A journey is the most beautiful form of storytelling
For me, travelling is one of the most beautiful things there is. It is literally expanding your world. Experiencing other perspectives and continually wondering. For me, travelling is one the moments when I can effortlessly immerse myself in the now. Running from your camper van into the sea early in the morning, discovering a completely new world underwater and meeting people who see life differently from me.
A little less far from home, I can often be found anywhere in the Netherlands. Adventure does not always mean climbing the highest mountain, but discovering special places in unexpected places in your own country. Think of an expedition to the uninhabited island of Rottermerplaat. Wading shoes on, wind force 5, over mud and everything is wet, but I get on well. For my work at Honeyguide, I am lucky enough to experience it for myself. From sleeping in forest cottages and unique B&Bs often in good company my favourite kind of person: the creative.
Amanda de Nijs
In my spare time, I prefer to be in the woods or at the coast. I love being out with my camera to capture beautiful people and moments and can really enjoy good food and wine. Just as much as I love reading a book (and preferably in a cosy cottage), or nosing around for hours in old libraries. These are the gems I look for.
Do you have a question for Amanda?
I never knew what I wanted to be until I realised that I’m a storyteller
Surely my most cherished travel memories often have to do with interaction. Think snorkelling and then encountering a sea turtle in the wild for the first time or kayaking across wild rivers with my partner. Anything with water is good with me and preferably as much as possible in it. In another life, I would have become a marine biologist. In this life, I mostly enjoy it.
My best experience in my own country was releasing a seal from Aseal seal sanctuary in Ouddorp on Goeree-Overflakkee. You can read more about it in this blog post.
Travelling is a passion and that is why I enjoy working in this sector so much. You are engaged daily in that which gives you energy and learn so much about all the unique initiatives in the Netherlands. I never knew what I wanted to be until I found out that I am a storyteller. My mother used to read to me every night, I have always been a bookworm and later I discovered my passion for writing. Something about creating new worlds or losing yourself in them. That's also what makes developing concepts so damn fascinating.
I work on various projects with passion!
Secret Across the Border
We loved this project because we managed the entire process from start to finish for a cross-border region. From content strategy – including devising and creating storylines – to copywriting for a new website, concept development and the creation of content formats. The icing on the cake was our hero campaign, in which we treated influencers to a ‘secret weekend getaway’. Working with the GODG team was brilliant – they’re incredibly creative people who aren’t afraid to experiment and try new things. The result was fantastic content and great reach, and I’m really proud of that.
Influencer trip to Dordrecht
I’m at my happiest when I’m out and about creating content and discovering a new city. Through Honeyguide, we were invited by Dordrecht Marketing to discover the most beautiful and impactful spots in and around Dordrecht. During the trip, we heard so many extraordinary stories; it was a real journey of discovery. You get to taste, see, hear and feel the city. And when you’re also able to create content to capture those stories, you’re essentially turning your hobby into your job.
Instameet Switzerland
The first time we crossed the border with Honeyguide was when we organised an Instameet for Switzerland Tourism in collaboration with Columbus Travel. Six influencers, three regions, on the road for a week. The Instameet focused on sustainable travel and just how enjoyable and special it is to do that in Switzerland. From the organisation beforehand and on-site support to reviewing all the content afterwards – it was brilliant!
My top 3 travel tips
-
Terschelling
This island has something magical and has all the ingredients: sea, nature, good food and wildlife.
-
Goeree-Overflakkee
From the Slikken van Flakkee, the flamingos on Lake Grevelingen, the bird hide and seal sanctuary Aseal.
-
Dordrecht
Truly a hidden gem full of authentic spots and on the edge of the Biesbosch.