recommend and are licensed.
Same-sex couples in Mexico: a growing and diverse reality – moving to Mexico won’t get you away from reality
The Gentrification Of Our Traditions – I recommend traditional ceremonies from Natives. I have had some of the best memories in my life here in México from Mayans and Aztecs performed ceremonies.

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Sunrise beach walk

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