CNN Lost Their Mind!!

Welcome to the Grubernation Weekly Newsletter!

I share information, tactics and tips on moving abroad, living your dream and EVERYTHING in between.

In this week’s edition:

• CNN Has Lost It’s MIND!!

• Have You Been To Las Galeras?

• Juan Soto Made a HUGE Mistake

I have enjoyed the one-on-one discussions I’ve had with those that have booked a consulting call with me. It’s awesome to dive into their situation and offer connections, tools, resources and advice for their move to DR! If you want to book a consulting call, just use this link. I have no spots left for December.

CNN Lost Their Mind!

In a recent article titled “Best Countries for Expats in 2025”, CNN provided their top 10 spot to move to this coming year.

On that list were great options like Portugal, Panama, Singapore and Italy among other amazing spots for expats and digital nomads. 

I have zero issue with 9 out of the 10 countries on the list. 

But then CNN went and screwed it all up by not just listing a country that makes NO sense in 2025, but listing them as number 1!! 

Add to it that they listed this country over the Dominican Republic and I’m left with only one questions

CNN - have you lost your damn mind? 

I have no issues with Mexico as one of dozens of places around the globe for Americans to live. 

But let’s look at the dynamics of Mexico in 2025 since the article is specific to best places to move in that year! 

• Mexico is experiencing massive amounts of violent crime and it’s projected to remain a significant issue in 2025

• Mexico is preparing for mass repatriation of the worst of its citizens that have crossed into the U.S. in the last few years 

• Cartels literally run sections of the country where the government doesn’t even go 

• Mexico is gearing up for a trade war with the United States as Trump threatens tariffs to fix a $770 billion trade deficit which could create even more instability and possibly inflation  in Mexico as they seem to be digging their heels in (not working well in Canada right now!) 

Maybe in 2027 or 2028. Mexico City is massive with tons to do; the weather and people are amazing.

But 2025? 

Meanwhile there’s a country in the region who’s experiencing massive GDP growth, has dramatically improved in terms of corruption, poverty and infrastructure, has grown at a much more rapid rate in the tourism sector and offers similar culture and weather benefits. 

Dominican Republic anyone?  

(Knocking on their head) Hello?  CNN?   Anybody home? 

We’ve been watching back to the future movies in the Gruber house recently haha. 

The UAE, Switzerland, South Korea would all make more sense in 2025. 

Crazy. 

But hey, I do need to consider the source. CNN may just have an affinity for places in decline and have enough empathy to throw them a bone haha. Who knows?

Would you move to Mexico over Dominican Republic?  

You HAVE To Check Out Las Galeras!!

Las Terranas is amazing. Great town, lots to do, beautiful beaches. You can’t beat it 

Or maybe you can!

Las Galeras is an hour up the road. It’s quiet, beautiful and ready for an influx of tourists. 

(More on whether that’s good or bad in next weeks Christmas edition of the newsletter)

But let me tell you what we loved about it and some details in visiting 

• We drove about 6 hours from Punta Cana with stops and not rushing .. this is mostly a two lane modern highway going thru mountains until you emerge on the other side in las galeras 

• Our Airbnb was $1700 for 3 nights for a luxury 4 bedroom property. I haven’t communicated it since I haven’t gotten an ok from the owner to do so broadly … until they say it’s ok, I have to hold 

• Prices in the area weren’t cheap or expensive .. they were not local prices but they weren’t punta cana either. A one hour massage was $65 USD for instance to come to our house 

I’d highly recommend the 7 beaches tour starting with Playa Fronton. 

The boat ride is NOT for the faint of heart!  

There is an option to drive close and hike to Fronton but honestly, it was the only beach truly worth making more effort to get to, and alone is worth the tour. 

We visited 2 other beaches before heading back and drove to La Playita on our own the next day (rather than stopping at it on the tour) 

Truthfully, when you pass by the beaches after Playa Fronton, they all look common by comparison. 

That said, I do live in Punta Cana haha. So amazing beaches I’m blessed to say are a regular daily occurrence. 

I’d also head downtown and try some of their restaurants. We hit a place called El Lagostino de Oro which was fine. We got 2  pizzas which were reasonably good along with some drinks and ice cream and got out of there for $40 USD. 

Lastly, it’s a place to chill.

The last day we didn’t leave the house. Pool, some burgers and just relaxing was aligned with the vibe of the town. 

Check it out next time you’re planning an adventure in Dominican Republic. You won’t be disappointed.

Juan Soto Made a HUGE Mistake

To my fellow Yankee fans .. enjoy!

To my Met fan friends .. it’s all in good fun 😄 

My latest YouTube video is stirring it up and I’m having a BLAST busting chops and mixing it up as a native New Yorker haha

This will be my last edition prior to the holidays .. so let me finish simply by saying thank you for following and being with me on this journey, be safe, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!