How to properly update iTunes content while traveling abroad?

Question

Spent some time searching and found a number of threads covering T&Cs and whys and wherefores of US Citizens on extended overseas travel trying to update or purchase iTunes content. There's a lot of 'why not' but not much 'how to'.
I'm seeking the Apple-approved solution for those of us with US based iTunes accounts who are traveling or deployed overseas or take extended temporary jobs abroad. How can we legally, properly, update our podcast subscriptions, apps for iPhones, or purchase content?
Do we have to simply change the country setting at the bottom of the iTunes Store window, so we are interacting with whatever the local Store is and the content will live happily in iTunes no matter which Store it was purchased from?
Do we have to set up a new account with local credit card in every land we are assigned?
There has to be a way, it seems illogical that you can't update podcasts or apps while traveling. There's got to be an Apple-approved method for this!
If anyone knows the answer or a link to the answer or something near to it, please provide the info. The T&C are clear enough in regards to "purchases" and using the US store only from in the US, but doesn't answer the 'how-to' for customers traveling abroad who are not spending any money by getting new podcast episodes or free app updates.
So again, no need to rehash the T&C, just seeking the 'proper' way to update things if away for a while. I'll be stupefied if I hear that the official Apple answer is the iPhone content is frozen in place until I get back in US territory.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Thanks for the reply, Chris.
After posting the message, I changed my iTunes Store to India (where there may be work opportunities) and there were only Apps and iTunes U content tabs, and the T&C were similar-can only shop at the store where you are connecting from. So unless the store looks different when logging in while physically in India, there wouldn't be a way to update podcasts.
I am concerned about an important distinction, though, which is 'what will work' vs. 'what is T&C compliant'...