Holidays, moving, and a new tour!


Hello Reader ,

Happy Holidays! I know it's a busy time of year, so I will try to keep this short and sweet. I'll be in South Dakota for the Christmas holiday with my parents, enjoying a few relaxing days playing games and baking with my mom.

Ever since I returned home from Japan, life has been CRAZY! I pride myself on living my life differently, and because of that, I have made unconventional choices my entire life - ignoring the social 'shoulds' and doing what made me happy. So when I suddenly do something normal...it's kind of noteworthy!

At 55, I finally bought my first property and am now the owner of a condo in Denver! I've had so much to learn about buying a home since I was pretty late to the real estate game. But thanks to friends and family, I have somehow pulled it off, and I'm so happy.

I went from a 450 sq. ft studio apartment to a 2-bedroom condo, 3 times the size. I'm so excited to have a little separation in my life again - like an actual office, a kitten room, and a place to store my bike!

So this is why I've been so quiet lately, I've been busy moving and acquainting myself with home improvement stores!

However, I don't stay quiet for long...I just launched a new Ottsworld tour and it already only has a couple of spaces left! See more on it below.

And I'm also wrapping up my Japan travels on my social media channels. Be sure to get a little Japan inspiration there...

I'll be back in your inbox next week with some big announcements to help you plan your 2026 travels... so stay tuned!

Happy Holidays!


Travel News

Looking to go full on digital nomad next year? 7 digital nomad-friendly destinations that nobody’s talking about yet.

Since you may be lazily enjoying the holidays - it's a great time to watch movies. This article about Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust got me thinking about my favorite travel movies. I think this is missing some key ones like - Walter Mitty, Flow, and Revolutionary Road (yes - I know it's dark, but I like it). Take a look at this list and let me know what your favorites are!


Ottsworld Tours

🍁 NEW TOUR ALERT: Ride the Capitol Quest with Me 🚲
This fall, I’m opening up something I usually do solo — my Capitol-to-Capitol Quest. Join me cycling from Augusta, Maine to Montpelier, Vermont during peak leaf-peeping season, when New England explodes in golds, reds, and fiery oranges.

Dates: October 7-14, 2026
Cost: $3550 Max: 12 people - only 4 spots remain!

This isn’t just a bike tour — it’s purposeful travel. Quiet backroads, car-free trails, charming small towns, and a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful times of year in the U.S. Every detail is handled, local guides have our backs, and you get to be part of an epic story that connects generations, places, and people.

Aren't familiar with the Capitol Quest? 👉 See what it is all about! or Watch my YouTube Docuseries on the quest!

I have partnered with Maine bike operator ,Summer Feet Cycling, to design and lead the route between capitols. They have come up with a great route that will be scenic, have few cars, and introduce us to their home, the beautiful Northeastern US. In fact - we'll be riding the Cross New Hampshire Adventure trail and the Vermont adventure trail most of the way. These are quiet, gravel roads and trails that will keep us immersed in nature and off the busy roads.


Patagonia ebike Small Group Tour
Dates: November 1 - 7, 2026 - 8 spots only!
Cost: $5400 ($1350 deposit)

Ride an e-bike across the Patagonian steppe and into the shadows of the Paine Massif, stay in remote ranches, meet seasoned baqueanos, spot guanacos and wild horses, and end every day closer to one of Earth’s most iconic parks. It’s more than a vacation—it’s a transformational adventure that challenges, inspires, and delivers a story you’ll remember forever.

Portugal Cycling Tour with Experience Plus Cycling

Dates: June 2 - 13, 2026
Cost: $6650 - get $200 off with code 'Sherry2026'
(8 day option also possible for
June 6 - 13 for $5095 + $200 off w code)

I'm going back to Europe with Experience Plus again next spring! 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 and wines of the area.

See the Itinerary at Experience Plus!


Ireland Hiking Tour Through Donegal
Dates: May 16 - 26, 2026 - FULL - Waiting List Only

Other Tours I'm working on launching for 2027:

  • South Africa Surf & Safari - February 2027
  • Nepal Annapurna Hiking - April 2027
  • Spain's Camino Ronda and Catalonia - Sep 2027
  • Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail - Nov 2027

If you are interested in any of these - reply to this email and I'll put you on the list to contact when they are live! I hope you'll join me on one of these upcoming Ottsworld Tours!


Ottsworld Blog Posts

I can't let this holiday newsletter go out without reminding people about my absolute favorite Christmas tradition in the world. Caga Tío is a Christmas tradition in the Catalonia Spain region. ‘Tio’ means tree trunk or log, and ‘Caga’ means poop. Put them together, and it is a poop log. What does the Caga Tio poop you ask? Gifts…duh.


Gear Corner

Well - I was so busy moving this month that I didn't even get to send out my article about my favorite travel gifts. I'm sure all of your holiday shopping is done - however it you are one of those lucky people who get $$ for the holidays and you want to know what to spend it on - here's my list of favorite travel gear! Plus - if you are looking for a stocking stuffer...why not put a sock in a sock! #meta 😀The best gear for travel is the one that could save your life - compression socks. If you haven't got your Ottsworld and Vim&Vigr compression socks yet, don't miss out...there are still a few left! Use OTTSWORLD promo and get 15% off your entire order!


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 - not good with other offers.

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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