Travel has a unique way of shifting our perspective. It invites us to slow down, to look inward, and to return home slightly changed, often in ways we don’t immediately notice. This blog is an exploration of that transformation: how experiences abroad can help us understand ourselves more deeply, and how those insights have inspired a new chapter for A Dutch Experience. What sets A Dutch Experience apart is its commitment to authentic, human-centered encounters — experiences designed not just to show you The Netherlands, but to help you truly feel it.
Travel Far Enough, You Meet Yourself
One of my favorite quotes is by David Mitchell:
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”
Last week, on the beautiful island of Bali, somewhere away from crowded tourist spots, I shared a long lunch filled with good food and even better conversation. The topic of travel naturally came up. What struck me most was how deeply each of us admired the transformative power of travel, not the checklist kind, but the kind that changes your inner world.
We all agreed: travel becomes truly meaningful when you seek human connection in the places you visit.
I have always considered travel one of the most effective forms of education. It sparks curiosity, challenges preconceived notions, and fosters a profound respect for other cultures and the people who shape them. Beyond broadening our understanding of the world, travel also provides insight into our own place within it.
From Outward Exploration to Inward Discovery
After lunch, I reflected on the many years I’ve spent traveling around the globe. For a long time, travel was primarily an outward-facing experience, discovering landscapes, cultures, flavors, and stories that broadened my understanding of the world.
But more recently, I’ve noticed a shift. Travel has gradually become an inward journey.
I increasingly seek moments of silence, allowing me to connect with my intuition, listen to my inner voice, and gain a deeper understanding of myself. Travel now provides the space, calm, and clarity necessary to reconnect with my true self.
Bringing the Journey Home: A New Direction for A Dutch Experience
Now that I’m back in The Netherlands, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned from my travels through Bali, Australia, and New Zealand, places where community, nature, and authenticity are woven into daily life. These reflections have reminded me how deeply Dutch culture is also rooted in connection: the rhythm of the polders, the warmth of local makers, and the centuries-old tradition of living in harmony with water and land.
This insight has inspired me to create new experiences that will soon become part of A Dutch Experience, bringing the transformative power of travel closer to home.
- Local Makers Route — Meaningful Encounters With Dutch Craftsmanship
This route connects guests with real people, real stories, and real craftsmanship.
It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate skill and tradition, and form genuine human connections, the heart of A Dutch Experience. - “Culture & Landscape in One Day” Bike Route — The Netherlands at Its Purest
Guests experience the rhythm of Dutch life: polders, waterways, historic towns, and local encounters, all guided by storytelling.
It’s a sustainable, intimate way to explore The Netherlands, perfectly aligned with the ethos of A Dutch Experience. - Regenerative Farm Experience — Tourism That Gives Back
Guests can help plant, harvest, feed animals, or join workshops on composting or wild foraging.
This experience reflects a core principle of A Dutch Experience: travel that restores rather than consumes.
A Dutch Experience: A New Chapter Rooted in Connection
My hope is that these new experiences will offer others what travel has offered me:
A chance to slow down
An opportunity to reconnect with the world
Learning from the people who care for it
And ultimately, discovering something about themselves along the way.
And perhaps most beautifully, these journeys happen right here in The Netherlands, a place where simplicity, craftsmanship, and community remain deeply embedded in everyday life.
Ready to Experience It Yourself?
Discover these new journeys and connect with authentic Dutch culture, nature, and craftsmanship. Explore A Dutch Experience today and travel far enough to meet yourself.