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Hello Reader,

Returning to Nepal after 16 years was both humbling and powerful. In my early travel years, I rarely revisited places—there was always somewhere new calling. But now, after nearly two decades on the road, going back feels essential. It’s not just about seeing how a country has changed—it’s about noticing how I’ve changed.

When I landed in Kathmandu, I felt that old flicker of fear I hadn’t known in years. The chaos, the noise, the pollution—it all felt overwhelming at first. But once I stepped into the streets, chatted with locals, and dodged traffic like a pro, my travel muscle started flexing again. I remembered how alive travel in places like Nepal makes me feel—how it challenges and grounds me at the same time.

This trip reminded me that comfort dulls curiosity. Travel—especially the kind that pushes you outside your routine—reminds you that the world is vast and beautifully varied. There are millions of people out there living, believing, and doing things differently, and that’s not just okay—it’s the point. Nepal reopened that door for me, and one thing’s for sure: I won’t wait another 16 years to go back - and run more tours there.

I'm working on writing much more about my Nepal travels - it was an incredible trip with a fabulous group of women (see for yourself!). I have so much to say about it...but we'll save that for the blog.

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Where Next?

I leave for 5 weeks in Japan this weekend! I'm so excited to go back and run my two new tours there. I am excited to see how the Cat Tour goes (it's the first of it's kind!), and what people think about it. In addition to hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail and the Cat Tour, I'll also be exploring new parts of Tohoku including the city of Hakodate in Hokkaido. I'll be utilizing the brand new GranClass luxury Shinkansen (fast train), and soaking up the autumn colors of Japan! I'll also spend a few weeks cycling the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea, and exploring the Hiroshima region. Suffice it to say - there will be lots of hiking, cycling, kayaking, cats, and cocktails in my future 5 weeks!

You can follow along on all of my Japan adventures on my social media accounts!

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Happy Travels,

New Ottsworld Tours!

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

I'm so very excited to tell you that I'm going to take a group to Patagonia to cycle Estancia to Estancia again!

Get ready to pedal through the raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia on the ​Patagonia eBike Small Group Tour​—an epic 7-day journey from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine that blends gravel-road cycling, estancia stays, local cuisine, and wild landscapes. 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.

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I've done this trip twice now - and both times I didn't want it to end - that's how special it is. See some of my highlights from my first trip. It's challenging - you are in remote Patagonia, and you have to be ready for anything weather-wise - but it's one of the most rewarding trips I run. There are only 8 spots available for this trip - act fast and let's head to Patagonia in 2026!

NEW!!! Ireland Hiking Tour Through Donegal​
Dates: May 16 - 26, 2026 - only 4 spots left!
Cost: 3800€ (aprox. $4434 USD) ( 400€ Deposit)

If you’ve been dreaming of stepping off the beaten path and into landscapes that feel untamed and alive, my Donegal Ireland Hiking Tour will light that fire in you. Think towering sea cliffs taller than the Cliffs of Moher, remote islands, abandoned villages whispering of history, and ridge walks where you can feel the wind roll off the Atlantic. You’ll hike through wild terrain, meet local farmers and tweed weavers, enjoy local pubs, and end each day sleeping in cozy guesthouses. If you want to truly discover the heart of Ireland—rugged, beautiful, and full of soul—this tour is made for you - and there are only 4 spots left!

See the Itinerary

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New - Join me on a Portugal Camino Cycling Tour with Experience Plus Cycling
Dates: June 2 - 13, 2026 (8 day option also possible)
Cost: $6650 - get $300 off with code 'Sherry2026'

If you followed my Southern France cycle trip last spring - then you saw how fun it was (food, wine, views!) - and I'm going back to Europe next spring with Experience Plus again! 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 of the area and enjoy the changes that come with crossing a border as we cycle into Galicia, Spain. With 3 wine regions along our route and a blend of fresh seafood, hearty stews and modern day gourmet there is something for all tastes. I hope you'll join me!!

Other Ottsworld Tour Openings:

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

​Travel News

Safety is usually the biggest concern I hear about when it comes to solo travel for women. JourneyWoman, a website and community for women 50+ travel, is holding their annual women’s travel safety webinar with a discussion designed to empower you with real, honest straight talk about the importance of trust and transparency. Learn more and sign up here!

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Would you consider slow travel through these unique Multi-Week "Living In" Tours? Read about the Smithsonian Journeys - three-week European "Living in …" tours, designed for slow discovery.

Would you travel for cheese? My answer - YES! Read - Whey to go: Is cheese the new reason to travel?

Ottsworld Blog Posts

I recently updated one of my favorite travel series - The Motorbike Diaries - How I Learned to Ride a Motorbike in Vietnam. The Motorbike Diaries kicked off in 2008 when I was living and working in Vietnam. The series chronicles my epic journey to become a part of Vietnamese culture and drive among the locals. My attempt to blend in, rev up, and somehow survive the madness of Vietnamese traffic while inching my way into the culture—one honk and near-miss at a time.

Instead of doom scrolling - why not check out this humorous series and see what it's like to live abroad in a completely different culture!

Gear Corner - Versatile Travel and Adventure Clothing

I'm in the midst of packing for my trip to Japan and am reminded of how challenging it can be to pack for both adventure and urban environments. Since many of my travels are outdoor and adventurous, I need technical outdoor gear; however, you don't want to look like a walking tent when you hit restaurants or museums. I'm always looking for gear that meets multiple needs: comfort, durability, versatility in weather conditions, ease of packing, minimal washing and care, and decent style.

One of the brands that I gravitate to for travel and adventure is KÜHL. Their pieces often transition well from trail to town. Vintage washes, stylized looks, and subtly technical details make them more wearable in non-outdoor settings. Many KÜHL pants & shirts use blends of cotton + nylon + spandex, or technical poly, which give you comfort and stretch. Plus, they are quick-dry materials, perfect for doing 'sink laundry'.

I'll be wearing my super comfortable Freeflex roll-up pants and the One Jacket on the long flight to Japan - stretch, comfort, and warmth...but all stuff I can take out on the trail in Japan! Here are a few other travel/adventure favorites too!

• Reactive Grid Hoody
• KULTIVATR™ JOGGR pant - I love these for flying - so comfortable!
• Kultivatr™ Jacket
• Stretch Voyager Waterproof Jacket - can be used on the trail and in the city

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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. Not valid with other discounts.

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!

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
• 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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