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Hello Reader ,

We are one month into 2026 and I'm finally getting around to putting together a little list of where to go in 2026. I was inspired by the New York Times list of 52 places that came out recently. If you haven't seen their list - I do recommend checking it out, they always do a great job. I did notice that one of my favorite and unknown places made their list this year (it's been in my Ebook, Where to Go and When, for years!). Check out #9 - Saba Island in the Caribbean! I traveled there years ago and fell in love with its quirkiness and the fact that it was an unknown island in the popular Caribbean. And it has the shortest commercial runway in the world (watch my landing there)!

The Times does a good job of getting you off the beaten path, but I wanted to put my Ottsworld spin on it too - so here are a few more places I recommend for 2026 that are also off the beaten path, and a little quirky. Maybe in 5 years these too will end up in the NY Times 52 places! Go explore them now!

Tohoku, Japan​
Tohoku is Japan that most travelers never see — quiet fishing towns, rugged coastline trails, and communities that welcome you like you’re not just passing through. It’s perfect for travelers who love slow exploration, local stories, and landscapes that feel real rather than curated. I'll be running more tours there in 2027!
A great alternative to Kyoto
Read more: Discover Japan's Rugged Coastline Without the Crowds​

Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick​
The Acadian Peninsula is where culture comes first — French roots, strong community pride, and a way of life built around the sea. It’s not flashy, but it’s warm, authentic, and full of beautiful sunsets.
A great alternative to Nova Scotia
Read more: Things to do on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick​

Lamu, Kenya​
Lamu is one of the few places I’ve visited where life truly slows down. With no cars in the old town, days revolve around walking narrow lanes, watching dhows on the water, and connecting with people who are genuinely curious about your story. It’s simple, beautiful, and refreshingly human.
A great alternative to Morocco
Read more: Travel to Lamu Kenya​

Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia​
Bella Coola feels like stepping into a part of Canada that hasn’t been polished for tourism — raw wilderness, deep Indigenous history, and a community shaped by isolation and resilience. It’s the kind of place you go to experience nature, not just photograph it.
A great alternative to Alaska bear watching
Read more: Things To Do in the Bella Coola Valley​

Faroe Islands​
The Faroes are dramatic, yes — but what makes them special is how everyday life exists within that drama. Tiny villages, sheep farms, changing weather, and locals who have adapted to a wild environment for generations make the islands feel lived-in, not staged.
A great alternative to Iceland
Read more: Unique Things to Do in the Faroe Islands​

Girona, Spain​
Girona offers the charm of a medieval city without the crowds of Barcelona — walkable streets, layers of history, and a food culture that rivals much bigger cities. It’s ideal for travelers who like wandering, lingering, and discovering places organically.
A great alternative to Tuscany
Read more: Things to do in Costa Brava's Medieval Towns​

America is Not So Great

Even though I'm American, I feel like I am a citizen of the world. Lately, I’ve been feeling extremely disheartened watching what’s happening here in the U.S. — especially the loss of civilian lives in Minneapolis, a place that still feels like home with friends and family I love there. What makes it even harder is the disconnect between what we’re being told and what we can clearly see for ourselves. It feels like a moment where honesty, compassion, and humanity matter more than ever.

One of the greatest gifts travel has given me is perspective. I still remember the first time I traveled out of the country at 30 years old, I stepped into a mosque in Turkey and realized how powerful it was to see people living differently, believing differently — and yet simply being people, just like me. That moment stayed with me. Over the years, travel has continued to teach me that diversity isn’t something to fear — it’s something that makes the world richer, more interesting, and more connected. It reminds me that we can hold different views and experiences while still respecting one another.

That’s really what travel has always meant to me. It’s not just about seeing new places — it’s about opening ourselves up to understanding, empathy, and the shared humanity that connects us all. Especially in times like these, I believe getting curious about the world and each other matters more than ever. Travel helps us step outside our bubbles, listen better, and come back home with bigger hearts. And while things feel very heavy right now to me, I hold onto hope — because every journey has shown me that when we truly see one another, change is possible.

This Saturday, I will be participating in a bike ride in remembrance of Alex Pretti, an avid bikepacker. These bike ride events are happening all of the country - and internationally! If you'd like to join one, or learn more - check it out here.

Where Next?

I just finished up another great surf camp in Panama! In a crazy turn of events - I'm going nowhere for a while - and I'm really happy about it. I needed a break as the end of the year was really busy with tours, travel, and moving. I wanted a chance to settle into my new condo, work on writing, and work on some projects and new tours. As much as I LOVE traveling - it's hard to travel all the time - and try to run a business! I admire the people who can do it...like my friend Derek from Wandering Earl...check him out...he's amazing.

So stay tuned for some new tours launching, new blog posts, and some foster kittens!

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Happy Travels!

Seen & Heard

January 29th join me on Wanderful for a webinar on How to Deal with the Unexpected Medical Emergency When Traveling . I'm joining my friends Becki Rupp and Christine Winebrenner Irick to talk about this seldom-discussed topic! We'll cover what to do before, during, and after a trip to ensure you are prepared for any medical issues while traveling. This is hosted by Wanderful Women's Travel Network, and they are offering a 7-day free trial if you'd like to see the webinar and what they are all about! Learn more here and RSVP for our webinar!

Mark your YouTube Calendar for Feb. 1st when the next episode of my Capitol to Capitol Docuseries comes out! I'm riding from Phoenix to Santa Fe and have to tackle a lot of new challenges - catch the preview here! Aren't familiar with the Capitol to Capitol Docu-series 👉 See what it is all about!

Ottsworld Tours

🍁 NEW TOUR: 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!

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 - 8 spots only!
Cost: $5400 ($1350 deposit)

I have no idea why I still have room on this trip because it's one of the best trips I've ever taken in my 20 years of travel around the world! 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.

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

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Ottsworld Blog Posts

My first new article on my site in a while and I'm so excited to share more about Tohoku's Michinoku Coastal Trail with you. After my Ottsworld tour ended last fall, I stuck around the region and did more exploring - but this time by bike as well as paddleboard. It made me realize that the Tohoku Coast is much more than just hiking. I did some spectacular rides right along the coast with only a handful of cars (think Big Sur if it had no traffic!) I also went further south into Fukushima and learned about how a region rebuilds after a disaster. It was fantastic - and it was all thanks to Northern Japan Horizons who offers a variety of ways to experience the Tohoku coastline. If you’re looking for a journey that goes beyond the trail—one that connects you to the land, the sea, and the people who call this coastline home—check out Northern Japan Horizons!

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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