Addicted to travel

Henriëtte Bokslag (30) is addicted to travelling. In her first contribution to Thailand blog she talks about her passion. And she reports on a press trip she made to Thailand in July, together with nine fellow bloggers, travel agents and a tour operator.

I am Henriëtte Bokslag, a 30 year old travel addict who lives in the Randstad. I may have taken my first steps in the French grass, but I didn't get the phenomenon of traveling from home.

I grew up in the big city and moved to quiet Drenthe when I was 10. Through a number of wanderings I finally ended up in the Randstad again. Partly because of the many moves, I soon feel at home somewhere.

"Home is where my passport is."

I have no idea where my indomitable wanderlust comes from, but after studying Tourism and Leisure Management, the fence was over. My curiosity and the urge to always want to do something have ensured that I have been able to discover many beautiful destinations. By now I have experienced that the more I travel my bucketlist. just getting bigger instead of smaller. There is still so much to discover…

'Travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer.'

During my studies I mainly traveled low budget with my sister to the well-known destinations by the sea. Years later I went on a few trips with a friend from outside Europe. In 2010 I worked and lived on the Spanish island of Tenerife for three months and in 2013 I did the same, but then for eight months in Italy. I take every opportunity to travel.

'People travel their city, I travel the world.'

Near or far, I enjoy knowing that I will soon be able to travel again. It gives me a certain kind of peace when I know that another adventure is coming. For me, traveling starts with the anticipation. I spend hours sifting through the possibilities. Days in advance I already feel the jitters that the moment is almost there that I will do something new again.

'The world is a book and those who do not travel just read one page.'
St. Augustine

My broad interest has ensured that there is no line in the types of trips I make. I like to pack a backpack and cross Europe by train, because the journey is an experience in itself. Just as happily I pack my big suitcase to fly to a sunny destination somewhere on the globe.

I make a lot with only hand luggage city ​​trips. Traveling by boat gives a completely different dimension to being on the road. I certainly don't turn down a few days of staying with friends in winter sports areas. Someday I want to load up my car and just drive and see where I end up.

'Tourists don't know where they have been, travelers don't know where they are going.'

I have no preference for where I stay or how I travel to the destination, other than trying to avoid a coach as long as I get out and about. The destination and the local possibilities determine my choice. I used to go to the campsite regularly and one day I would like to set up a tent in the middle of nature. It's nice in a holiday home with a group of friends, but I like it better with a travel partner in an apartment or hotel.

I like small scale, but if there is a competitive offer I will not turn down a trip to a large resort. I usually travel on a fairly low budget, so I can go out more often. I cherish the moments when I can spend more and enjoy a luxurious stay with all the extra options.

'Don't collect things, but moments.'

What I find special about traveling is discovering new places, coming into contact with the locals and the experience of being somewhere else. There are three things I try to do on every trip if possible. I always want to experience something different or new and am therefore up for almost anything. I still don't dare to jump out of a plane, but with a pair of crampons under my shoes I can climb a glacier and I can safely whiz down the slope in a bobsled with 4G.

Besides traveling, my great passion is horseback riding, so I try to explore the landscape all over the world from a horse's back or help with work that is still done with horses. Relaxation while traveling is very important to me. I completely relax and enjoy being bubbling in a spa somewhere.

'Once a year go some place you've never been before.'
Dalai Lama

On 'travel around with me' I tell about all my adventures and experiences while travelling. I learn from every trip and I process the discoveries I make in travel stories, combined with practical tips and fun facts. Gaining new experiences, horseback riding and relaxing in a spa are three points that come up in almost all my stories. The journeys I write about are a combination of both personal journeys and journeys I have made on invitation or commissioned for online and offline media.

On a press trip to Thailand

At the beginning of the year, there was a short period of political unrest in the country and tourists avoided the destination. The Tourism Authority of Thailand wanted to show that Thailand is still the same hospitable destination. That is why 900 people worldwide who work as journalists, bloggers and/or travel agents were invited in one week. In addition, tour operators and various film crews were present. All attendees came from a total of 47 countries.

It didn't take me long to travel to Thailand when I was asked. Thailand is one of the most visited forums on Wereldwijzer.nl. I myself work as co-editor-in-chief for the Online Travel Magazine of Wereldwijzer and there are also many other volunteers who maintain the platform on a daily basis.

First time to Thailand

This trip was the ideal opportunity for me to experience what it is like there now, to discover the possibilities that Thailand offers and to taste the atmosphere. It was also the first time for me that I went to Thailand, the first time to Asia anyway, so I couldn't pass up that opportunity.

Of course I also saw the images myself on television at the beginning of the year and friends who were there also told about the unrest. Public life came to a standstill. The army has now taken over power in Thailand and peace has returned. Apart from sometimes a few soldiers on the street, the country has welcomed me warmly and I have never had the feeling that now would not be the time to visit it.

Opening ceremony in Bangkok

The first evening was dedicated to a conference, 'Thailand's Best Friends Forever Mega Fam Trip 2014'. The largest gathering ever that Thailand has organized for so many people from so many countries.

I traveled to Thailand with a group of nine people, fellow bloggers, travel agents and a tour operator. We were received at the Bangkok Convention Center on the 22nd floor. Equally good for a top view over the city. There was an extensive reception with gigantic buffets.

I am not easily surprised but found it very special to be present and that the country is doing everything it can to let tourists know that 'the land of smiles' is waiting for them. Senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism were present and spoke to us in Thai. There were six interpreters in the back of the room and we could understand what was being said through our headset. Among other things, various tourist areas were highlighted.

Had a fantastic week

We all had a fantastic week in Thailand. For some it was the first time and some have been loyal Thailand visitors for years. I am surprised by the destination and will definitely go back.

Henriëtte's travelogues can be found at www.travelaroundwithme.com. The above (partly edited) text is taken from her website with permission.order method.