Hello Reader ,

Cows are therapeutic...at least they are for me. Every time I bike past cows on one of my Capitol routes, I talk to them and observe their behaviors (some run away from me, some run towards me, and all of them stare at me). For some reason, I get immense joy from this 'cow interaction'.

Lately, my social feeds have been full of one bold claim: “Travel is better than therapy.”

It’s the kind of dramatic statement the internet loves—but it also made me curious: is there actually any truth behind it?

Turns out, there’s real research showing that travel can reduce stress, improve mood, boost confidence, and increase overall well-being. Psychologists say it works because travel interrupts routines, exposes us to novelty, gets us moving, and forces us to be present rather than replaying the same daily worries.

Honestly, this explains why I’ve always loved travel so much. The best trips aren’t just vacations—they challenge you a little, wake you up, and remind you that you’re capable of more than you think. Whether it’s hiking remote trails in Ireland, navigating Japan cocktail bars with Google Translate, or biking between state capitols, travel has consistently helped me feel more grounded, confident, and alive.

Now, to be clear, travel isn’t a replacement for therapy. But can it be therapeutic? Absolutely. And maybe that’s why stepping outside your routine (talking to cows) and exploring somewhere new can feel so transformative.

New Nepal Tour

If you are looking for some great therapy - be sure to check out my new Nepal hiking tour below! I'm so excited to go back to the Annapurna region and take you with me. And this one is open to women and men...I hope you'll join me!

My Last Midwest Capitol Route

I recently cycled my Topeka Kansas to Oklahoma City Capitol route - completing my 11th and last midwestern capitol route. It made me kind of sad as I love the midwest - it's where I grew up and the landscape, people, and culture I know best. It's where I understand what's happening and why...I don't always agree with it - but I understand it.

The cycling in Kansas and Oklahoma was lovely, with only a couple of hard days of wind challenges, and lots of fun haiku challenges. I completed 350 miles with the help of my awesome logistics queen, Kelly! You can see the daily highlights and lowlights here.

If you ever want to be a logistics queen - let me know! And if you want to join me cycling one of the Capitol Routes - I have a couple spots left on my Maine to Vermont route this fall!​

Where Next?

I just landed in Ireland...and ready for some great 'therapy' for the next 5 weeks in Europe! Plus - I'll get to talk to some sheep for sure!

I will be traveling in Ireland running my Donegal hiking tour and seeing friends. Then I move on to Portugal to explore Lisbon with friends and cycle the Camino route from Porto to Santiago with Experience Plus! Cycling tours.

It was really hard to pack for both hiking and cycling...but somehow I managed. Follow along on my European adventures on my social media accounts below! I'll be sharing daily stories and updates.

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Happy Travels!

Travel News

If you are dreaming about living abroad - you have a few options - Countries Offering Dual Citizenship Opportunities to Americans​

United Airlines plans couch-style economy seating with mattress pads and pillows on select widebody aircraft.

Ottsworld Tours

New Nepal Hiking Tour

Dates: April 15-27, 2027
Cost: $3590

Join me as we head back to my favorite region - the Annapurna region and do a loop hike around the area. We'll climb to heights of 12,000 ft with an option of going up to 15,100 ft! But most importantly, we'll be immersing ourselves in the Himalayan culture along the way, meeting locals, seeing how they live, making friends, and enjoying incredible views.

We start with some unique hands-on experiences in Kathmandu while seeing a few of the sites and then fly to the quiet lakeside town of Pokhara where we start our journey into the Himalayas.

• Trek a quieter, less-traveled loop route to Kopra Ridge with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
• Enjoy the colorful rhododendron bloom throughout the region
• Visit the iconic Boudhanath Stupa and enjoy a special group dining experience in its vibrant surrounds
• Walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, gaining insight into rural mountain life
• Experience diverse landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to high alpine terrain
• Stay in a combination of Eco-Comfort Camps and lodges, offering a higher level of comfort in remote settings
• Enjoy the support of an experienced local trekking crew throughout and female guide

Come to Vietnam and Cambodia with me on a culturally focused tour! Mar 22 - April 6, 2027 - Only 1 spot left!

I am working with Wandertours to host their Vietnam and Cambodia tour next March 2027. As you may know - I used to live in Vietnam - so the region is near and dear to my heart. It's been about 10 years since I've been back, so I'm really excited to host this trip and to my old 'home' in Asia!

This is a women's only trip, and it's more cultural than adventurous - which is different from my normal tours. We start in Hanoi, head north to the rice fields for a little wellness stay, stay overnight on a boat in Ha Long Bay, head south to Hoi An, then on to my old home in Saigon, and further south to the Mekong Delta. We basically cover the entire country of Vietnam. Then there is also an add-on trip to Siem Reap Cambodia and Angor Wat.

Ride the Capitol Quest with Me 🚲

Dates: October 7-14, 2026
Cost: $3550 Max: 12 people - only 2 spots remain!

Join me on my Capitol-to-Capitol Quest. We'll cycle from Augusta, Maine, to Montpelier, Vermont, during peak leaf-peeping season, when New England explodes in golds, reds, and fiery oranges.

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.

Patagonia ebike Small Group Tour
Dates: November 1 - 7, 2026 - 2 spots remain!
Cost: $5400 ($1350 deposit)

This tour is starting to fill up - I only have 2 remaining spots left! Looking for an incredible, epic November trip before the craziness of the holiday season - then this is for you! 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.

South Africa Surf & Safari​
Dates: Feb. 21 - 27, 2027 - FULL Waitlist only

Other Tours I'm working on launching for 2027:

• Spain's Camino Ronda and Catalonia - Sep 2027
• Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail - Nov 2027
• Japan Cat Tour - Nov. 2027

On the Blog

May is Bike Month so I'm sharing some of my biking articles from my blog! Plus, check out some of my Bike Travel tips​ for inspiration. Also - check out my podcast interview on Murphology Podcast about bike travel.​

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.

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Use these helpful links to book and plan your next trip:

• ​Schedule a call with me - 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 it all, I’ve got your back.
• Get my Free ebook Where to Go & When​
• Read through my 99 Travel Tips before you go
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