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.
Why I’m Not Giving Up on Travel (And You Shouldn’t Either) + upcoming webinar!
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Hello Reader, I know the headlines right now make you want to burrow under the covers and stay there. The world feels heavy, unpredictable, and, frankly, exhausting. But after clocking in a lot of international travel already this year, I’m here to tell you something hopeful: don’t give up on travel right now. In fact, lean into it. To my surprise (and maybe yours), the more I travel, the more I see people opening their arms wider, not closing them. I’ve been welcomed in ways that remind me—again and again—that connection still wins. That proximity brings understanding. That kindness crosses borders. That the world, despite what the news says, is still full of beauty, generosity, and resilience. And it’s not just my gut saying this—it’s science. Studies show travel can actually help combat aging, build resilience, and make us better at dealing with uncertainty (I've included the articles below!). And let’s be honest—uncertainty isn’t going anywhere. But travel? Travel teaches us how to navigate it with grace, curiosity, and joy. When I traveled nomadically for 11 years, I always said, "Uncertainty is the only certain thing in my life." Travel taught me how to embrace uncertainty, patience, and how to see things from different perspectives. Plus, unlike most things these days, travel is something we can control. We can choose to step out the door, book the ticket, and show up for ourselves and the world. So if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or unsure… maybe it’s time to go somewhere new. Whether you go on an Ottsworld Tour to Japan, do a weekend trip near home, or strike out on your own new adventure, just go. Don't let this news climate stop you. This year, I’m embracing uncertainty—and I’d love for you to come along. Let’s meet strangers, eat unfamiliar food, and find perspective in the most unexpected corners of the world. Who knows? It might just be the therapy we all need. France and SpainI just returned from an incredible few weeks in Southern France and Spain - where I stuffed my face with copious amounts of bread, cheese, and wine! Luckily, I biked every day to counteract all the gluttony! My trip with Experience Plus was incredible. I was once again reminded of how wonderful Europe is - the markets, food, medieval towns, and the people - it's always about the people when you travel. I made a bunch of new biking friends on the tour and huffed and puffed my way up some old Tour De France routes!
If you are a biker - make sure you check out the Experience Plus tours through Europe - they are based in Italy and have been operating cycling tours all over Europe for 50+ years. They know their shit. I will absolutely travel with them again. Then I joined my friend Carley and we went to Catalunya Spain to see a bunch of my old friends and to revisit one of the best restaurants in the world. It was a splurge. It was like going to a Broadway show AND being a part of the show...a complete spectacle! See how we tackled the 34 courses and 5 1/2 hour dinner here...trust me...you will be fascinated by this whole evening! Spoiler Alert - the dessert came with a VR headset...yes...you read that right. Where NextNext week I'm tackling another Capitol Route! I'll be biking from Salt Lake City UT to Boise ID! And...I'll have TWO Logistics Queens with me. Oh boy will I be pampered with two queens! I've never spent any time in Southern Idaho, so I'm really looking forward to experiencing it at a cycling pace. You can follow each day of my triumphs and challenges on the route by following my social media stories! I love hearing from all of you when I'm on a ride - so I hope you'll check in and cheer me along as I show you rural Utah and Idaho! Attend my Webinar - Smart Travel Tips for Bold AdventuresFinally, mark your calendars - I'm hosting a live webinar on July 10th! I have a few major announcements to share - so be ready to party! But most importantly, we'll be talking about travel tips and destinations - and anything else you want to talk about! 🧭 Hidden-gem destinations that haven’t been Instagrammed to death 🎒 My no-fluff packing/gear advice 💡 Practical tips on traveling safely, sanely, and soulfully—especially now 🎁 Announcement & Giveaway! ❓ A chance to ask me anything in the live Q&A
Happy Travels! Travel NewsIn the Age of Trump, Are Americans Still Welcome in Europe? - Rick Steves Read why travel could be the best defense against aging - Science Daily Uncertainty is part of being human, so how can we learn to live with it? A professor of statistics explains that living is about taking risks and not knowing the outcome, and why it’s important to accept and embrace that. - The Guardian Ottsworld ToursIf you read my intro and don't want to give up on travel, but are still a little intimidated, then come embrace it with me (someone you know) on one of my tours! I offer tours because my goal is to encourage more people to travel. Not just traveling, but traveling to places they haven't heard of, or maybe challenging themselves on a physical adventure. An Ottsworld tour is a great way to have a soft landing when it comes to travel - I'll take care of everything...I've got you. See what past travelers have to say about my tours! Current Ottsworld Tour Openings:Hike Japan's MCT Trail in Tohoku Want to travel to Japan but also want to get off the beaten path. You can easily do Tokyo and Kyoto on your own, but to get further afield, I can help! Participate in multiple adventures in the Tohoku region: Meet locals, hike the coast, learn about the history of disaster, try cocktails, kayak, and visit markets - all under the 'umbrella' of fall foliage! If you’re intrigued but unsure—let’s chat! I’d love to tell you why this adventure is so special.
The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Tour of Japan Small Group Tour 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. Join me on this first-ever cat-themed tour of Japan!
Panama Surf & Yoga Camp - Women Only
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| See Full Itinerary |
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.
| See Full Itinerary |
Ottsworld Blog Posts
It's that time of year for road trips! I love road trips so much that I made a special Road Trip Section on my new website for it! See all of my road trip itineraries to places like Nova Scotia, Maine, California, Colorado, Ireland, and Germany! Don't let being solo stop you from doing your road trip. It's one of the best things I've ever done!
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!
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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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, Much like my dad, I like big projects. They consume me and keep me focused on living in the present, rather than just repeating the same old routine day after day. Travel projects have a long-term, purposeful feel, like a bigger mission beyond just “go on a trip.” They make me look at my travels differently than simply roaming around to sights, I travel deeper, slower, and more introspectively when on a travel project. My latest travel project is taking over my dad's old Capitol...
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....
Hello Reader, I recently returned home from 2 weeks in Alaska - it was full of dancing aurora, cat mayors, sled dog puppies, a tappa and dog party, glacier hiking, and I was introduced to the new sport of outhouse racing! I hope you followed along on my social media as my group and I had a wonderful time, and I'm thrilled that everyone fell in love with Alaska in the winter! I'm not exactly sure when I'll run this trip again - 2026 or 2027...but I will run it again so let me know if you are...