Who Are We?

Hi! We’re Simon and Karla, the travelers, storytellers, and adventurers behind Colorful Journeys. What started as a shared love for meaningful travel turned into a space where we could document the places that moved us, the people who inspired us, and the lessons we picked up along the way.

We’re not about ticking off highlights or chasing perfect photos. Instead, we seek out unique destinations, slow travel, and meaningful experiences. Through our honest writing and photography, we hope to inspire you to go beyond the usual spots and dive deeper into local culture with our practical guides and thoughtful stories.

At Colorful Journeys, we only share about destinations we’ve personally visited, so everything you read here comes from real experience. It reflects our way of seeing the world: with curiosity, respect, and an open mind.

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Travel to Connect

Travel today often feels like a checklist: famous landmarks, the perfect Instagram shot, and the bragging rights that come with saying, “I’ve been there.” But we believe the most lasting memories come from the people you meet along the way and the culture you experience firsthand.

That might mean sharing a home-cooked meal in your host’s kitchen, raising glasses of homemade rice wine that you feel in your toes, or taking a detour to follow a local’s tip. These are the kind of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Our travel guides help you find those experiences. Rather than skimming the surface, we focus on meaningful connections with the people who call each place home. We recommend local guides who truly know their communities, and highlight small businesses—because that’s where your tourism dollars matter most.

Travel on Your terms

Packed itineraries, tight schedules, and the fear of missing out on the must-sees can quickly make planning your trip overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve designed our guides to be simple and flexible, helping you create itineraries that match your pace, interests, and travel style so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time enjoying your trip.

A woman with the Himalayas in the distance in Nepal

By stepping away from the typical package deals, you make space to explore both well-known sights and overlooked corners on your own terms. Want to visit that overcrowded square everyone tells you to skip? Try going at sunrise, and you might just have it all to yourself.

Hi! I’m Karla..

I’m a travel writer originally from the Philippines and have called Ho Chi Minh City home since 2019. My love for travel has taken me to over 24 countries, often exploring on the back of a motorbike—winding through misty mountains, passing quiet villages, and staying in remote homestays.

I’m drawn to pristine beaches, offbeat hiking trails, and scuba diving in some of Southeast Asia’s clearest waters. Alongside Colorful Journeys, I also contribute to Lonely Planet’s newest guidebooks. When I’m not writing, I teach English and continue uncovering local gems around the world.

..and I'm Simon!

Fascinated by the people and places I’ve encountered on the road, I began documenting these moments through writing and photography. When I met Karla, we quickly realized we shared the same desire: not just to capture memories for ourselves, but to share meaningful stories with the world.

Now, after seven years of extensive travel, we’ve built Colorful Journeys and contributed writing and photography to the latest Lonely Planet Vietnam guidebooks. Born and raised in the Netherlands, I’ve been lucky to explore more than 25 countries, but for the past six years, I’ve called Vietnam home.

My favorite places include the wind-swept landscapes of northern Europe (yes, rain and wind really are my favorite weather!) and the remote mountain regions of Vietnam, where I’m happiest navigating winding roads by motorbike and enjoying home-cooked meals with a cup of rice wine.

Let's Work Together!

These days, the internet is flooded with low-effort content tailored to ever-shorter attention spans. But travelers planning their next adventure won’t find everything they need in a 10-second reel. There is a growing gap between the quick-hit posts and fully packaged holidays—one filled by people searching for honest stories, personal experiences, and in-depth recommendations based on firsthand knowledge. They want a reliable, one-stop resource to help plan their next trip.

We create exactly that kind of content. Our focus is on highlighting overlooked destinations, finding fresh ways to experience popular places, and supporting local communities through thoughtful, experience-driven storytelling. Every post is well-researched, beautifully photographed, and created with care.

If you’re a brand, tourism board, or company that shares our vision, we’d love to work together.

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Get In Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in partnerships, content creation, or simply curious about what we do, feel free to reach out.

Contact us below or drop us an email at info@colorfuljourneys.com