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Hello Reader,

Greetings from Tahiti!

I just stepped off a long flight and landed in Papeete excited to explore Tahiti for a week! No - I'm not honeymooning - instead I'm determined to see if Tahiti can also be for single travelers! I'm traveling around the islands with Windstar on a small ship cruise - a great way to enjoy Tahiti when you aren't a couple! Follow along on my social channels all week!

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month

Wondering why I'm talking about blood clots? Because they can actually be dangerous side effect of travel. A few years ago, I contracted blood clots from doing everything wrong on a long-distance flight to Delhi. I didn't get up and walk around, I didn't drink enough water (I was actually drinking wine), and I was on estrogen (putting women at higher risk).

Many forms of travel inherently involve long periods of sitting—whether on flights, train journeys, or road trips—placing travelers at risk of contracting blood clots regardless of age or health status.

The blood clots broke free and lodged in my lungs as pulmonary emboli. I realized how lucky I was to survive this condition as I sat in the Urgent Care in disbelief.

I ended up in Urgent Care in Denver, but I could have just as easily ended up in the hospital in Delhi in this case. I had travel insurance, but luckily, I didn't have to use it.

As a travel writer, my mission is to inspire others to explore the world, not instill fear. Yet, with this experience comes a responsibility to educate. You can read my most recent article about my personal brush with death from blood clots on the Allianz Travel Insurance Blog. I have been a long-time Allianz annual insurance plan holder; it's perfect for people who do more than a couple of trips a year. Luckily I didn't have to use my travel insurance for this incident - however it's always good to know it's there when you need it.

Preventative measures for contracting clots when traveling:

• Taking low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk by thinning the blood. Start this regimen 2 days before your trip and continue during your trip.
• Regular movement every couple of hours is essential to maintain circulation. I set a timer on my phone to remind me to get up every two hours to walk and stretch.
• Staying hydrated helps keep blood vessels dilated and blood flowing smoothly. Don’t overdo it on alcohol which is dehydrating.
• Compression socks provide a simple yet effective method of promoting circulation (the higher the compression the better). Since my experience, I have become an ambassador for the fashion compression sock company VIM & VIGR. I never go on a trip without them! Here’s a few more tips for how to choose and wear the socks for travel.

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And don't forget - if you are investing in compression socks - check out the cute, fashionable styles from VIM & VIGR . Use the discount code OTT15 - good for 15% off!

Capitol #6 Is Complete!

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I just finished up my 515 mile ride from Austin Texas to Little Rock Arkansas (See all of the up/downs of the 11 day ride here). It was a bit harrowing, but I made it! If you are one of the many people who followed the journey through Eastern Texas full of bad roads, big trucks, and angry dogs - thank you! I can't tell you how much the support from afar means to me when I'm doing one of these rides! Learn more about my Capitol to Capitol Cycling Quest here.

Now it's time for me to hit the beach! Be safe out there!

Happy Travels!

Ottsworld Tours

Here's what I'm working on for upcoming Ottsworld Tours and opportunities to travel with me. If you have any questions about any of these upcoming tours, please reach out to me by replying to this email! In addition, if you have travel questions or need itinerary planning help for any of your summer travels, let me know!

Women's Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Tour
Dates: July 12 to July 19, 2024 - Only 4 spots left​
​Cost: $3395 - Use code OTTSWORLD for 5% off your tour
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Join me this summer to hike through Rocky Mountain National Park! Known for lush meadows, high mountain lakes, craggy peaks, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, it offers an outstanding variety of hiking trails. I'm traveling with Adventures in Good Company (AGC) - a Boulder CO based women's travel company. AGC runs this trip, and I'm simply a guest...BUT...if you want to do these epic Colorado hikes with me, you can join me! This is moderate to advanced hiking in areas of the park I've never been to.

