1 year. 10 countries. 26 cities. (and are we going back to Ecuador?)

[@bradleylewis2291]

Good to see you back on your feet JP!!!!

[@tomsaxton970]

I have written about this before. But we have a casa de campo near Riobamba. My wife is Ecuadorian. We have been traveling around Europe for about 5 weeks now. Spain, Italy, Austria and tomorrow to Germany. I am so homesick for my Ecuadorian life. Way more than my wife. I feel like this trip has been a big waste of money for me. But I am really vested in my teaching the kids in the orchestra (OSMUR) in Riobamba. I applaud your year-long adventure, but I can not imagine doing the same. Every place we have been is overloaded with tourists. I am a country boy and hate the crowds. Madrid, Toledo, Rome (the worst place I've ever been for the number of tourists), Sicily, Vienna, Málaga, Cordoba, and Seville Berlin tomorrow (ug). I'm dreading the power outages in Ecuador, but I don't care. I wanna go home😢.

[@sylvialban7960]

The problem with the power outages is not happening everywhere in Ecuador....

[@eddiegaudette4287]

The nice thing about Ecuador….is that they use dollars like MIAMI🎉

[@dstewusa7054]

@tomsaxton970 No problem being homesick and The positive if you go back is that you will be helping The overcrowded tourist situation in Europe

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We miss home too 😊🇪🇨

[@photopro100]

@@dstewusa7054 Is there ever a low season in Europe anymore? I was there last Winter and still big crowds all over.

[@jimgravesus]

Glad to see JP is better.

[@jsphat81]

You guys rock! You do what very few couples or people overall are too scared to do (Myself included) and if you guys miss Ecuador, then that means you’re already Ecuadorian at heart! Keep up the great work, guys! Saludos desde NYC 🇪🇨 ❤ 🗽

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here…love your trips and insights. Maybe you could do an analysis of those places that would be more suited for people who are older, perhaps can’t walk long sistances or do lots of steep areas or steps?

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I was in Istanbul a couple of years back for my friend's wedding. I loved it there and I love how they party all night (and day!) long. We were partying at 3am on a Wednesday! As a black man, I'm very cautious about where I travel because I know experiences can be different, but never once did I feel race was an issue and I never thought about it one time. I wasn't in Paris long, but I too loved it and was pretty shocked that I didn't have the bad experience that so, so, soooooo many people say they've had there. Even some native French people complain about Paris, so I was very happy I had no issues there. We did a lot of eating! I liked Portugal (we were in Lisbon) and while I liked it, everybody smokes ALL THE TIME!!! You kinda had to get used to the fact that you could be enjoying yourself with your s/o at an outdoor cafe, then all of a sudden, you're smelling cigarette smoke, because a group sat next to you and they're all huffing and puffing away. Let's just say you'll get a ton of second hand smoke if you spend any time in Lisbon. I've been to London numerous times because I have family there and I like it because you can see the European influence. I love the fact that you're reminded that so many countries are nearby. I've seen the videos about Spain and yes, they're becoming VERY HOSTILE to foreigners, because with AirBnB, a lot of locals can't afford to live in their own cities. So while it's annoying to spend thousands of dollars on vacation, only to be met with hostility, they're making their plight known to us. I don't know what the solution to that is. Maybe don't allow foreign investors to buy property?

[@emptychallice]

You make me want to try out Albania!!! I love France, but I don't think I can afford to live there. But, if I am in Albania maybe I can visit. :) I can't wait to see your tours of central and South America! I'd love to see you visit Chile and Peru.

[@officerbonilla]

You left your heart in Ecuador.

[@paulschulz5956]

Since you're so close, you really should visit Australia. It's beautiful; don't let stories about the wildlife there scare you away. Why not just keep going east? Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, some of the south Pacific nations ... so many amazing places to see!

[@videoeditoranimation1714]

Love the map animations guys. It really helps a lot. We want to go back to Luxembourg, West Germany and Belgium in December. But we also want to fly in and out of Amsterdam. I didn't remember where things were. So I thought we were going to have to cross Germany back and forth. But when I looked at google maps, I realized that they're all right next to each other. My point is that your map animations really help us to understand where you're traveling. So thanks.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Glad you found them helpful!

[@alexwyler4570]

JP Thank You for telling us what you really think!

