Author of the books "Life Zest" and "Destination Joy", Tika Spijkerman, is a solo female traveller, who tells us about her books and her story of finding her happiness in the Algarve, and the joy within.
How Did You End Up in the Algarve?
"During the pandemic, I was working at Google. The company allowed me to work remotely, so I texted my father, 'Can I borrow your campervan for a roadtrip?' Thankfully, he said yes, because the roads traveled by his campervan led me to where I am today.
This first campervan trip through Portugal was enough to make me fall in love with the country. The surfing lifestyle, being outdoors, the nature, the good food, and the affordability were all things that immediately appealed to me. In December 2020, I left my shared villa in the Netherlands to be with my sister during her first pregnancy. However, the cold, dark weather and curfews soon made me homesick. I briefly escaped to Fuerteventura for the winter, but I missed the connectivity of Europe and driving my own van.
I returned to Portugal with my own campervan, which I bought to be able to travel more by van and to bring all my belongings with me at the same time. It was the summer of 2021. It felt like coming home as soon as I arrived."
Tell Us More About Your Book!
"I started writing my first book, 'Life Zest,' while traveling with my father's converted van in 2020. At the time, I was still working for Google but had a lot of free time and inspiration. The journey filled me with energy and a zest for life that I wanted to share. I decided to start writing, using my daily drives to gather inspiration and jotting down my thoughts at the campsite in the evenings. The campervan provided a cozy and inspiring environment."
Do You Prefer Physical or Digital Pen and Paper?
"I prefer using a real pen and paper. After a day of work, I didn't want to open my laptop again. Writing with pen and paper was time-consuming, depending on inspiration and availability. During my campervan trip, I had plenty of time, but living in the villa reduced my free time and writing opportunities. However, when I continued writing during my second trip, I still had vivid memories of the first. It felt like reliving the adventure.
I had initially set a goal to finish the book within a year, but it ultimately took two years. I am glad I took it slow, because that allowed me to reflect on my journey and learnings at my own pace. It was my type of meditation."
What Can Readers Take Away from Your Books?
"I want to demonstrate that remote work is possible, even from a campervan, as long as you have an internet connection. I also aim to show that solo travel as a woman can be challenging but rewarding, helping you discover yourself. This journey helped me understand what inspires, activates, motivates me, and where I feel most at home. My book explores this journey of self-discovery.
I also reflect on my other trips, as all my experiences contribute to finding myself. I've reached a point where I can say I know who I am and how to make myself happy. I hope my book helps others discover their own 'tools' for happiness."
Do You Think There Will Be a Sequel?
"Absolutely! I can't stop learning and exploring, and I want to continue inspiring others with my stories. I'm brave and make bold decisions, which others might hesitate to do. By sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones.
This is why I decided to write my second book, 'Destination Joy,' while I was traveling around the world in 2023. It tells my story of solo traveling around the world, from the Himalayas to the tropics, and making some of these life-changing decisions such as buying a house on a tropical island. More than it was a journey outwards of exploring the world, it was even more a deep inner exploration where I discovered my deepest traumas while hiking up the mountains in Nepal and made my wildest dreams come true in Indonesia. I dealt with the loss of my mother, had a huge spiritual awakening, and even fell in love. All of it happened in just one year, and I wrote down each experience. The interesting thing; I don't even remember writing it. It all happened in a natural flow.
Who should read your books?
I hope that everyone can find something meaningful in this book, written in a way that anyone can understand. It might be an inspiring story, one that motivates you to step outside your comfort zone, or simply make you feel like traveling from the comfort of your sofa.
My first book is ideal for those planning a campervan trip through Europe, as I detail many beautiful destinations.
The second book suits those who love global travel or are interested in a spiritual journey, as it has this spiritual touch.
Both books are for those seeking motivation to do something extraordinary."
Links to Tika’s books:
- Life Zest - A solo traveler's journey by campervan, on her way to find happiness - Tika Spijkerman
- Destination Joy - A journey around the world to find joy within - Tika Spijkerman
Her books are also for sale in the “A Internacional - Livraria - Book Shop” in Lagos.
You can find Tika and the links to her books on Instagram.
