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Hello Reader,

Much like my dad, I like big projects. They consume me and keep me focused on living in the present, rather than just repeating the same old routine day after day. Travel projects have a long-term, purposeful feel, like a bigger mission beyond just “go on a trip.” They make me look at my travels differently than simply roaming around to sights, I travel deeper, slower, and more introspectively when on a travel project.

My latest travel project is taking over my dad's old Capitol to Capitol project - biking to all of the Capitol buildings in the US. I just finished my 9th capitol route from Tallahassee, FL to Atlanta, GA! I biked 300 miles in 7 days and had a few close calls with traffic, but I made it - and that's all that matters.

See the highlights (and some lowlights) of the ride below!

However - before I was biking to the capitols, I had another big travel project - it was called the Niece Project. When I stopped buying gifts for my nieces, I didn’t know it would turn into one of the most meaningful travel projects of my life. Instead of more toys and gadgets, I wanted to give them something they’d never outgrow — something that would shape how they see the world.

So I made them a promise: when they turned 16, I would take each of them anywhere they wanted to go. What started as a simple idea became years of dreaming, planning, and unforgettable adventures — for them and for me.

This project didn’t just change their lives. It changed mine too.
👉 Read the full story here and find out how the Niece Project came to life.​

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I finished that project in 2018, and I can't believe how these teenage girls have turned into amazing adults! All graduated college, have incredible careers, two are married, one of them has just had her THIRD child, and another is getting married next month. In fact, I'm helping them plan their honeymoon in Japan! It's been so fun to work with them on an itinerary I know they'll love! It has also inspired a number of other aunts and uncles to do their own niece or nephew projects - something I'm incredibly proud of!

5 Other Travel Project Ideas

1. Chasing the Equator: Visit all the countries the Equator runs through (there are 13!). Imagine traveling through Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda, and others — and documenting how life along the Equator differs around the world.
2. Island Nations Only: Focus on visiting only island countries — from the Maldives to Iceland to Madagascar. Document how island life varies across different oceans and cultures.
3. World's Best Train Journeys: Create a project to experience the world’s most iconic train rides — the Trans-Siberian Railway, India’s Palace on Wheels, Switzerland’s Glacier Express, Australia’s Ghan, etc.
4. One River, Many Lives: Follow the course of one major river (the Amazon, Nile, Danube, Mekong, Mississippi) through different countries, studying how the river shapes cultures, economies, and daily life along the way.
5. Street Cats Journey: Travel to cities with large, visible street cat populations (like Istanbul, Marrakech, Rome, Athens) and learn about their daily lives — their interactions with people, how they're cared for, or not.

Where Next

I'm heading to Europe in a couple of weeks for another incredible bike trip! I'll be traveling with Experience Plus Cycling - a longtime leader in European bike travel. I'll be cycling for 10 days through the South of France and into the Pyrenees - so there will be some climbing involved. I'm frantically trying to train before I leave! You can follow along on my upcoming trip on my social channels as I share the beautiful landscapes, wine, history, and more!
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Happy Travels!

Plan Less, Travel More

PERSONALIZED TRAVEL CONSULTING

Not only am I helping my niece plan her honeymoon in Japan, but I've also been assisting others in planning their hiking trips, providing ideas for off-the-beaten-path destinations, and offering some travel business consulting. I’m here to help YOU ditch the overwhelm, avoid the cookie-cutter tourist traps, and craft travel experiences that inspire and energize you. Whether you’re planning your first big adventure, dreaming of a career break, or just need someone to help make sense of all of the travel options and questions, I’ve got your back.

After two decades of wandering the globe, living nomadically, and sharing my stories on Ottsworld - I'm now offering travel planning and consulting services!

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Ottsworld Tours

Hiking Japan's MCT Trail - the Ultimate Fall Adventure!

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Dates: October 25 - November 1, 2025
Cost: $4200 ( $840 Deposit)
The trip is confirmed - but there are still a few spaces left!

Move over Maine...and get ready for the ultimate fall adventure! In Fall 2025, join me for an epic hiking tour along Japan’s stunning Michinoku Coastal Trail. We’ll trek through Tohoku’s rugged landscapes, surrounded by vibrant autumn colors that make this region one of Japan’s best-kept secrets for leaf peeping. Hiking through this untouched beauty, from towering cliffs to peaceful forests, is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture and nature. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through Tohoku’s wild heart!

If you’re intrigued but unsure—let’s chat! I’d love to tell you why this adventure is so special.

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The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Tour of Japan Small Group Tour ​
Dates: November 3 - 10, 2025
Cost: $3975 ( $815 Deposit)

This tour isn’t just about cats (though, let’s be honest, they are the stars of the show 🐾). It’s about immersing yourself in Japan’s history, traditions, and cuisine—alongside a group of fellow cat lovers who just get it. The idea for this tour was born as I hiked through Japan in 2023, only to find myself constantly crossing paths with curious street cats, cat-themed guesthouses, and temples devoted to our whiskered friends. Everywhere I turned, there were kitties and cat lovers—so I knew I had to create a Cat Lady Tour of Japan!

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

The surf-focused itinerary designed by our instructors - Surf Sisters - is sure to get you stoked on surfing and give you the skills and confidence you need to get into the water on your own. Each day will be complemented by daily yoga practice, stretching sessions, and camaraderie. If you've been watching me and my excellent girl gang take on surfing every January and have always wondered if you could surf, this is the time to pull the trigger!

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Nepal Women's Hiking Adventure ​
Dates: September 16 - 29, 2025
Cost: $2790 ( $400 Deposit)

Hike among these peaks in the Everest region with me and a group of other hike-loving women. This trip offers a perfect mix of outdoor exploration and cultural immersion. You'll enjoy the company of like-minded female trekkers as we journey through the world's highest and most breathtaking landscapes. It promises awe-inspiring 360-degree mountain views and the chance to interact with the people of the Khumbu Valley.

Travel News

​The 17 Oddest Shaped Countries In The World & How They Came To Be​

​What to Do If You’re Anxious About Flying Right Now​

Have you ever considered working remotely from a European country? Digital Nomad Visas In Europe With Low Monthly Income Requirements​

Ottsworld Blog Posts

Here are a couple of my favorite travel stories from the Niece Project! We had so many crazy times - altitude sickness, vomiting, hotels with rats, bungee jumps, spiders, and more!

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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.

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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!

Use these helpful links to book your next trip:

• Get my Free ebook Where to Go & When​
• Read through my 99 Travel Tips before you go
• Book your travel insurance with the company I use, Allianz Travel Insurance​
• Check out my Gear Shop on my Amazon Store​

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