[@emese956]

I would love to see you back in beautiful Ecuador! 🇪🇨🌎🌋⛰️🦅🤗❤️

[@MF-qf7bs]

I have no intention of moving overseas but subscribed because you two are such lovely people and give an honest, indepth take of expat experiences abroad. I learn about other cultures, architecture, food, money, everything. I find it exceedingly fascinating and you two are such normal, everyday people living a normal every day existence and not the extravagant lifestyle I find so offputting. Love you both so much! Happy Trails!

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Y'all have become very good at this. Makes me look forward to your next video. Hoping for many videos to come!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@peteschammann4117]

You guys really need to check out Ljubljana in Slovania. No crime, amazing people, low cost of living and beautiful city.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

They don’t have a residency visa for retired or self employed people so it’s low on our list.

[@y.v.4306]

The whole country is amazing. Been twice already this year!

[@bibibachmd9995]

Thanks for the update. Love the channel and your candidness. I spend a few months a year in Beaulieu sur Mer near Nice. Beautiful and very hospitable. Transportation is great. Took the train to Sanremo for a few days. Wonderful. There is a definite culture difference between the French and Italians. I like them both very much...but they do not like each other. LOL.

[@zeitgeist888]

Such a great episode. So nice to hear your experiences both good and not so good. Its also good to see both of you in good health. We have a trip planned for next year to Dijon with a possibility to move there so it is really nice to hear how much you liked it compared to the many places you visited. Safe travels

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Dijon is amazing!

[@25Soupy]

Yes, I agree very excellent episode!

[@felixbigly]

You two are so inspiring. Thanks for the content. Wishing the best for ya’ll (good health foremost)!!! 🙏

[@glenmorris4583]

Great video! Nice summarization.

[@StateofInnerPeace]

Glad health is back in play

[@proudpolecat9044]

We live in Salinas on the border of libertad near the beach. Walking to the commisariato my wife and son were stopped by two guys on a motorcycle. No weapon shown and my wife had a taser that scared them off. 6 months later same thing happened to me walking alone in the same spot I'm 61 by the way. Never took my taser out, just pushed the guy that got off the motorcycle and they rode off. I just kept walking. I like to walk for exercise and will not stop despite the fact it is more dangerous lately. Buying solar panels to deal with more future power outages. We LOVE Ecuador have been going since 2000. Whenever I return to the US, I can't wait to get back as soon as possible. I still recommend moving there to anybody concerned about security. We have a bicycle group every Wednesday and Saturday and ride to the chocolatera. We also sail. We often see whales sailing. If buying be aware ecuadorians like very loud parties.

[@sirwm3107]

Amelia is getting more lovely by the day! JP good to see you up and around! Enjoy!

[@daniellebarron9181]

I've traveled cross county through France and it is so beautiful. I love the French people so friendly. One of my favorite countries.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Us too!

[@catidid100]

Have loved watching all your travels in Europe and Asia this past year! Thanks for all the amazing videos and coverage. Am glad to hear you’re still planning to go back to Ecuador and are happy with your choice to make that country your main choice, as I am hoping to go back to Ecuador again soon - and it’s good to know you still are glad to call it home ❤😊 I would love to see info on India, if you decide to check that country out!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you! 😊

[@midlifetravelbug]

Great video Guys, Interesting. We have travelled some of the same places in the last few years as well. It's interesting on how everyone's experiences are so different... in a good way. Looking forward to your upcoming travels. You should try to see more of Asia for sure. Cheers Chris and Jim.

[@Leonardo-cq4zd]

Great to see you guys back as an on-screen duo! Always appreciate your candid and objective perspectives on the places you visit. Really looking forward to your videos as you travel throughout southeast Asia.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Much appreciated!

[@cmcjvcltcbmc]

If you make it back to France, I HIGHLY recommend Chamonix. Just wow. I also agree with your thoughts on the French people. I found them to be incredibly friendly and warm (and kind of laid back). And they were not snotty when I spoke horrible French. BTW, I am from a small town in Kansas (RCJH!) and I actually prefer smaller towns/cities, so I agree with what people in England suggested (see comment about Chamonix above :-)

[@TrekkinDisney]

Hi JP, I’m happy to see you back!

[@user-vp4qq4it7i]

It's odd you said that France was friendly. My sister stayed there for a couple of weeks, and she found the citizens to be VERY snooty. Her entire trip was uncomfortable. This was several years ago, so maybe things have changed.

[@missmomus]

I've been in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley the past few weeks and everyone has been great. Both fabulous areas btw.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Sorry to say, my friend went there(paris). Not very safe place compared to London.