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Festivals of Happiness in Bhutan
Dates: Sep 11 - 22, 2024
Cost: From $6350 Per Person

I'm so excited to be leading this culturally focused tour in Bhutan this September! This trip coincides with the vibrant Buddhist Tsechu temple festivals. Our adventure starts with breathtaking Himalayan views on your descent into Paro and continues with enlightening discussions about Gross National Happiness and a meditation session led by a Buddhist Lama. Experience the festive energy of one of the largest Tsechus, then journey to Bumthang to experience village life, and Bhutan’s famous national sport of archery. We'll even hike to the famous “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery.

Women's Surf & Yoga Retreat in PANAMA
Dates: Jan 12 - 19, 2025
Cost: $3170

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​ Join me in Panama for a women's surf and yoga retreat! You'll enjoy great instruction from Surf Sister, plus a beautiful resort by the ocean, yoga, great food, hammocks, snorkeling, and incredible comradery! This is a perfect way to challenge yourself to learn something new in a 'safe' environment with an incredible group of women.

Alaska in the Winter February 2025 - coming in April!

Patagonia Ebiking March 2025 - coming in April!

To be the first to know about announcements for these tours, make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here.​

Ottsworld Blog Posts

Here's the latest from my blog - if you watched my Nova Scotia lobster experience last month - here's how you can go next year! And - if you are headed to Colorado - here's some things to do in beautiful Beaver Creek!

Gear Corner

Summer travel is around the corner - so let's talk about suitcases and bags! I've been testing luggage and various bags out all year - here are my favorites so far. They are great quality and they know suitcases!

​Carry On - Thule Aion Spinner​
I love this durable little beast! I have been so impressed with Thule's luggage collection and accessories. The spinner wheels are smoooooth, the handle high quality, zippers are tough, and it comes with an awesome packing cube. I prefer soft-sided luggage, and this one fits all of my carry on requirements!

​Backpack - Thule Aion Travel Backpack​
A good travel backpack is one which has a lot of compartments, can fit various sized water bottles, and can expand/contract as needed. This Thule Aion backpack has all of that and it's why it's my new favorite backpack to take on non-hiking trips. It expands from a 28L daypack to a 32L travel backpack and is made of 100% recycled polyester fabrics and a waxed canvas with water-resistant coatthing. Can easily stack on the handle of the Aion Spinner Carry On too!

​Checked Luggage - Cotopaxi Allpa Roller 65L​
This is a tough bag that can take a beating as checked luggage. I love the big, 2 wheels - great for cobbled streets, dirt roads, and stairs (places where 4 wheels have problems). While the compression straps to keep everything in place. The carry handles on the top are great for lifting into cars/buses/trains.

​Packing Cubes - Thule Compression Cubes​
This compression packing cube set is a must for being able to organize your suitcase for a trip. I've tried many packing cubes, and these are my favorite. The zippers are sturdy and durable which is key for a compression cube. I have been amazed at how many things I could compress thanks to the strong zippers.

Fanny Pack - Fjallraven or Cotopaxi​
I must admit - I have somehow subcombe to the fanny pak (ahem...hip pack) craze. Odds are the craze is probably done by now - but I'm still using them for travel. Easy to sling across your body and keep track of your important travel possessions. I use both the Fjallraven High Coast Hippack and the colorful Cotopaxi Kapai Hippack - both are great for travel.

​Tech Pouch - Peak Design​
I love this pouch - you can fit so much into it - it really is deceptive! Whether storing cables, everyday gear, or travel essentials, Tech Pouch offers unrivaled organization and ease of access. Origami-style pockets create enormous spatial efficiency, letting you pack more into a smaller space while keeping your items neatly organized and easy to find. This goes on every trip with me!

I'm also a huge fan of Eagle Creek Suitcases - I've used them ever since I started travel blogging in 2006! I'm testing a new one now on my Tahiti trip - will report back shortly.

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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
• Don't forget the insurance! Book your travel insurance with the company I use, Allianz Travel Insurance​
• Book your accommodation with Booking.com​
• Check out my Gear Shop on my Amazon Store​

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