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.
Travel lessons learned in 2024, New solo travel book, and a much needed holiday vacation,
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Hello Reader, This is it...the year is winding down...and so am I along with it. There are things I love about my career (it truly is the best), and there are things I struggle with and wish to change. One of those things is vacation. I rarely take a real vacation - one that doesn't involve work (writing, social media sharing, photography, leading tours), one that is just for me. That's the downside of being a travel blogger/content creator I suppose. But for the remainder of the year - I'm doing it...I'm going to be on vacation...for me. I'll be visiting family and friends these next 2 weeks and won't share it at all! I'll schedule some end-of-year posts on my social channels, but I won't be checking those channels at all! It'll be a social media detox - Goodbye, Sayōnara, Adios, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen...until 2025! This is the one time I'm going to say...don't follow me on social media! Go have your own fun with your family and friends. Concentrate on them and yourself. It'll be a fantastic way to close out this year. 2024 Travel Lessons Learned1. When a culture seems so different you can hardly process it, just let go and believe. I loved Bhutan, but it was also a very perplexing place- so different from my own culture. They believed in everything...and I naturally was skeptical of everything. Once I fought through that and let go, I enjoyed Bhutan so much more. Travel is about gaining understanding, not questioning everything. 2. If you take the time off and spend the money to go to Antarctica - don't skip South Georgia. You are all the way down there and already have your sea legs..so bite the bullet and ensure South Georgia is included in your trip. 3. Austin may be a cycle-friendly city - but the rest of Texas is not. 4. Leave room in your itinerary for little moments to happen, they may end up being the favorite part of your trip. I had no plans for each night I was in Japan, yet every night I went out exploring, meeting restaurant owners, bartenders, and locals. Those are the nights I remember and cherish most! 5. Don't overlook off-seasons in destinations - they are often the best time to travel to a destination to connect with it in a way that wouldn't be possible if it were high season. The sites aren't crowded, locals are more open and relaxed, and you feel weirdly special because you are there when no one else is. When I went to Nova Scotia in February, I wasn't sure what I'd find, as no one talks about Nova Scotia's travels in February! I found lobster, festivals, proud locals, and different perspectives...and lobster...did I mention lobster? 6. This is more personal to me rather than a general travel lesson. I learned that I love bringing people on Ottsworld Tours to my favorite hidden gem destinations and showing them how to experience a destination more fully. I love pushing them out of their comfort zone in various ways and helping them build strength and confidence in their travel muscles. This year, I ran 4 Ottsworld Tours, and I loved every one of them! The groups were incredible; I'm so happy to call people who joined me 'friends'! Next year, I'm increasing the number of tours I'm running - there are 6 in the works for 2025! These are just a few of the travel lessons I learned...or re-learned this year. What are yours? If you want to read more travel tips - check out my top 10 travel tips here! I'll be back in a couple of weeks in your inbox and social channels providing new travel advice and tips, and I'll also be finally launching my new Japan tours at the beginning of January! I hope you'll stick with me into 2025! Happy Holidays! Ottsworld ToursWomen's Hiking Tour in NepalDates: September 16 - 29, 2025 Do you love hiking? Then join me next year in Nepal to hike 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 all while being active. This really is an incredible opportunity, and I hope you'll consider joining me!
In January, I will be announcing two new tours to Japan for 2025.Make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here. to be the first to know of the Japan openings. Japan Hiking & Culture - October 25 - Nov. 1 2025 Travel and TransportationOne of the best things about travel in Japan are the trains - fast, modern, on time, comfortable, and reasonably priced. To encourage visitors to get out and see the entire country, Japan offers rail passes for tourists! These passes offer an added level of convienience, flexibility, and you'll save money. The all-inclusive Whole Japan Rail Pass covers almost every corner of the country. This comprehensive pass gives travelers access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and airport transfers, local trains, and JR buses for 1 to 21 days. They have similar offerings for specific regions too. If you are planning a trip to Japan - a rail pass is the way to go! Japan Rail Passes (JR Passes) must be purchased in advance before arriving in Japan. 12Go offers a range of Japanese Rail Passes you can research and purchase online, giving travelers access to one of the most efficient rail networks in the world. 12Go offers rail tickets for all over the world so check them out for all of your travels! Seen & HeardAbout a year ago I was contacted and asked to be included in this book! They asked me to share my favorite place to travel solo. I was excited this week when the author sent me a copy and there my recomendation was - Destination 41! This book is filled with great solo travel ideas from many people I personally know which makes it even more special! Want some inspiration and ideas for solo travel - then check it out! Travel NewsI recently listened to this NYTimes Daily Podcast and was once again reminded of why I travel. While you are traveling this holiday season - give it a listen!
Which Countries Are the Cheapest to Travel To - This study gives you the average daily budget required for one person in 136 countries around the world Ottsworld Blog PostsIn anticipation of announcing my upcoming Japan tours, I have been updating my site with some new Japan content! And a few of my favorite Christmas blogposts I've written through the years! Ever wonder where Christmas ornaments came from? Or what an Asian Santa in Vietnam looks like? Or why pooping is part of Christmas in Catalonia? Gear CornerNeed a last minute small gift? Check out my Travel gifts under $30! Ottsworld Travel DiscountsIf 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! Use these helpful links to book your next trip:
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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.
Hello Reader, Are you planning a trip next year and need to pack more efficiently? Do you have a friend/family member who loves to travel? Do you need to refresh your hiking and outdoor gear for 2025? I got you...well...this newsletter has you! In a special newsletter edition, I will be sharing genuinely useful travel gifts. These are items I've actually used and loved over the course of 18 years of travel. Most travel lists are crap, just general lists that the author has researched and...
Hello Reader, Ugh—I sort of hated typing that subject line and putting the words grateful and black Friday in the same sentence. Sorry. However, there is room to hold both inside of me, which is why I decided to leave the subject line and send this email. I'm getting ready to hop on a plane on the busiest travel day in the US to spend a few days with family in South Dakota. I'm going to take the advice that I provided recently on a local radio show and go to the airport early. I will be...
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...