Behind the photo

For me, photography is more than capturing a moment. In these travel blogs I share the stories behind my photos, from iconic destinations to hidden gems around the world. The published stories were originally written for Dutch-language magazines and online communities and have been adapted and translated into English for this site. 

Destination: Greenland

As a travel destination, Greenland isn’t the most obvious choice. It’s remote, difficult to reach, and still relatively undeveloped. Accommodation and tours are limited — and it’s certainly not cheap. Yet for adventurers and nature lovers, Greenland is a destination like no other. In this story, I share my travel experiences and explain why you should put Greenland at the top of your bucket list.

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Sun, Sand, Sanibel Island

Published 2018 on USA365, adapted in 2025. Sanibel Island is famous for its white beaches and the incredible variety of seashells that wash ashore. But the island offers much more: pristine nature, rich wildlife and a tranquil charm rarely found in the U.S. Yvonne shares six experiences that make your stay on Sanibel Island truly unforgettable.

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Augusta, a surprising stopover

Published on USA365, adapted in 2025. Some cities simply belong on your American road trip. The famous highlights everyone talks about, the ones that fill travel guides and Instagram feeds. But sometimes, you end up spending a night in a place you know little about, where expectations are low. That’s exactly what happened when I stopped in Augusta, Georgia, and left pleasantly surprised.

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Page, the ultimate American experience

Published on USA365 in 2018, adjusted in 2025. A road trip through the American West is full of highlights — from breathtaking national parks to legendary theme parks, from world-class cities to sun-soaked beaches. It’s hard to choose what to see and do first. But there’s one destination that should definitely be on your itinerary: Page. Straddling the border of Arizona and Utah, this small town packs in at least ten unforgettable experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.

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Mennonites in St. Jacobs

Published June 6, 2025 in America Magazine. Almost everyone has heard of the Amish. Fewer people, however, are familiar with the Mennonites — a faith community that, much like the Amish, values a simple life, close-knit community, and pacifism. Yet there are also clear differences. Between Toronto and Niagara Falls lies the small town of St. Jacobs, where you have the unique opportunity to experience this traditional culture up close.

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Swimming with manatees in Chrystal river

Published at USA365 in 2018, adjusted in 2025. Have you ever dreamed of snorkeling alongside manatees? Crystal River in Florida is the best place in the world to see — and even swim with — these gentle giants. Yvonne was lucky enough to visit this Manatee Capital of the World three times and shares her experiences.

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Silver Springs, a source of beauty

Published on USA365 in 2017, adjusted in 2025. When you think of Florida, you probably picture sunshine, beaches, and theme parks. But did you know that the Sunshine State is also home to three national parks and 164 state parks, both above and below the water’s surface? Beyond the famous Everglades, there are countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Just an hour and a half north of Orlando lies one of those surprises: Silver Springs State Park.

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