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Hello Reader,

As we watched the low clouds slowly lift, revealing the famous Towers of Torres del Paine, Lauren said, "I don't want this trip to end." I just nodded my head. Earlier, as I was biking down the last bit of our route through the park, I thought the same thing. But strangely, this was the second time I felt this in the previous 2 years...in nearly the exact same place.

When I finished the Estancias & Ebikes tour the first time, I knew it was one of the best trips I had ever taken. It nourished all my travel desires; it was unique, off the beaten path, cultural, active, local, and immersive. I felt like a better person and traveler when I finished it.

That is why I turned around and decided to run it as one of my Ottsworld Tours and see if I could get other people who loved to travel to explore off the beaten path in remote parts of the world to join me.

Skip to the end...and I did get 9 other incredible intrepid travelers to join me and here I am finishing the route again and wanting more. The good news is I guess that means that I will be running this tour again!

It wasn't just Lauren and I who had this feeling—practically every person came to me and said they didn't want it to end. Each one of them fell in love with Patagonia's remoteness, pampas (grasslands), mountains, and people.

I will run this epic trip again in October/November 2026! If you are interested in this trip, make sure you sign up for my Ottsworld Tour Newsletter here so you are the first to know about this opening. It can only accommodate 9 people, so spots go fast.

Other Tips for When You Don't Want a Trip to End

Not everyone can just create tours like me, but here are a few other tips for what you can do for your Vacation ending blues:

• Organize Photos: Print out your favorite vacation photos or create a digital slideshow to relive the experience.
• Share Your Stories: Share your travel experiences with friends and family, whether through social media, emails, or in-person conversations.
• Start Slow: Don't jump right back into work or a packed schedule; allow yourself a few days to adjust to the new reality.
• Plan Fun New Activities at Home: Explore new places in your area: restaurants, music venues, hikes, parks, museums! It'll feel as if you are still traveling.
• Start Dreaming: Even if it's months away, begin researching destinations, activities, and potential travel dates. I suggest you start researching at Ottsworld.com, or book a call with me to consult for ideas!
• Book a Trip: If possible, secure a future vacation to look forward to, which can help alleviate the immediate sadness of returning home. Join me on my next trip with availability...Japan! ​
• Weekend Getaways: Consider shorter trips or exploring local attractions to maintain a sense of travel and adventure.
• Don't Come Back: Yes - this is extreme, but this is exactly what I did back in 2006/2007. I sold everything I owned, and stayed on the road blogging for the next 11 years!

Where Next?

It's warming up enough to be biking season, and my next trip is to tackle another Capitol Route! This time I'll be riding from Tallahassee FL to Atlanta GA! It's about 390 miles and an area of the country in which I've spent little time, so I'm pretty excited to explore!

Every Capitol ride always throws me some challenges and this one is no different. My first challenge is that this is my first time flying with my bike. This means I have to disassemble part of it and put it back together (the hard part)! I'm pretty intimidated by this...but that's precisely why I need to do this.

If you aren't familiar with my Capitol to Capitol Quest, take a few minutes to watch my YouTube Videos about its origin—it may surprise you!

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​Capitol to Capitol Episode 1 - A Lark​
​Capitol to Capitol Episode 2 - Pierre South Dakota​
​Episode 3 - The OG Logistics Queen - Bismarck, ND​

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Please follow along on my social channels as I figure out how to put my bike back together, try new ways to deal with angry dogs chasing me, and navigate the suburbs of Atlanta into the heart of the city. I'm not exactly sure which piece I'm most worried about—they are all pretty daunting. I know I will need a lot of 'cheering on' from the socials!
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Happy Travels!

Ottsworld Tours

Hiking Japan's MCT Trail Small Group Tour

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Dates: October 25 - November 1, 2025
Cost: $4200 ( $840 Deposit)
I have some availability...and I have no idea why! What are you waiting for?!

We’ll hike, bike, and kayak along the breathtaking new Michinoku Coastal Trail, soaking in stunning ocean views, charming villages, and incredible local culture—all without the selfie-stick stampede. This is Japan's newest hiking trail and you can be one of the first to experience it! This is my favorite kind of travel experience to show people - truly off the beaten track. Join me in 2025 for an epic journey through Tohoku and the Japanese culture!

This is not your typical Japan tour. It’s raw, authentic, and packed with adventure, camaraderie, and (of course) amazing food. Think fresh seafood, hidden gems, and unforgettable connections with locals who rarely see travelers like us.