[@susanchurchill102]

SW France is wonderful. The locals were beyond friendly, polite, and helpful. I LOVED my two months there and long to return! ♥️

[@DorieKong]

I also had encountered unfriendliness with the French when I was there in 1995. But Italian were very welcoming, friendly and helpful.

[@eddiegaudette4287]

THIS VIDEO IS WONDERFUL! GOD, JP. I THOUGHT WE LOST YOU!🎉

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Me too! 😂

[@mkoschara]

Thanks for the video!

[@StanleySmith-k2o]

Congratulations on a great year of traveling! I love your channel and will begin my slow travel journey 1/1/26. You two are very enjoyable ,informative and motivating!

[@JGerbase]

Brings back so so many wonderful memories of our travels..... Thank You.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@audreyhunter7986]

Wow-what an exciting year. I was mesmerized as you were re-visiting the countries.

[@bsmarsch]

Great video! Thanks for all the info, and I'm glad you're up and about, JP. :)

[@RoxanaBowgen]

Glad you're recovered JP! Thank you both for such informative videos!

[@JamesVarnas]

You 2 are amazing, what an experience of travels, Albania looked nice-but I haven't been able to find anything oceanfront to rent there- other than really older homes-have fun be safe

[@Andrew-cg2zl]

amazing work! love your videos

[@StephanieAsman]

What a fun year you've had.

[@lindadorman2869]

I loved Malaysia too. If you're going to get sick, that's the best place to recuperate. If only the weather were less humid and cooler, I'd move to KL or Penang. I'm planning to go to Tirana in 2025 and looking forward to it! PS I didn't care for Athens either...too run down.

[@NNI4262]

I go to London/ England often. Yes, stay away during the tourist season! It's great to explore when the crowds aren't there.

[@irmabarajas1900]

So glad you are feeling better, JP. Love all the videos , keep traveling you guys are amazing I learn so much everyday and know I have a better idea of where I would like to moved to thank you for all you do😊

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks so much! Glad to help!

[@raiz91]

Glad JP is back, greetings to Amelia from Ecuador.

[@verycrankyperson]

Thanks for all you do. Great info!

[@lindylee1139]

Great video! I’d love to see more of France and Spain!

[@ambrosejoseph4843]

"Bonjour" is the magic word in France.

[@gabip412]

I do agree 😄

[@kennymcalpine8970]

If you like history then Edinburgh Scotland is a must

[@erickarnell]

Great travel animations and shots on location.

[@GailJoiner]

In terms of where to visit next in SEA, I keep hearing really good things about BGC in the Philippines - it would be great to get your take on that area (“30 and a Wake Up” on YT has some really good, detailed videos on BGC). So hopefully that might make it onto your itinerary! Really enjoyed your summary of last year’s travels, thank you.

[@ritamulloy3522]

Your videos are always fascinating! Best wishes and good health to you both! ❤❤😊😊

[@snowdough888]

Interesting, thanks for the knowledge again !

[@GoodCourage]

Fantastic video. I think your summary was spot on. I have to agree. For South America, I really want to see all the regions and major cities of Argentina. I hear it is becoming much more expat friendly now. I've been to BAs. But there are other places I'd like to see. Looking forward to your take.

[@kathleenkalt3852]

My husband was a global consultant for many years. The only European city he hates is Athens. Our time there was not pleasant. JP's right. Everything is a problem.

[@jimproud3116]

Enjoyed this video. Thanks much. Looking forward to going along with you to your next places. The Lord bless you and keep you.

[@heartsong111]

We stayed a couple months in Sulmona in Abruzzo, Italy and loved it (small town, though). Umbria and Tuscany are always lovely. We’ve yet to explore so many regions.

[@photopro100]

Welcome back JP! Enjoyed Amelia’s venture into video creation. You’re right about speaking French in France; it sounds right and they repeat it in what sounds the same, but you did not say it correctly. London was expensive when I was there earlier this year. Part of the problem is the dollar conversion to the British Pound was around .77 there I figured I was losing more than 20% right off the top. A friend like New Castle.

[@Ii-sb3fw]

Great video! I have followed you since the beginning because i did a high school exchange to ecuador 25 years ago. Ever since ive dreamt about the mountains there and one day im going back to Quito with my son and tell him about the good old days;)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That is awesome! 😊

[@gregm5344]

Fantastic video. Thanks!

[@craiggallup5706]

I'm intrigued by how much you both liked Tirana.

