Blog
Travel and Life Experiences of a Corporate American Runaway
I’m Sherry. I’ve been traveling around the world and writing about it on Ottsworld since 2006. Yes, that makes me one of the first travel bloggers! I started out as a novice middle-aged traveler and have transformed into a world explorer and travel industry expert! I share my adventures, tips, and advice on how to conquer your fear of traveling or traveling alone so that you, too, can have epic adventures to intriguing places!
Where I’ve traveled…
- Africa
- Egypt (7)
- Kenya (3)
- Morocco (9)
- South Africa (8)
- Tanzania (5)
- Antarctica
- Asia
- Australia-Oceania
- Australia (12)
- New Zealand (14)
- Papua New Guinea (1)
- Solomon Islands (1)
- Vanuatu (1)
- Central America
- Belize (8)
- Costa Rica (3)
- Panama (4)
- Europe
- Austria (8)
- Belgium (11)
- Croatia (3)
- Czech Republic (2)
- Denmark (2)
- Faroe Islands (3)
- France (8)
- Germany (41)
- Greenland (2)
- Iceland (3)
- Ireland (19)
- Italy (36)
- Malta (17)
- Montenegro (1)
- Netherlands (9)
- Norway (7)
- Romania (4)
- Russia (15)
- Spain (54)
- Sweden (4)
- Switzerland (2)
- Turkey (29)
- Ukraine (4)
- United Kingdom (7)
- Wrangel Island (10)
- Middle East
- North America
- America (81)
- Alaska (35)
- Arizona (9)
- California (13)
- Colorado (40)
- Connecticut (1)
- Florida (1)
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (34)
- Hawaii - Big Island (16)
- Hawaii - Kauai (4)
- Hawaii - Lanai (7)
- Hawaii - Maui (8)
- Hawaii - Molokai (6)
- Hawaii - Oahu (13)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (6)
- Louisiana (1)
- Maine (9)
- Massachusetts (6)
- Minnesota (4)
- Montana (1)
- Nebraska (2)
- Nevada (2)
- New Mexico (1)
- New York (2)
- New York City (15)
- North Dakota (2)
- Ohio (2)
- Oregon (3)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Rhode Island (2)
- South Dakota (7)
- Utah (6)
- Washington (3)
- West Virginia (1)
- Wisconsin (5)
- Wyoming (1)
- Canada (25)
- Alberta (19)
- British Columbia (10)
- Manitoba (5)
- New Brunswick (11)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (2)
- Northwest Territories (4)
- Nova Scotia (15)
- Prince Edward Island (6)
- Quebec (4)
- Caribbean (3)
- Mexico (6)
- America (81)
- South America
10 Travel moments I’m most proud of
- Traveling with each of my 6 nieces as part of the Niece Project.
- Living in Vietnam for a year solo.
- Finishing the 9,000 mile Mongol Rally.
- Having no home and being nomadic for 11 years.
- Taking my Dad to Antarctica
- Completing the Camino de Santiago Solo.
- Driving a rickshaw 2,000 miles across India and raising money for Charity Water.
- Taking over my Father’s Capitol Quest and cycling from capitol to capitol in the US.
- Launching my first small group tours.
- Getting my first passport when I was 30.
The one thing these all have in common is overcoming fear and trusting in the world to take care of you.
Join My Community
Every month, I share exclusive travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, travel news, gear discounts, and updates on upcoming small group tours and services.
Sign up for my newsletter and let’s keep your wanderlust alive!
Ottsworld Small Group Tours
Travel with me on these unique tours!
Travel Consulting
Get your travel questions answered!
All Blog Articles
Cultural Tips for Visiting Japan: What Every First-Time Traveler Should Know
When I landed in Japan for the first time, I expected sushi, temples, neon signs, and a ridiculous number of vending machines. And while I…
Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed, Poppy-Frolicking, Castle-Climbing Adventure
Let’s be honest. The cycling got me interested. But what sealed the deal? The promise of eating my way through Southern France while riding just…
How to Get Around Ireland
Ireland offers a variety of transportation options, from efficient public transit in and between cities to scenic train routes, small group guided tours, and car…
Winter driving in Fairbanks, Alaska
Winter in Alaska is magical. Think Aurora Borealis, walking with reindeer, ice sculpting competitions, and dog sledding. And then there’s the winter driving in Alaska….
Epic Adventure Awaits: Your Guide to the Michinoku Coastal Trail Hike
Looking for a scenic and culturally rich adventure? The Michinoku Coastal Trail hike offers a 620-mile (1000-km) journey through Japan’s Tohoku region. Established in 2012,…
Tohoku Travel: Discover Japan’s Rugged Coastline Without the Crowds
On a recent trip to Japan, a local told me, “Tokyo is not Japan…to know Japan, you have to go out and explore.” And if…
Things to do in Loveland – Colorado’s Sweetheart City
Loveland may sound like a new reality show or a new board game – but it is actually a city with a big heart in…
Discover Shikoku: Japan’s Most Beautiful and Least Visited Island
Welcome to Shikoku, Japan’s best-kept secret island nobody talks about – but everyone should be. Translating to ‘four lands,’ Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s…
A Week Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park – Hikes, Tips, and Gear
Looking to channel your inner mountain goat? Look no further than Rocky Mountain National Park! This place is a hiker’s paradise with over 350 miles…
How to Travel Croatia Differently
When you think of ‘travel to Croatia,’ what comes to mind? Perhaps the iconic Dubrovnik, island hopping, or the allure of Roman ruins. These are…
Ottsworld Aurora & Alaska Adventure Winter Tour 2025
Please note – this tour is currently full. If you’d like to be put on the waitlist – just email me at [email protected] I first…
Travel to Tahiti: No Honeymoon Required
“I thought I’d have to get married to travel to Tahiti,” my friend and solo traveler Lisa said to me while we were sipping pina…