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.
4 Must-Consider Travel Alternatives for 2024 + LOBSTERπ¦βοΈ!
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Hello Reader,
Ditch the ordinary! I have modeled my adult life on this idea - battling the 'shoulds' and finding my own path. It's just as important for me to infuse this into my travel and writing too - my goal is to help you find unique and less traveled places - but just as fun!
With that in mind, I have 4 travel alternatives for you to consider for 2024!
1. Instead of Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, go to Tohoku, or Shikokuβ
I know we think of big cities when we think of Japan, they are great. However, I really love visiting the smaller towns and rural communities. The Tohoku coast is absolutely stunning, and the Shikoku culture and temples and shrines are also a great alternative to the busier cities. See all of my recomendations for Japan off the Beaten Path here. β
2. Instead of Cancun, go to Merida Mexicoβ
Looking for a more unique destination in Mexico for a winter getaway? Escape the crowds and go to Merida - it's a cultural gem! The food and culture in the expat friendly city is incredible. And don't worry, the beach and incredible cenotes are just a short drive away. See my Merida recomendations here.
3. Instead of Alaska this summer, go to Bella Coola Canadaβ
You know I love Alaska, however it can get overtouristed in areas in the summer. However a super alternative is Bella Coola in Canada! I'm pretty sure you've likely never heard of this hidden gem in BC Canada! It's the gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest (which is just as stunning as Denali!) Here you'll be treated to incredible wildlife viewing, indigenous culture, fjords, fishing, cabin stays, and hiking - just like in Alaska - but you'll feel like you've discovered a whole new world! See my Bella Coola recomendations here.β
4. Instead of Maine, go to the Canadian Maritimesβ
Right next door to Maine is the Canadian Maritimes - New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island! These places are less busy but serve up just as good of seafood, fishing villages, and national parks as Maine. Plus - they also have the super unique Bay of Fundy with the largest tide changes in the world! See my recomendations for Nova Scotia!β
Want more destination alternative ideas? Feel free to contact me and I can help you discover new travel ideas, answer travel questions, and even design itineraries specific to your travel style. Contact me at info@Ottsworld.com.
A Surprising Theater in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies
I just returned home from a quick little trip to Beaver Creek in the Vail Valley Colorado. This was my first visit there and it blew my mind! I wasn't there to ski, I was there to see an incredible dance performance at the VILAR Performing Arts Center.
The theater is celebrating its 25-year anniversary this year, and it's stunning. Built underground (under the ice skating rink!), this 530-seat theater presents a variety of year-round performances, including Broadway musicals, theatre, rock concerts, family shows, jazz, comedy, dance, film, and more. It is a big town theater in a small town setting! See their complete lineup of shows for 2024!
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Where Next? π¦
I'm actually writing this newsletter while on a plane to Nova Scotia! Why go to Nova Scotia in the winter you ask?! For my favorite crustacean - lobster of course! February is their famous Lobster Crawl Festival held all month along the South Shore..nom, nom, nom!
Not only will I be eating a lot of lobster, learning about lobster fishing, and meeting a bunch of locals, but I'll also witness Lucy the Lob'STAR crawling out of the ocean as the South Shore Lobster Crawl 2024 gets underway again in Barrington - in search of her shadow - offering her prediction about how much winter is left in 2024. Plus - I even get to be a judge in a lobster roll festival...dream come true!!
You can follow all of the lobster antics on my Instagram or Facebook profiles this week. Plus, stay tuned on my social channels as I will be giving away Lobster Swag at the end of the trip. Don't miss your chance to enter to win.
Lobster Swag Giveaway! - Stay tuned on my social channels!
Chance to win a Lobster capital hoodie and toque (that's a stocking hat for Americans!), cooler bag and key chain, travel Mug, Baseball Cap, Hand Warmers, and Key Chain. $250 CAD value.
Happy Travels!
Ottsworld Tours
Did you happen to see my latest Surf Camp - it was a huge success! We had such an incredible group of women who were brave enough to challenge themselves to learn something new and continue to expand on things they learned on the last retreat!
Here's what I'm working on for upcoming Ottsworld Tours and opportunities to travel with me:
Bhutan September 2024 - Join me as I lead this Rare Journey to a country that has been on my bucket list for a long time! We'll be visiting during festival season and exploring the meaning of happiness along the way! More coming soon. Ottsworld tour email subscribers will be first to know of openings!
South Georgia Island October/November 2024 - Another bucket list item for me - visiting the subantarctic islands - Falklands, and South Georgia on an 18 day expedition cruise. This is the ultimate penguin and wildlife trip as we get to spend 5 full days exploring the corners of South Georgia! Most cruises only have 1 or 2 days there in this wildlife wonderland! I'm inviting people to join me on this epic trip to view wildlife and birds in this remote and historic part of the world!
Learn more here - 18 Day South Georgia Grand Tour with Adventure Life.. Get $500 off this sailing by joining me!
Surfing January 2025 - New Location - coming soon!
Alaska in the Winter February 2025 - coming soon!
Patagonia Ebiking March 2025 - coming soon!
To be the first to know about announcements for these tours, make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here.β
Capitol Ride Update
The 2nd half of February has me attempting my first Capitol ride of the year from Austin, Texas, to Little Rock, Arkansas! If you or any of your friends are located in either of these places or along the way between them - let me know- I can use all the help I can get!
Travel News
Did you know there's another major eclipse event happening this April? This Is Where You Can See the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Across the U.S.β
βCheck out the Top Ten Travel Trends for 2024 - are you 'on trend' with your travels?
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Ottsworld Blog Posts
I've been busy writing up my travels in Japan from last fall. I'm also busy trying to see if I can plan an Ottsworld Tour there to some of these lesser known destiantions in Japan that I talk about below!
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Gear Corner
I've been testing some winter gear lately, but on my most recent surf trip, I had the pleasure of testing out some beachy gear! Here's some of my favorite products for beach travel!
βNomadix make the most high-performing, multi-purpose towels so you can own less and do more. Made with the highest quality sustainable materials, itβs meticulously designed to replace your separate towels for camping, yoga, beach and travel. Light, packable, versatile, sustainable: some of the many reasons itβs the only towel you need. We used the towels and changing ponchos for surfing, yoga, pool time, beach cleanup and more! And if you didn't see our Poncho Gal Video...check this out for a laugh!
βKrimson Klover has taken their colorful fun designs from winter to summer with a new swimsuit line. I have been using their base layers for winter travel for years, and now I tested out their new swim line. It was great for surfing and active water adventures...everything stayed up and in place...no matter how gnarly of falls I took! If you have a warm weather vacation coming up - be sure to check out their sales on colorful swimwear!
Wallaroo Hats are essential sun protection for any beachy vacation! As usual, I packed multiple Wallaroo hats along with me for El Salvador. They are all packable and travel well! I loved their new Paloma style, and I always use their big wide brim Nosara for any beach time! Plus get 20% off with code OTTSWORLD20
βIf 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 & Whenβ
- Read through my 99 Travel Tips before you go
- Don't forget the insurance! Book your travel insurance with the company I use, Allianz Travel Insuranceβ
- Book your accommodation with Booking.comβ
- Check out my Gear Shop on my Amazon Storeβ
Did you know that you can get my blog posts into your inbox as soon as they are published? Click here to sign up!β!β
This newsletter contains some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Are you a 40+ woman looking to travel more?
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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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