[@rubyrosemary1210]

I enjoyed this edition. Thanks for all your efforts. Glad you're feeling better, JP. Amelia! Seeing you in Ecuador with your beautiful natural hair compels me to finally voice my opinion. You are stunning with gray hair! Even though JP said blonds are more fun, please consider going natural again. ❤

[@MaryTruen-xc9vz]

Great summary!

[@bbj82662]

I have lived and traveled in England and have suggestions for your future travel. The Cotswolds are very picturesque, as is Bath. Wales and Scotland are worth a trip, but the small city we liked best is Oxford, built around 1000-1200 AD, and near the Cotswolds. There are also smaller cities than London, for example Manchester and Liverpool. Although it is mostly cool for many months of the year, it is also cold and rainy for several months. Summer weather is best, and that's when tourism is popular. It's worst in London.

[@gamthrax]

I kind of got choked up when you said you were going back to Ecuador! I'm looking forward to more exploration in February. And I would love if you would go to Montevideo. I enjoyed Buenos Aires so much but didn't have time to go there. Thanks for all your great content!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks 😊

[@cachecow]

Great round up of the last year, and I'm happy to see JP has some of his color back I really want to do the South American loop: Lima, BA, etc

[@martypoll]

I live in Thailand. I love Bangkok but you might consider Chiang Mai for a visit. Not right now. They are recovering from flooding but December should be nice. Chiang Mai is in the mountain region so it would be a bit cooler there as well.

[@freedomwillring6749]

Thanks for your excellent run down on some beautiful places I'd like to see when I retire.

[@jjhenry3338]

JP good to see you look much better. 👍

[@belindatorres4328]

Thank you for your honesty!!

[@admiralcraddock464]

What you need to remember about London is that it is probably THE capital city of the world. Its theartres and museums are second to none, shopping (even considering today`s online activity) is superb. The toursit attractions are amazing and the ransport system, while old and cramped, is extensive and can get you anywhere on the Underground. However, becaues all of this you will pay for it.

[@dmb3428]

excellent summary of places you visited

[@JocelynMorgan-k5v]

You have to add Philippines in your bucket list! You won't be disappointed! Stay in Manila for a few days or more if you want to explore Manila, then go to Boracay and El Nido! Everybody speaks English! The best time to go is from December thru February....no typhoon and not so hot! I enjoyed watching your video. 😊😊

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the tips!

[@charleso1262]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your experiences, very informative. Glad JP is back healthy again ! Look forward to other South (Central??) American travel experiences. Do you have an opion (or video's) of Ireland, Scotland, Neatherlands?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Not yet.

[@MariE-go7ol]

Crazy I’m following your same path as I just returned from Portugal and next will be all the areas in Spain you mentioned. I’m looking for my forever retirement home. I think the tour groups should be only 10 and no more! I seen many large groups like 29-50 and it’s so horrible because they are just in everyone’s way! I did not like them either and I don’t blame the locals for being annoyed. They should ban companies from how many allowed in a group. Just nuts.

[@stacywilson1540]

Fantastic content as usual. You two never fail to deliver. This is one of my favorite channels. I would love it if you could add Mendoza. Argentina to your travels of South America. It is somewhere I’m considering living as a wine country, slower pace home.

[@jonathanleach1050]

Feeling better, JP? Good to see you!

[@houseofroos]

Totally agree with you about Istanbul. Loved it but it felt a little scammy and certainly crowded.

[@tidalcreeku2b]

So happy to see JP well! I would like to know more about the health screening and followup care -- in general, I don't need to know every little detail, but your overall appraisal of the health care. I plan to fly - fill in the blank - right after Christmas. Cheers!

[@penelopesmith7469]

Thanks for the wonderful summary. I am looking forward to your upcoming tour of SA. There is so much to see in Argentina. Like Necochena. Not much info about that area. Its full of Danes though and many of them still speak Danish. Hope you get a chance to check it out.

[@truckn]

I have the same issue when I try to speak Thai. I'll say something and then My Thai wife will tell me the correct way to say it and I swear that's what I said. I spent one week in Wolverhampton with a day trip to London and found it very expensive. The one thing I did appreciate was the fact the price you see is the price you pay, taxes are already built in. Hope you're feeling 100% soon. God Bless be well & Safe Travels.

[@lacha608]

I've been worried about you guys after the huge shock that you experienced. Hope you're keeping your spirits up

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes we are😊

[@lacha608]

@@AmeliaAndJP that's great to know!

[@eelfood]

FUNNNNN !!!! Looking forward to seeing you two back in the Americas.