If you’re intrigued but unsure—let’s chat! I’d love to tell you why this adventure is so special.

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The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Tour of Japan Small Group Tour ​
Dates: November 3 - 10, 2025
Cost: $3975 ( $815 Deposit)

This tour isn’t just about cats (though, let’s be honest, they are the stars of the show 🐾). It’s about immersing yourself in Japan’s history, traditions, and cuisine—alongside a group of fellow cat lovers who just get it.

I know this isn't my typical adventure tour offering - however, it covers another part of my life that I love - cats/kittens. The chance to combine my two loves of cats and travel arose, and of course, I leaped at it! And if you look closely at the intinerary...there's a super mix of cats, culture, and even a little adventure!

Here’s what awaits you:

• Ferry over to Japan’s famous cat island, where felines outnumber humans!
• Food Tour & Tea Ceremony – Savor delicious Japanese cuisine while encountering local street cats.
• Witness a traditional tuna auction (cats aren’t the only ones who love fish!).
• Visit a heartwarming cat shelter and meet adorable rescue kitties.
• Explore unique shops filled with feline-inspired treasures.
• Discover the legendary birthplace of Japan’s iconic lucky cat.
• Tour a sake brewery and sip on Japan’s finest rice wine.
• Dress in an elegant kimono for a cultural experience like no other.
• Stay in cozy accommodations – one with resident cats—because what’s better than waking up to purring?
• E-bike along the scenic coastline, taking in the fresh sea air with the wind at your back.
• “How to Use the Subway” Lesson – Master Tokyo’s incredible transportation system with ease.
• And many other surprises!

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

The surf-focused itinerary designed by our instructors - Surf Sisters - is sure to get you stoked on surfing and give you the skills and confidence you need to get into the water on your own. Each day will be complemented by daily yoga practice, stretching sessions, and camaraderie. If you've been watching me and my excellent girl gang take on surfing every January and have always wondered if you could surf, this is the time to pull the trigger!

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Nepal Women's Hiking Adventure ​
Dates: September 16 - 29, 2025
Cost: $2790 ( $400 Deposit)

Hike among these peaks in the Everest region with me and a group of other hike-loving women. 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.

Seen and Heard

I just want to give a big shout out to my good friend Jackie Nourse. Her podcast, Jump Podcast, just won Best Travel Podast at the South by Southwest Festival! I've had the pleasure of being on her show numerous times - most recently about travel in Japan (listen if you are considering my Japan trips!) Her podcast is inspiring and full of travel ideas so be sure to check her out! AND...here are our conversations:

​Episode 171: Off the Beaten Path Adventures in Japan​

​Episode 157: How to get started car camping​

​Episode 136: Where to Travel January thru June

​Episode 137: Where to Travel July thru December

​Episode 118: Hut to Hut Long Distance Hikes Around the World​

Travel News

Looking for a tiny, unique vacation? Eight of the world's most extraordinary tiny hotel rooms​

National Park Week is nearly here - learn more about National Park Week happening April 19 to April 27 to celebrate everything "parks."

You can now renew your passport online - see if you are eligible to do so!

Ottsworld Blog Posts

I love Canada, and I especially love the Canadian Maritimes. I'll be heading there myself this summer. Here are ideas for your future maritime trips—perfect for this summer!

Gear Corner

Since I'm packing for my next Capitol Bike Route, I wanted to call attention to some of my favorite bike gear that I take on every trip!

Velorosa Bike Kit - This year, I'm working with a women-owned cycling wear company again, showing off their cute new 2025 designs. I'll be sporting their new sunflower kit in Georgia as well as their new Day of the Dead jerseys! Ottsworld followers get 20% off their first order of full-priced Cycling Jerseys, Tanks, Shorts and Tees on Velorosa.com - use promo code OTTSWORLD20

Bivo Stainless Steal Cycling Bottles - yes - you read that right - metal cycling bottles. This revolutionary bottle will have you recycling all of your old plastic bottles! Bivo makes the first metal cycling bottle with a flow-rate fit for astronauts (no really, our engineer worked for NASA). I LOVE my Bivo bottles - especially the insultated one that keeps my fluids cool! See how it works.

If you want to know how I get my video footage on my bike that makes it look like a drone is following me, or how I can see what cars are behind me and how fast they are coming, plus what I eat, drink, and wear when I'm cycling...be sure to check out my Amazon cycling store!

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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