Hi, I’m Nicklas, a 31-year-old traveler who is currently based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
So far, I’ve traveled to 80+ countries and have visited 6 out of the world’s 7 continents. Once I set foot on Antarctica, I will have visited all 7 of the world’s continents.
However, I don’t foresee myself putting away my passport anytime soon, as there are still countless destinations and National Parks that I’d like to explore. As well as destinations, which I’d love to revisit and explore in further detail.
I Don’t have a Favorite Country, but Some Moments and Memories Stand Out
- Skygazing in Joshua Tree National Park
- Powder skiing in Japan and Canada
- Diving with 8 species of sharks in Fiji – including Tiger sharks and Bull sharks
- Drift diving in Rangiroa and Fakarava with dolphins – almost blacked out at 20 meters due to indisposition. But what an AMAZING experience
- Diving in the Maldives
- Exploring Everglades National Park
- Joining a Catamaran from Panama to Galapagos for 5 weeks. I experienced a huge storm halfway to Galapagos. Scary experience
- Winter expedition in Mongolia (1 month). Staying with the reindeer people and slept in a teepee at -35 degrees Celsius. I also lived with the eagle hunters. Almost 5000 kilometers off-road
- Road-trip in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, living with local families
- 1000+ hours of public transportation around the world
- A week-long jungle trip into Amazon Rainforest
- Hiking in Borneo, Brunei
- Camel trek in India in the province of Rajasthan, near the border to Pakistan. I almost got bitten by a King Copra, and we experienced a big sandstorm (I lost a flip flop in that storm. I never found it again. Haha)
- Countless night walks at night/food markets around the world
- Couchsurfed around Russia
- Off-grid living in Portugal without any connection
- Language school in Malta
- Learning Spanish in Guatemala, staying with a local family
- I once had Dengue fever
- Surfing in the Philippines
- Riding the Trans-Siberian Railway
- Stayed in almost 100 different campgrounds around Australia and New Zealand – in a Campervan
- Working with organic farmers in Hawaii for 3 months (Woofing)
- Training Muay Thai in Thailand for a few months
- Inter-rail around Europe with great friends
- Drifted out to sea when surfing on Maui. Strong current and leg-cramps (luckily someone called the coastguard, and I got picked up on a jet-ski – phew)
- And I can keep on going…
Why am I Passionate about Travel and the Outdoors?
I have a true passion for traveling and the outdoors, as living life out of a backpack has taught me to live life on my own terms. Instead of living my life to please others or “live up” to others’ expectations, I have chosen to live life like the adventure it can be and focus on making unforgettable memories worldwide.
Traveling provides me with the ultimate feeling of freedom. I love not knowing what adventures the next week will bring or when I’ll return home. To date, my longest adventure has been an epic 16-month long trip.
While I take my fair share of short getaways, my preference is to travel for several months at a time. To give me plenty of time to veer off the beaten tourist track, exploring the beauty of amazing National Parks, and to discover as many hidden gems as I can, but also to sit back and relax on a beach bar, listening to great music and eating delicious food.
How has Travel and the Outdoors Changed My Life?
Travel and the outdoors has taught me how to set and achieve short-term and long-term goals and has given my life purpose. I often envision my life. What is it that I really want to do with it? People change, interests change, and complicated situations happen in our lives. So it’s important to live life as you want it, and not live somebody else’s life/ expectations. Many people complain about life and talk about dreams, but so many don’t execute on them. I never wanted to be that person. I set goals – both short-term and long-term, and I execute on them. It gives meaning to my life!
My Travel Style
I’m a sucker for exploring the great outdoors and various National Parks, especially US National Parks. I love seeking out new experiences instead of reliving the same experiences repeatedly. I’m definitely not the type of person who is hesitant to try out new experiences, and I will always put my hand up for a new adventure – you will never know how you’ll feel about a new destination, a new activity, visiting a new National Park until you try it out for yourself.
While I have “roughed it” and slept in some pretty sketchy places, I’m just as willing to stay in charming bed and breakfasts, inner-city apartments, comfortable resorts, and hotels as long as it’s great value for money!
What do I Love about Travel and the Outdoors?
I love the possibilities that travel, National Parks, and the outdoors offer. And I love the feeling of freedom that comes with it. I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures, climates, and landscapes. In fact, my first experience of living abroad was when I studied abroad in Malta at the age of 15.
During my travels, I have been camping, Woofing, hitchhiked, couch surfed, and I have stayed with local families. It’s a great way to connect. However, as much as I enjoy forming connections with locals and fellow travelers, I also like to stay somewhere in peace without being social all the time.
To experience a place on my own, without connecting with the people only, and connecting with the city, the area, and the local animals (dogs and cats). AND, of course, connecting with myself.
Over the years, though, I came to love exploring National Parks more and more. It’s become a real passion, and that is why I’m aiming to provide as much valuable information about US National Parks as possible. I will continue to provide you information about various National Parks going forward.
My First Trip Abroad
I always had the “travel bug.” When I was very little, I often found myself deep in my grandparents’ photo albums from all their travels. I can still recall my first trip abroad to Italy when I was 11 years old. I spent 18 hours glued to the window of my family’s car. I didn’t say a word for those 18 hours (just staring out the window – it was just mind-blowing with all the mountains. We don’t have mountains in Denmark).
To this day, the world still surprises me with its natural beauty, and I’m often left speechless at some of the incredible sites that I’m lucky enough to visit.
The History Behind Mapthememories
While Mapthememories was officially launched in 2019, I first started posting my favorite travel photos to my Instagram account years ago, which I named Mapthememories.
At the time, I had no idea that my passion for travel and the outdoors would someday lead to launching my very own travel website.
What to Expect from Mapthememories
As I know how frustrating it can be to search the internet for informative, up-to-date content, I’m committed to posting helpful content about National Parks, travel, camping, hiking, country guides, and the outdoors.
You will get valuable information about US national parks, hiking, camping, and travel in general on this website. You’ll also get to read honest travel reviews about some of my favorite travel products from time to time.
I hope to come across as a well-traveled friend whose opinions you can trust. At the same time, I aim to provide factual, honest information, which you’ll be able to rely on.
What is My Ultimate Goal with this Website?
My ultimate goal is to inspire and help you make your own memories in every National Park and on every continent and live out your dreams instead of making excuses for why it’s not a good time to go.
