About me
My name is Yannick Pierre Louis, but I’m better known as Nicky. My journey into travel didn’t begin with ticking destinations off a list, but with a genuine curiosity for places, people, and how travel shapes everyday life.
Growing up on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten and later moving to the Netherlands opened my eyes to how different environments influence culture, pace, and perspective. That contrast sparked a deeper interest in travel beyond the surface, focusing not only on where to go, but also on how destinations are experienced.
Moments that shaped my view of travel
I studied Travel & Hospitality at Noorderpoort, where learning extended far beyond the classroom. During my studies, I took part in an international hackathon project in Uganda, where we partnered with UHTTI to help promote two local businesses, a bed and breakfast and a backpackers’ accommodation. This experience broadened my perspective on working across cultures and understanding tourism in different parts of the world.
That same year, I visited Bremen, Germany, where experiencing the Christmas market offered insight into European traditions and seasonal travel. I also joined a Holland tour that explored different sides of leisure and tourism, including visits to Wildlands Adventure Zoo, the SS Rotterdam by WestCord Hotels, and Centre Parcs, each highlighting a unique approach to travel and guest experience.
Life beyond the books
During my current studies in Hospitality & Event Management at EuroCollege, I completed a six-week work orientation at The Market Hotel by WestCord Hotels in Groningen. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of hospitality in a vibrant student city and its rich history.
I then spent four months back home in Sint Maarten, completing a three-month internship at Funtopia SXM. That time allowed me to rediscover the island through a new lens and explore nearby destinations such as Anguilla and Saba, where nature, culture, and simplicity take center stage.
My most recent six-month internship took place on Vlieland, one of the Dutch Wadden Islands. At WestCord Strandhotel Seeduyn, I worked within the Island Events department, surrounded by nature, open space, and the calm of the Wadden Sea. Living there felt both new and familiar. As an island girl, experiencing life on a Dutch island through beach events and close community life gave me another perspective on how place, community, and balance come together.
Travel beyond the checklist
REC Travel Guide grew out of these experiences. It is a space where travel is approached thoughtfully, combining inspiration, practical guidance, and stories shaped by authentic places and lived experiences. The goal is simple, to show that travel can be a balance of relaxing, exploring, and connecting, wherever your journey takes you.