Hi! I’m Sophie,
a travel blogger from the Netherlands, former digital nomad and a current expat in Berlin.
This blog, Just Heading Out, is where I share my tips on solo travel, budget backpacking, and sustainable tourism, as well as the best things to do and eat around the world.
But how did I end up here? Let’s start at the beginning…
2017: Starting my own travel blog
After a year of basically staying put, I felt restless, stressed, bored, and unfulfilled. So I made a resolution. That as of 2017, I would not let a lack of travel buddies keep me from exploring the world. That I would get out of my comfort zone and into the big, wild world. Because there is so much world to see!
And despite the initial fear, I have now been to some pretty cool places. You can see a somewhat comprehensive list to your right. So I thought it would be a good idea to share my exploration of the world with the world. Basically, everything I’ve seen, done, eaten and learned, so that you can make the most out of your next trip.
If you want to know more about me, read this little Q&A I did with Laura from Anywhere She Roams. Or ask me your own questions in the comments!
2018: Becoming a digital nomad
Since starting this adventure, my life has completely changed. I’ve gone from a post-grad quarter-life crisis to starting my own business as a freelance writer. While backpacking through Europe and South East Asia, I had my cliché ‘a-ha’ moment. I met some people working remotely as writers, something I had never realized was an option.
So instead of looking for a job and settling down when I got home, I did the complete opposite. I gave up my apartment and took this show on the road, indefinitely, as a digital nomad. Head first into the unknown, inviting everyone along for the adventure!
You can read all about my solo adventures of the past decade here.
2020: Living as an expat
I spent two years traveling the world and working remotely as a digital nomad. It was an epic adventure that led me to see so many beautiful places and meet so many inspiring people. But all good things come to an end. The downside of spreading your wings is the lack of roots. So once again I decided to radically change my life. I wasn’t ready to go home to the Netherlands, as there were too many amazing places in the world I still wanted to live and experience as a local.
I wanted to put all my travel experience to good use and start a career in the travel industry. A travel company hired me for their marketing team and I moved to Berlin! Of course, I still travel as much as I can, taking the time to explore new and exciting corners of Europe as well as this incredible city I now call home.
You can hear all about my experiences as a digital nomad and expat in my interview on The Expat Experience podcast.
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I believe in a travel industry that is sustainable, ethical, and equitable. That’s why I’m an ambassador for Sustainable Travel International. They work with local communities, businesses, and travelers to improve tourism for everyone.
Are you on board with that mission? Sign the Travel Better Pledge and check out my sustainable travel tips.
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