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.
Warm weather trip ideas, Travel Gifts Under $30, Ottsworld Discounts
Hello Reader,
December is here and the holiday season is in full swing! I've been busy wrapping up projects, figuring out my travels for 2024, and enjoying the holiday happenings around Denver. And I've been busy fostering kittens of course. My current kitten Herbie the elf is pretty darn cute.
As it gets colder around the US, we start considering warm-weather vacations. I have a few planned for 2024 - El Salvador and Tahiti!
Here are a few places that I recommend for winter travel where you can warm up and have an adventure. These are all places I've visited personally. There is no AI here! In addition, they are not the norm...I'm pretty sure you haven't heard of many of these - which means you are truly off the beaten track...my favorite way to travel!
Sea of Cortez
Do Mexico differently by small ship cruising through the Sea of Cortez with UnCruise Adventures! This isn’t some big cruise – this is a small ship adventure cruise and it was one of my favorite winter vacation getaways I’ve done! I refer to it as the Galapagos of Mexico - it's full of snorkeling, kayaking, incredible wildlife, beaches, hiking, and whales! This was the best whale watching I’ve ever done…and I’ve done a lot.
Get $500 off your booking when you use the code OTT500!
Lana'i Hawaii
This little-known Hawaiian island is packed with things to do and with a small-town local culture that you will fall in love with! This is a great island to slow down on – there is no glitz and glamour here. In fact there are only about 3 hotels in total. The landscapes there will surprise you (not what you typically expect from Hawaii) from the orange moonscapes to the towering pine trees! Check out these Lana'i things to do.
Saba Island - Caribbean
Surrounded by well-known neighbors like Saint Martin, Saint Kitts, and Antigua, the island of Saba is a secret in the Caribbean. It’s easier to describe Saba Island on what it doesn’t have than what it does have. You won’t find a stop light, bugs, fast food, buildings over 4 stories, crime, cruise ships, or even a beach. That's paradise to me. In the 5 square miles of the island, you’ll find diverse ecosystems, challenging hikes, glass art galleries, and delicious Saba Lobster. The entire area around the island is a National Marine Park known for its world-class diving full of pinnacles, drop-offs, and caves that start 40 feet deep. Check out these things to do on Saba.
See more of my warm-weather winter travel selections here and learn about places like Sri Lanka, Morocco, Belize, and more. Or if you want to work with me to design a warm-weather winter getaway that is unique and catered to your interests - just reply to this email!
And if you are looking for a warm weather getaway where the itinerary is already designed for you and you don't have to do anything but show up - check out my friend Jackie's Baja Getaway
If you are still looking for the perfect holiday gifts for travelers, check out my Gear Corner below for ideas!
Happy Travels,
Ottsworld Tours & Travel Design
All of my 2024 tours are booked at this time. I'm currently working on getting a Patagonia ebiking trip together for late 2024 or 2025, as well as a new Alaska winter trip for 2025! And I'm starting to research a cat-themed Japan trip. So there's a lot in the works. If you are interested in these trips - make sure you are signed up for my Ottsworld Tour mailing list - that list is the first to be notified of tour openings! Be sure to indicate the destinations you are most interested in.
If you followed my Patagonia ebike trip this October, Chile Nativo now has it on their website and is taking individual bookings. You can learn more here. This is sort of what I'm going to base my Ottsworld Group Tour on with a few tweaks that make it more Ottsworld. In addition, I've secured a special Ottsworld 5% discount for all of Chile Nativo's trip offerings in Patagonia! Just use the code Ottsworld when booking.
If there's a place you want to go - and you don't know where to start, or you simply don't have the time to research and plan - let me help you come up with the ideas and a possible itinerary. I can still help you plan a super trip to take you off the beaten track, to my favorite places, and enjoy adventures full of local interaction. Just reply to this email for more information on my travel design services.
Seen & Heard
I'm famous in Japan! While I was traveling in Tohoku in Japan, we had a film crew following us that was doing a special show on Adventure Travel in Japan called Trailblazers. The show was recently released and you can see it here! I was even interviewed as part of the show.
Next week I'll also be interviewed on the Soul of Travel Podcast. This podcast is all about highlighting the dedication of women making a positive impact in tourism. There are so many great episodes here that will inspire you! You can listen to some of the episodes here.
Ottsworld Discounts
I work with a number of different companies in the travel industry and have secured some special discounts for my Ottsworld readers. These are all brands I use and companies I love! Hopefully it may help your holiday shopping merrier.
Vim & Vigr - Fashionable Compression Socks for Travel and muscle recovery.
15% off with code OTT15
Wallaroo Hats - Sun protection and packable hats for travel!
20% off with code OTTSWORLD20
Chill Angel - Buttery smooth, high-quality breathable merino wool pajamas...yes please! Sleep better in Merino!
Get 20% off with code OTTSWORLD
Ireland Tours - Ireland hiking and biking trips along the West Coast. This is my go-to local ompany for Ireland travel!
5% off tours with code OttsWorld2023
Patagonia Tours - Chile Nativo is a locally owned company offering incredible Patagonia hiking, horseback riding, and biking trips around Patagonia. If Patagonia is on your future travel list, check out their offerings.
5% off tours with code Ottsworld
Uncruise Adventures - Small ship cruising is the only way I'll cruise. Uncruise is Alaska owned company so it shouldn't be surprising that they do Alaska like no other cruise company! They also do Baja and Hawaii!
Get $500 off Uncruise with code OTT500.
New Blog Posts on Ottsworld.com
If you are like me and love cold weather winter trips and aurora chasing, check out my updated article on things to do in Fairbanks. Many of the things I mention are a part of my Ottsworld Alaska winter tours! Since it's the holiday season - I also have to share my favorite holiday cultural tradition in the world...you won't believe it!
Gear Corner - Gifts Under $30
Check out my favorite travel gifts under $30 on my Amazon Store! Many of these products are some of my favorite travel hacks, and items I take on every trip!
If you are willing to go over $30, make sure you check out my list of - 45 gifts for travelers.
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
Did you know that you can get my blog posts into your inbox as soon as they are published? Click here to sign up!!
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?
I can help with that! Escape with Ottsworld.com
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, Hello from Ireland! I just finished up my Ireland County Mayo tour with a fabulous group of 7 travelers! We hiked, biked, baked, drank whiskey, cuddled lambs (watch the video!), visited ruins, and took a cold dip in the Wild Atlantic Ocean! This was the first time I was in Ireland in the Spring and it is beautiful - and it helped that we had epic weather! After a very short break I'm starting my next Ottsworld Ireland tour tomorrow. A group of us will be taking on the 130 mile...
Hello Reader, Experience Torres del Paine Like Never Before! If Patagonia has been on your wish list for adventure travel, I have the perfect tour for you! In 2023, I took this trip as a trial run to work out the kinks and to promote it as a new way to see Patagonia. It ended up being one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken. It spoke to me in so many ways – through culture, adventure, challenge, wildlife, friendships, food, and remote landscapes – all wrapped up in a great journey to get to...
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...