[@sirgalahad1470]

London would be the ultimate place to live if you were wealthy. But I agree, the high prices are astounding

[@thomasbarchen]

Enjoy watching your videos. All the best.

[@chuck62891]

Very informative and well done, as always. I hope you put Uruguay on your schedule for your South American trip. I have heard very good things about the country and would like to see and hear your impressions. Travel safely. Finally, on a future European trip, I would suggest Southern Cyprus as an affordable and beautiful location.

[@dianamayfield5615]

Loved this video. Looks like Albania is worth exploring. Who'da thunk it??? Will you be checking out the Philipines? My really good friends own home there & though they came back to the US for the last few years, can't wait to get back. So glad to see you up and about JP. You had us worried... Once again, thank you for another information packed video.

[@rayvogensen2983]

If you are planning to tour South America, I would recommend Brazil-not Rio so much, or São Paulo, but the south of the country, the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. There, you will find rolling, lush hills and, what is fascinating for me, towns colonized by Italians, Germans, and Japanese. There is even a city, Prudentopolis, in the state of Paraná, where most of the inhabitants are descendants of Ukrainians. This region of Brazil has a high standard of living, a low crime rate, and very affordable prices. There are of course many other incredible places to visit in Brazil, too many to mention here.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@renewhite2199]

You both are amazing!!

[@josefernandez7780]

Great video! Definitely recommend you visit the Vasque Country in the North of Spain (San Sebastian, Hondarribia,..) and Asturias (Gijon, Ribadesella, Covadonga)... sun don't always shine (rains more often than not) but the landscapes are stunning and the food sublime!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the tip!

[@HobbiesHobo]

I've been following your tour all along and just realized that you flew everywhere! It might be nice to try the trains for travel especially in Europe!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We talked about and showed our train travel in Spain and France. There is no train from Portugal to Southern Spain. No train from Greece to Albania to Montenegro.

[@HobbiesHobo]

@@AmeliaAndJP Can't believe I missed that part, Spain/France, I must have been up getting coffee during the train. Stay safe, love your travels. Europe is on my radar for a permanent move from Canada! 👍

[@jefftrader1]

Great video! Glad to see you up and around J.P.! I think you should visit Melbourne. Thanks for everything! Jeff

[@capstone9173]

Please book two weeks in Panama. Panama City, Pedasi, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Coronado, and other areas. They all have different terrain and climates. Also, I have traveled to Brasil four times in the past year. I highly recommend Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and Recife are beautiful.

[@capstone9173]

Panama’s currency is the US Dollar, so no need to worry about exchange rates. Panama City’s skyline looks like Miami. International hub at Tocumen. Copa Airlines is headquartered there.

[@b.w.9244]

This seems to add up to more than 90 days. Am I missing something? Great vid!

[@Godlvr008]

How to build a successful travel channel: have a girl with a million dollar smile and an excellent videographer with a sense of humor. Love your channel. Have been all over world and enjoy your insights. Dublin and Edinburg were friendliest people, hard to beat Italy for history. Catania Sicily best surprise, medieval, Mt Etna volcano and large city behind.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@liveforkingjesus]

I recommend going to Sicily and Thailand

[@sr9253]

Thanks, I appreciated this summary as I’ve been following you through your travels. Which of the countries would you consider moving to for longer term?

[@rickardjohnson4524]

Take the Train from Eastern Canada to the West Coast, Joy, SO ... Thumbs Up!...

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Great job!

[@paulkeffer7580]

While you're in SEA, I'd suggest Vietnam. We spent four nights in Hanoi and were treated magnificently. I'm itching to spend a month or two there.

[@gabip412]

I was there. Enjoyed the food a lot, but unfortunately, the air quality and a heavy traffic was very difficult to handle ..

[@RichD2024]

Glad you guys are doing better from the last video. I'm with you guys, I love traveling in train in Europe. Like you said, so relaxing and full of amazing scenery. Also, if you return to Italy, I recommend Ravena. Not commonly mentioned but absolutely lovely city.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MidnightAspec]

So re: 18:35, my wife and I visited Paris back in 2022 and always refer to it as a Paris vacation as opposed to a France vacation. To your point, just visiting NYC (from abroad) is just that and not a visit experiencing America. If anything, NYC isn't really representative of America. (Honestly, Chicago is more representative of an American city; most major cities in the US emulate Chicago more than NYC....and I'm a native NYer.) ALL that said, visiting a lesser-known areas of a given country is SOOO much more rewarding.