Nikki Grootenboer

Ever since I studied tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences, I have developed a strong passion for travelling and discovering the world. For me, travelling is about more than just seeing beautiful places: it’s about getting to know different cultures, having special encounters and creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Even before I graduated, I’d already had the chance to do three work placements abroad. These experiences were incredibly valuable: they brought me closer to other cultures, taught me to be flexible and gave me the confidence to explore new worlds on my own. During this time, I discovered how special it is to make a genuine connection with people, and just how much you can learn by immersing yourself in a different environment for a while. In my private life, too, I’ve always travelled a great deal. Whether they were short holidays or longer trips, every destination gave me new insights and only strengthened my desire to eventually work in the travel industry. For me, travelling is a way of seeing the world from a different perspective each time, and I love sharing that experience with others.

My unique trip was backpacking in Costa Rica. After finishing my studies, I decided to go backpacking in Costa Rica – one of the most special experiences of my life. During this trip, I did some voluntary work to help protect sea turtles along the coast. It was a journey that not only taught me a great deal about nature, but also about the impact you can have as a traveller. Afterwards, I travelled to places including La Fortuna and Monteverde, where I thoroughly enjoyed the stunning natural surroundings. I walked across the iconic hanging bridges, went ziplining through the cloud forests and went on a night walk where I saw colourful birds, unusual insects and sloths in the wild. These moments in the heart of nature reminded me once again just how impressive Latin America is and how diverse the experiences there can be.