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Hello Reader,

Greetings from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! More on that below...

I knew my fall would be really busy with many trips - so much so that I've had a hard time getting this newsletter out between trips. I recently returned from an epic trip in Bhutan and a short stop in Japan. And now I'm back on the road again.

Bhutan was full of surprises for me. Not only was it much warmer than I was expecting - it was also more lush/green, cleaner, architecturally interesting, and spiritual than I was expecting. And...it was happy. The country gave me a lot to think about, challenging my views on trust, government, capitalism, and happiness. I'll be writing about it this winter on my blog - and can expand upon all of those things!

I was also there during the festival season. It was incredible to witness all of the dances, and great people watching. Plus, I was pretty stunned when the locals started running through big bonfires...for good luck.

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My Last Trip...of the Year...

It's been a busy travel year (El Salvador, Ireland, Croatia, Bhutan, Japan, Thailand) and that doesn't include my domestic travels! However I'm finishing the year with quite a travel finale...my favorite place on earth...Antarctica!

I'm currently on Oceanwide's Plancius Ship in the Atlantic Ocean, heading towards the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica for the next three weeks! And yes, they have internet.

​Adventure Life helped me organize this trip - they are experts in cruising Antarctica. They ensured I found the ship that was just right for me and how I like to travel. Plancius is not a fancy or big ship; it's an older research vessel that has been updated for passenger travel. There are 93 passengers, which is a great size for expedition travel.

Today, the seas are perfectly calm, but I expect that will change soon. We are one of the first ships of the season, which means we are on a real journey to the unknown. And we are going through some notoriously rough seas. (I'm testing out a new motion sickness cure...let's hope it works!) Traveling on the first or last ships of the season typically mean big savings. I'll be sharing more cost-saving ways to go to Antarctica on my website - stay tuned!

And, of course, I'm sharing everything on my social channels in near real time. So if you want to travel to Antarctica virtually with me - be sure to follow the channels below!

Follow my stories on either one of these channels!

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Happy Travels!

Ottsworld Tours

New Women's Hiking Tour in Nepal
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Is hiking in the Himalayas on your bucket list? The Himalayas in Nepal are more than majestic—they are awe-inspiring. Hiking among these monster peaks was one of the highlights of my travels. Now, you can hike with me in the Everest region along with a bunch of other hike-loving women.

Dates: September 16 - 29, 2025
Cost: $2790 ( $400 Deposit)
Max People: Women Only

I am working with World Expeditions (a company I've hiked with in the past) to lead this women-only trek through the Everest Region in Nepal with their local female guides.

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.

If you are even mildly interested in this trip, be sure to watch the video below, as it will show you what to expect when traveling in this region with World Expeditions and me!
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Nepal Tour Highlights

• Meet local women and learn about their mountain culture, adding a unique and enriching aspect to your adventure.
• Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of World Expeditions' pioneering trips with a special black-tie banquet dinner in Thyangboche
• Experience the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region at Thyangboche monastery
• Explore the Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal
• Visit Sir Edmund Hillary's “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital
• ​Stay in exclusive eco-comfort camps which are better for the environment and provide a more authentic trekking experience
• Travel with me and get photography tips to capture these fantastic landscapes!

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All of my other tours are full for 2025. However, next month, I will announce two new tours to Japan. Stay tuned!

Japan Hiking & Culture - Fall 2025
Japan Cat Themed Tour - Fall 2025

I was just in Japan last month doing the final research for these tours. I've got some incredible cultural and adventure experiences lined up in lesser known parts of Japan for these itineraries! Make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here. to be the first to know of the Japan openings.

Travel News

I know we all have 'feelings' about AI. Even though it uses my hard work to provide answers about travel without giving me credit - I've decided to try my best to embrace it. However - this week I found out that Germany Tourism is now starting to use AI influencers to try to inspire people to visit Germany. And that has me pretty annoyed. It looks like AI is determined to come for my job! Take a look at this new travel technology here and let me know what you think. Would you follow Emma?

Mount Everest is getting taller - by 164 feet! Find out how.

​You can now renew your passports online! The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print out and send paper applications, photos and a check by mail, and submit their documents, photo, and payment through a secure website. And there is not change in price to do this.

Ottsworld Blog Posts

I recently wrote an article on Japan's least visited island - check it out!
Since the northern lights have been in the news a lot lately (did you see them in your state?!), take a look at my article about the best place to experience them! My Alaska tour is full for this winter, but I'm happy to pass on recommendations if you want to go on your own!

Gear Corner

My favorite compression sock company, Vim & Vigr, is having their best sale of the year - 30% off!! Shop for the cutest compression leg ware around and support this woman owned business!! Shop Now!

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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​

Did you know that you can get my blog posts into your inbox as soon as they are published? Click here to sign up!​!​

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