Chase the Leaves, Cycle Portugal, and Trek Nepal – Fall Adventures Await!


Hello Reader,

I'm coming to you from the middle of a 30+ hour travel day. I'm in a Dubai lounge right now and I have no idea what time it is or if it is day or night...I'm a disoriented traveler right now. So hopefully this newsletter won't be complete jibberish!

I'm on my way to Nepal to host the World Expeditions 50th Anniversary Women's hiking trip in the Everest Region! It's been 16 years since I've been in Nepal and I'm beyond excited to return there and experience a different part of the country. If you didn't know - back in 2009 I hiked the Annapurna Circuit with my father. Want to follow along on this epic adventure - then make sure you follow along on my social media stories and posts!

Fall Travel - Go where others don't...

It's that time...a crispness is in the air, football has started, and it's time to start thinking about where you should go to see fall colors. Viewing fall foliage doesn’t just have to be in October – fall leaves start to change color as early as August in some parts of America (hello Alaska!) - and it can go as late as November (Kon'nichiwa Japan!). If you want to see how you can make fall last as long as possible - then check out my article about Unique Places and Ways to View Fall in these Locations.

Fall Colors in the US

Here's an interactive fall folliage map if you'd like to get a general idea of the color timeframes in the US. However I find the best way to determine when colors are peaking real time is to use social media.
Use Social Media for Real-Time Leaf Reports
Fall colors change fast across the U.S., and timing can make or break a trip. Instead of relying only on forecasts, use social media to see what’s actually happening right now:

  • Search local hashtags – Try #fallcolors + the state or park name (#VermontFall, #SmokyMountains, #ColoradoAspens). Locals and hikers usually post the freshest updates.
  • Check geotags on Instagram/TikTok – Look up your destination (e.g., “Acadia National Park”) and scroll through the most recent posts for live photos.
  • Follow state tourism boards and park accounts on social – Many share daily or weekly color reports during peak season.

Do you have a Fall trip planned? Hit reply and let me know where you are going!

Happy Fall Travels!


Travel News

Passport Stamps Are Disappearing Across 29 Countries This Fall—Here’s What Travelers Need to Know - are you sad, mad, or don't care?

Southwest Airlines' upcoming policy for plus-sized passengers

Travel Photographer Of The Year: Beautiful, Inspiring Award-Winning Images


Ottsworld Tours

NEW!!! Ireland Hiking Tour Through Donegal
Dates: May 16 - 26, 2026 - only 4 spots left!
Cost: 3800€ (aprox. $4434 USD) ( 400€ Deposit)

If you’ve been dreaming of stepping off the beaten path and into landscapes that feel untamed and alive, my Donegal Ireland Hiking Tour will light that fire in you. Think towering sea cliffs taller than the Cliffs of Moher, remote islands, abandoned villages whispering of history, and ridge walks where you can feel the wind roll off the Atlantic. You’ll hike through wild terrain, meet local farmers and tweed weavers, and end each day sleeping in cozy guesthouses where every meal tastes of sea salt and tradition. If you want to truly discover the heart of Ireland—rugged, beautiful, and full of soul—this tour is made for you - and there are only 4 spots left!

See the Itinerary

New Chance to Join me on a Portugal Camino Cycling Tour with Experience Plus Cycling
Dates: June 2 - 13, 2026 (8 day option also possible)
Cost: $6650 - get $300 off with code 'Sherry2026'

If you followed my Southern France cycle trip last spring - then you saw how fun it was (food, wine, views!) - and I'm going back to Europe next spring with Experience Plus again! You can join me on this trip hosted by Experience Plus and see Portugal and the Camino de Santiago at a cycling pace. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Coimbra, Porto, Ponte de Lima and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Cruise along the Douro, Minho and Lima rivers – on your bike. Take the time to taste and savor the gastronomic specialties of the area and enjoy the changes that come with crossing a border as we cycle into Galicia, Spain. With 3 wine regions along our route and a blend of fresh seafood, hearty stews and modern day gourmet there is something for all tastes. I hope you'll join me!!

Other Ottsworld Tour Openings:

Panama Surf & Yoga Camp - Women Only
Dates: January 10-17, 2026
Cost: $3195 ( $800 Deposit)


Ottsworld Blog Posts

Check out my latest blog posts on Ottsworld!

Ottsworld Travel Discounts

If you want to experience Ireland but couldn't make one of my tours this year - check out Ireland Walk Hike Bike - they do custom tours, group tours, and self-guided itineraries through the west coast of Ireland! Use code OttsWorld2023 for 5% off their offerings.

Get $100 off at Adventure Life on your next custom trip anywhere in the world. Just tell them Ottsworld sent you!

Get 5% off your Patagonia travels with my friends at Chile Nativo! They will be running my Patagonia ebiking trip and I love them! Use code Ottsworld for 5% off ANY of their regular, non-custom programs (including W hiking and puma tracking).

If you plan a trip to Japan, check out OKU Japan for its incredible multiday hikes and cultural activities in lesser-known areas. Get a 5% Discount for people using code OTTSWORLD5.


If you've been finding value in these newsletters and the info I've been sharing, please forward this along to any travel-loving friends whom you think might find them useful!


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Are you a 40+ woman looking to travel more?

I've been traveling non-stop since 2006, inspiring others to get out and see the unique corners of the world. Check out my newsletters below that are full of travel tips, unique tours, gear recommendations and travel discounts. I focus on outdoor adventure travel for women and will help you get out to see the world in an active way with the best gear. I also run active adventure tours in places like Ireland, Alaska, and El Salvador. Wether you are a newbie to outdoor adventure travel or a seasoned expert - my newsletters are a great way to join my community of other women who are looking to live their best lives.

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