Helping Americans GTFO and Relocate Abroad
In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, welcomes Bethany Quinn, co-founder of GTFO Tours, advocate for global mobility, and one of the boldest voices helping Americans explore life beyond the U.S. border. Whether you're disillusioned by politics, dreaming of tropical fruit trees, or just plain curious what life looks like elsewhere, Bethany's mission is clear: help people leave the United States strategically, legally, and with a community behind them.
"There are plenty of places in the world where you don't have to live like that."
Why Bethany Left and What She Built
Bethany's story began with frustration and foresight. After working for years in lobbying and venture capital, she realized she wasn't using her power meaningfully in a U.S. political system that felt increasingly broken.
"I kept hoping I would be wrong about the direction things were going, but things never quite got better."
The 2016 election and what followed was a turning point. In 2022, she made her move to the Netherlands via the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, an entrepreneur-friendly visa for U.S. citizens. What started as a solo relocation turned into a full-blown movement. GTFO Tours now helps others evaluate their relocation options and make real moves abroad.
GTFO: More Than Just a Clever Acronym
Bethany didn't just create a company, she built a roadmap for people ready to make a change. Through webinars, assessments, tours, and hands-on coaching, GTFO Tours has become a safe haven for people navigating big decisions. Her clients include LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safer, more accepting environments, pre-retirees looking to stretch their savings in low-cost countries, and digital nomads wanting to build real lives abroad.
"One client just got back from Panama, she's trading Midwest winters for a beach with a pool and fruit trees. And it's cheaper."
Where Americans Are Relocating Next
So where are Americans heading? Bethany points to three top destinations, plus one she says is underrated.
- Portugal, thanks to its low income thresholds, gorgeous lifestyle, and flexible digital nomad and passive income visas
- Mexico, still accessible for short-term stays via a six-month tourist visa, though long-term options are becoming trickier to navigate
- Canada, a natural first thought for many, but increasingly restrictive for long-term residency
- The Netherlands, which Bethany says doesn't get enough credit
"92% of the population speaks English, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty makes getting a visa straightforward, and culturally it's very similar to the U.S."
Helping Expats Find Community
GTFO isn't just about logistics, it's about connection. Bethany and her team host assessment calls to help clients identify their best-fit countries based on income, assets, lifestyle, and goals. They also host in-person scouting tours, including one this September in the Netherlands.
"We introduce you to real estate agents, do seminars on healthcare and taxes, and even throw networking events. It's about giving people a soft landing."
Real Talk: Being an Immigrant
Despite her success, Bethany's been transparent about the challenges.
"It's different being an immigrant, going into job interviews and having language be an issue. You gain empathy. You learn resilience."
Best Advice for Future Expats
"Just do it. You don't have to keep living like this. If your life doesn't serve you, pivot. Fix up a villa in Italy. Live on a houseboat in Amsterdam. The world is your oyster."
For help moving abroad and the latest relocation information, Bethany's team is reachable through GTFO Tours and her LinkedIn.
What This Means for Planning Your Own Exit
Bethany's work is entirely focused on the decision of where to go and how to get the visa, and that's genuinely the hardest emotional hurdle for most people. But it's only half the equation. Once you've picked Portugal, Mexico, the Netherlands, or wherever calls to you, the financial side doesn't sort itself out just because the visa did.
This is where expat wealth management comes in: making sure your U.S. accounts, your tax filing status, and your day-to-day cash flow are actually set up to support the life you're picturing, not just the move itself. And if Portugal or the Netherlands is on your shortlist, it's worth talking to a tax advisor for Americans living in Europe before you commit to either one.
You May Also Like
- Moving to Portugal as an American: This U.S. Expat's Journey Will Inspire You, one woman's real path from New York to Lisbon
- Why U.S. Academics are Moving to Germany, on choosing a country for career reasons rather than lifestyle alone
- What U.S. Expats Need to Know About PIFCs, on the investment mistake that trips up even well-prepared expats
About the Author
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is a cross-border financial planner and the host of Passport To Wealth™, helping U.S. expats simplify their finances while building intentional, global lives. She brings firsthand experience navigating cross-border tax and relocation planning to every client conversation. Ready to build your own financial roadmap for life abroad? Visit Arielle's Advisor Profile to book time with her directly.