So many penguins 🐧 , what's next, and holiday travel myths 😱!


Hello Reader,

I'm back on solid ground after my Falklands/South Georgia/Antarctica trip! This was my third trip to Antarctica and my first to South Georgia, and it was once again absolutely epic. Walking over the crest of the hill and seeing 600,000+ penguins as far as my eyes could see, framed by a magnificent hanging glacier was about more than my mind could process. At that moment, I felt so much gratitude for witnessing this part of our world - this spectacle of wildlife more incredible than anything I had seen before. Please put it on your epic bucketlist!

I booked this trip through Adventure Life Travel—they are experts in Antarctica cruise travel! Here's the itinerary I followed.

I'm still processing all of the powerful experiences this trip provided, and I'm also still processing the photos, which I will be sharing shortly on my blog. I'll be writing about what it's like to travel solo to Antarctica, the best times of year to go, and how to find deep discounts. But if you want to see what I'm talking about now and get a feel for the trip - then head on over to my Instagram or Facebook channels and check out my latest posts.

What's Next

I've now switched from penguins to kittens back home in Denver and am preparing for the holiday season. I'm welcoming a couple of months at home since I've had such a busy fall travel season. I'm excited about catching up with friends and family, going to local holiday events, and I'm working on a big redesign of my website. There's lots to keep me busy!

Further down the road into 2025 - I have a number of Ottsworld Tours I'm hosting (Panama, Alaska, and Patagonia) at the beginning of the year. I'm starting to plan my 2025 Capitol bike rides and am looking for Logistics Queens who can take a couple of weeks off to help support me (if you are interested, please let me know!) Next year I will also be collaborating on a travel themed compression sock with Vim & Vigr (I can't wait to tell you more about this!)

I'm not traveling for the holidays - but would love to know if you are! Drop me a reply and let me know where you are headed!

I'll be back in your inbox next week with my gift ideas for travelers in your life!

Happy Travels!


Ottsworld Tours

Women's Hiking Tour in Nepal

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

This trip is going to be epic! If you have ever wanted to travel with me - this will be a great opportunity to experience my favorite travel style - active adventure travel. However - I don't think this is all just hiking in the world's most majestic mountain range. It's also loaded with cultural opportunities to interact directly and learn about the Nepalese culture. We'll have local female guides and will be hiking through small communities where you can learn about how they live daily and understand their spirituality. You'll gain a unique insight into Nepali women's lifestyle. This really is an incredible opportunity, and I hope you'll consider joining me! If you are on the fence about it, don't hesitate to contact me, and I'll be happy to tell you more about it and answer your questions.

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

Top holiday travel myths busted! 84% of American travelers surveyed believe that holiday travel is delayed or canceled more frequently than any other time of year. However, according to last year’s data, only 5% of flights were delayed more than 60 minutes over Thanksgiving and only 6% over the December holiday timeframe. See the data behind this and other myths like weather delays, price hikes, and what time of day is the best time to fly during the holidays. Read the Real Deal About Holiday Flight Delays

If you are someone who likes to 'get in their steps' every day - then check out this article about The Longest and Shortest Airport Walks


Ottsworld Blog Posts

One of my favorite towns in Colorado to visit is Loveland - it's only a short hour's drive from Denver and has some of the best events and festivals going on year-round. In fact, their big holiday events kick off November 23rd with Winter Wonderlights. This year’s event is even bigger and brighter with a new Cocoa Cabana holiday open-air lounge, Holiday Market and Santa’s Workshop happening on Live Nights — Nov. 23 and Dec. 13 and 14. Before you go, check out the article I wrote about Things to Do in Loveland so you can have a complete experience and enjoy the multitude of fun things there!


Gear Corner

Temps might drop, but adventures don’t stop! You can still get outside and explore in the winter if you have the right gear. While in Antarctica, I had the chance to test out some new winter weather gear, and most of it worked out fabulously!

The Outdoor Research Parka I took was perfect for expedition cruising and any time when you need lots of warmth, wind protection, and pockets! If you are in the market for a heavy-duty winter coat - this is it! Here are my highlights:

  • Cinch it at the waste with two different settings if you wanted it to look a little more flattering.
  • There are so many pockets—inside and outside pockets—perfect for carrying everything you need with you. Plus, the pockets all have soft, comfy linings that feel great on your hands.
  • The neck and hood area were also lined with soft, comfy fleece for around your face.
  • Wind-resistant and warm. I was never once cold in Antarctica. Its Gortex outer shell and 700fill inner shell were the perfect combo to stay toasty warm while enjoying the penguins for three hours at a time.

I also took a lot of natural fiber products because they are the best for warmth, insulation, quick drying, and they are odorless. I did the smell test every day on my natural fiber socks and was amazed that odor was never an issue after multiple wearings—they are great for any kind of travel. I used a bunch of Smartwool products: socks and underwear, and I absolutely loved all of their Smartloft products. I took a smartloft skirt, zip up mid layer, and pants with me for lounging around the ship and it was perfect for running outside and seeing whales without freezing. I also used Paka products - which is made from Alpaca wool. It is said to be even better than merino wool. I used their socks and base layer top. They are soft and keep you warm...plus, you can go online and 'meet' the exact Alpaca your product came from!


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.


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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