Women/Men only travel, watch a new Capitol to Capitol Episode, & travel to Croatia


Hello Reader,

I'm tired after 6 Days of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park! But it was so worth it! I traveled for the first time with Adventures in Good Company (AGC) - a women-only active adventure company based out of Colorado. It was such a refreshing trip, and exciting to meet so many women who love hiking and the outdoors. I enjoy doing women-only trips occasionally - it just feels different. I like being surrounded by women when you are challenging yourself physically or mentally.

It is said that when on a typical vacation with a spouse/partner or family, women find themselves in the same roles as in their everyday lives—caregiver, family organizer, provider, wife, mom—just in a new location. By traveling only with other women, you gain the precious opportunity to be your true self and to relish the reward of treating yourself to that experience. According to AGC, you get an experience filled with trust, belonging, and connection.

This got me thinking...are there men-only tours? Honestly, I had to search for a long time to find something. So I guess the answer is...there are, but very few. I know that women are more likely to join groups than men - but it seems weird that there aren't more men-only trips/companies. Personally - I think there should be men's trips - it's only fair that if we have women-only travel, men should have the same opportunity to bond with their gender through travel and adventure.

Have you ever gone on a women-only trip? What did you think? Reply to this email and let me know! Or if you want to try one - check out my Womens Surf and Yoga Panama Trip this January!

We did 6 incredible and challenging hikes, including one through a past fire area. It was so cool to see how nature repairs itself. I'll be writing a blog post on the entire experience, but you can also check out this compilation of videos to see the hikes we did in the meantime!

Watch my latest Capitol to Capitol Docu-series Episode - The OG Logistics Queen

I'm so excited to release the next episode in the Capitol to Capitol Docuseries. Watch as my mom (the OG Logistics Queen) and I take on my 2nd Capitol Route, cycling from Pierre, SD, to Bismarck, ND. I struggle through gravel roads, winds, and worries about my 86 year old mother as I take on the 236 miles to Bismarck. A one-of-a-kind mother-daughter adventure!

If you are new to the Capitol to Capitol docu-series then start at the beginning!

A quick note of HUGE thanks to my friend Michaela of Wanderlust Productions, who produces the series for me. This is no easy task as I do all of the filming while biking, then we work together to create a storyline, and she produces the entire thing. She's incredible!

What's Next

I'm home in Denver for 3 weeks! I can hardly believe it! I'm taking this opportunity to try to get my growing list of work done, care for 4 foster kittens, and train for my next Capitol Route.

I have a short trip to Loveland, CO, planned for their Sculpture in the Park Festival. Then I will leave mid August to start my very challenging Santa Fe, NM to Denver, CO Capitol Route. I plan to take on all of the high mountain passes in Colorado to showcase the state! So now I'm busy trying to train for this big challenge. If you live in Taos, Alamosa, Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, Keystone, Denver - and want to cheer me on, provide accommodation, or ride with me - let me know!

Happy Travels!


Seen and Heard

This is the best article anyone has ever written about my life, travels, and what drives me.

Journey of Independence - UNL Alumni Magazine

I was so impressed with Carson Vaughan's reporting and writing. He interviewed me, my father, my friends - and understood my complicated journey through corporate life to travel blogger to cyclist. I hope you'll read it - I'm positive if you do you'll find out some surprising things you didn't know about my journey! Let me know what you think!

Read more from Carson Vaughan - Zoo Nebraska - The Dismantling of the American Dream


Travel News

Portland Airport introduces their new emotional support lamas...yes...lamas. See how they greet passengers!

Best Countries for Living Abroad (Chosen by Expats)


Ottsworld Tours

Here are my current lineup of tours with some availability!

Expedition Cruise to South Georgia, Falklands, and Antarctica
Dates: Oct 18 - Nov. 7 2024
Get $750 off if you travel with me!

This October, I'm returning to one of my favorite places in the world - Antarctica! I'm traveling with Adventure Life on an incredible comprehensive expedition to South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands, the Shetland Islands, and Antarctica! This will be wildlife overload. Since this is a small ship expedition cruise, you can join me on this adventure. After all - cruising with friends is always better! Plus, if you tell them you heard about it from me, you can get $750 off your cruise!


Women's Surf & Yoga Retreat in PANAMA
Dates: Jan 12 - 19, 2025
Cost: $3170 only a few spots remain - Women Only!


Patagonia EBike Tour FULL
Dates:
March 15 – 21, 2025
Cost: $5500 per person (double occupancy required, no solo stays available)
Wait List Only

Alaska Adventure and Aurora Tour FULL
Dates: February 15-22 2025
Cost: Double Room per person = $4724 (Wait List only)

Coming Soon:

Japan Hiking & Culture - Fall 2025
Japan Cat Themed Tour - Fall 2025
Nepal Hiking - September 2025

Make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here. to be the first to know of openings.


Ottsworld Blog Posts

I recently posted a new article about my Unique trip to Croatia this Spring! If you are planning on heading to Croatia - make sure you read this first! Plus - since I'm traveling to Antarctica in October (join me!) I thought I'd highlight a past guide I created on How to Cruise to Antarctica. In October this will be my third trip there!


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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