This past week, we got to return to Andalusia, Spain, including Seville, Ronda, and Granada.

This region was actually the first part of Europe we visited, but that was over 10 years ago. And walking through the stunning Alcazar and Casa Pilatos, it made us realize how much differently we see the world now, 10 years older. We appreciate the history and architecture so much more, the stories behind it, and could sit there just marvelling at the ambiance.

It’s funny how the 10-year-younger version of us ran across Plaza de España casually, but this time we returned twice, listening to the Flamenco dances and Spanish guitars, and enjoying two absolutely stunning sunsets there. All this is to say that at different ages, we appreciate different things, and we enjoy things differently as well… So…maybe we can’t just wait until 65 to do all the things we want to do… because who knows, maybe by then we won’t even want to do them anymore :)

In This Week's Newsletter:

• 🚗 The 30-Second Rental Car Tip That Saved Us Hundreds
• 🇨🇳 Maybe It’s Time to Visit China?
• 💬 And we’d love to hear from you

🚗 The 30-Second Rental Car Tip That Saved Us Hundreds

We arrived at 3am at Madeira’s airport, got to the parking lot where the car rental company had arranged for us to pick up the car, and then hesitated.

As per habit, we needed to take photos of the rental car, but we were absolutely exhausted from the flight and delay…and it was very dark, so would it even be worth it?

Turns out it was…and we’re so glad we ended up taking those photos.

When we returned our car two weeks later, the agent was inspecting the car like he was on a hunt for archaeological treasure, and then crouched down, hovering over one of the tires. There was a small scratch on the rim.

He turns around to me and says, “Hmm…this looks fresh.” At this point, I immediately imagined some safari tracker crouched down looking for lion paw prints…lol.

My heart starts racing…but I don’t remember scratching it at any point...?

I then pull out my phone and quickly zoom into the photos I had taken at 3am…and VOILA! SCRATCH ON THE RIM!

I showed it to him, and he tells me that his inspector who marked the damages during pickup must have missed it, so it’s a good thing I had a photo.

PHEW!

These past two years, I’ve always had the habit of spending those 30 seconds snapping photos around the rental car…but since nothing had ever happened, it always seemed like a bit of a pointless task.

Until now.

So spend those 30 seconds when you rent a car…it’ll be worth it!

🇨🇳 Maybe It’s Time to Visit China?

So I don’t know if you’ve noticed (or maybe it’s only on our algorithm), but it seems like everybody and their uncle is going to China. From the Avatar landscapes of Zhangjiajie to the cheesy macho-man motorcycle photoshoots in Chongqing, there seems to be a boom of interest in visiting China.

We’ve now been to China over 5 times, and although there are its challenges, it is an incredibly diverse place to visit. And once you go, you’ll realize just how futuristic and ahead they are… from managing all your travel needs through WeChat and Alipay (booking hotels, train tickets, paying for groceries, booking a taxi, cellphone plans, etc…), to ordering a Kleenex box to be delivered to the restaurant terrace because you have a runny nose. It’s truly mind-blowing.

We personally applied for the 10-year visa, but if you’re a fellow Canadian (or passport holders to countries like UK, much of Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and others!) there’s no better time than now to visit China.

From February 17, 2026 to December 31, 2026, Canadian passport holders can visit China for up to 30 days WITHOUT A VISA. This is huge, since a visa application to China is relatively complex to do and costs over $100!

To check if you can enter VISA FREE, you can consult the official Chinese Embassy Website​

📩 What about You? What's Stopping you from Visiting China?

We're always curious to see why people choose the destinations they choose, and at the same time, what perceptions or maybe misconceptions that people have of certain countries that may prevent them from visiting.

So have you considered visiting China? and if not, what was stopping you?

1. 🇨🇳 Never really considered it
2. 🛂 Visa / logistics seem complicated
3. 🗣️ Language barrier
4. 🤷 Not sure where to start
5. 💰 Cost
6. ✈️ It’s actually on my list!

Just hit reply and let us know — we’re genuinely curious!

And if you’ve already been, tell us your favourite place or experience. We’re always looking for an excuse to go back. 😉

Ryan & Nan

WaylessTravelers