About Me

Exploring the world, one story at a time.

I’m Martijn — the founder of ThingsToDoIn.Travel, a platform created to collect and share the most inspiring things to do and see around the world.
What began as my lifelong fascination for places, cultures, and meaningful connections has grown into a project that combines travel, creativity, and curiosity.

From local adventures to global inspiration

My first real adventure began almost thirty years ago, when I spent about a year traveling through Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra in Indonesia.
For eight unforgettable months, I lived close to local communities, shared their daily rhythm, and started to see the world in a completely different way.
That experience changed how I look at people, culture, and connection — and it still shapes how I travel and create today.

Years later, I began organizing outdoor activities and team events in Amsterdam. In 2005, I founded what would later become UP Events — a place where people could connect through play, energy, and shared experiences.
Over time, that idea evolved into new projects: UP Digital, Citygame.com, and UP Events Kids — all built around one purpose: bringing people together through imagination and interaction.

With ThingsToDoIn.Travel, I wanted to take that same spirit worldwide.
The platform is designed as a growing collection of stories, destinations, and recommendations — a place to discover what makes travel truly special, from iconic highlights to hidden corners.
Sometimes I travel alone, sometimes with my wife and kids, and often I gather inspiration from other travelers and locals who share their insights and experiences.

Work meets wanderlust

Through my work, I’ve been fortunate to visit many different places and to combine work and leisure — what we now call bleisure.
That mix of purpose and exploration continues to inspire me. ThingsToDoIn.Travel reflects that balance: it’s about discovering the world while staying connected to real life, real people, and real stories.

Why I created ThingToDoIn.Travel

I believe travel should be about curiosity and connection — not a checklist, but a source of inspiration.
This website was created to help travelers find authentic experiences and reliable information about what to do and see across the world.
Every article is written with care, based on research, local input, and a shared passion for meaningful travel.
The goal is simple: to make it easier for others to explore with an open mind.

My philosophy

For me, travel is about meeting people and understanding perspectives.
I truly believe that when we connect with locals — when we step out of our own bubble and start a real conversation — we understand the world and each other a little better.
That’s why ThingsToDoIn.Travel focuses on more than just places. It’s about the people behind them, the culture that shapes them, and the small encounters that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Let’s explore

If you’ve found your way here, you probably share that same curiosity for the world.
Through ThingsToDoIn.Travel, I hope to make it easier for you to find the best things to do and see — and to travel with more awareness, freedom, and joy.

Because the best things to do in life aren’t just activities.
They’re experiences that change the way we see the world.