Travel Brain Series

The Travel Brain Series is created by Dr. Nicole Van Hoeck, co-driver and adventurer at Terratrotter®.

 

Why should you care about your travel brain?

You have brains in your head,
You have feet in your shoes,
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Dr. Seuss

 

You service your vehicle on regular intervals, you upgrade and look after your gear, you brush your teeth daily, … but what about that what is in control of it all, your brain, how do you boost that?

Maybe you’re on the road right now, maybe you just arrived in a new country, or maybe you’re in the planning stage of it all. One communality is that it comes with its own set of challenges. You can prepare yourself for all the practical stuff (passports, clothing, transportation, insurances, savings, …), you can read inspiring stories, … but what about you, the one and only who makes it happen. Regardless of the destination, your brain will follow you everywhere. And it is exactly that, your own thoughts and decisions, which can hold you back from making the most out of your travels and adventures. It’s your own brain that keeps you at status quo. The world is what your brain makes of it!

You want to maximize the good and minimize the bad.

Exploring new cultures and new environments can be fun, meaningful and exciting. But it can also be stressful and nerve-racking. Border controls, sick pets, searching for the right place to stay overnight, translation issues, lack of sleep, vehicle breakdowns, missing your own space or family, cultural differences … there is more than enough that can be added to this list to make you wonder “why am I putting myself through this?” So you want to maximize the good and minimize the bad. That is why you care about your Travel Brain.

You want to get the most out of your travels.

The way your brain is running, smoothly or on its last fumes, and the information you feed it will impact how you, and not to forget any of your travel companions, experience and remember your travels. It will be different when you’re looking through colorful shades versus a smudged window.  That is why you care about your Travel Brain.

 

If you want to thrive during your life on the road you also need to invest in what is in charge of it all, your brain.

 

Who am I?

In case you don’t know me yet: Hi, I’m Nicole.

I drive a 9.2 ton expedition truck, love wild camping and learn to sail our mini-catamaran :-). Oh yes, I also travel a substantial part (if not most) of the year. Explore this website and you will quickly figure out what I’m talking about.

I also have a Ph.D. in Psychology.  I carried out multiple years of neuroscientific and psychological research, specializing in our capability to imagine how life could have been different. Hereafter, I started my company Academy 404, through which I support people like yourself  with cultivating the courage and skills to fail intelligently so they can achieve their goals.

In other words, I’m fascinated by the brain and driven by adventure.

 

What do I have to offer you?

Online Training & E-books

To boost your travel brain, regardless of where you find yourself in the world, I will soon launch the Travel Brain Series. These consist out of several online training courses and e-books.

1. Smart Risk Taking

Stepping into the unknown is filled with risks – financial, social, physical, psychological, …. But you can be smart about it. You can develop the courage to step out of your comfort zone and to manage your fears. You can also do much to develop a more secure environment for yourself (and your loved ones).

2. The Different Shades of Happiness

Happiness is far more complex than hitting the road or buying the latest gadget. Happiness is neither something that simply falls into your lap or you will find in a hidden cave. In this course you will explore the different shades of Happiness, gain insight into how you can approach the more difficult situations and feelings in a constructive way, and learn techniques how to (re-)energize your brain.

3. Mating in Small Spaces – How not to kill each other

Traveling highlights both the good and the bad in your relationship. Romantic nights on the beach or in the wilderness can spark desire. A scorching sun on a already sweltering vehicle or tent can take a heated conversation to its boiling point.  In these sessions we will dive into topics like the importance of  intimacy as well as autonomy, and how to better communicate your frustrations, expectations and appreciations.

 

Want to know more about them? Subscribe to the following email list and I will keep you up to date when more information is available and they are online.

 

Individual coaching and mentoring

When you’re interested in individual coaching and mentoring we can set this up as well, regardless of your location. These individual sessions can take place in Dutch or English;  online (video conference or email), on site or at another inspiring location. Contact me directly (through contact form below or by Facebook Messenger) and I wil get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Got any more questions? Just ask!

Cheers!
Nicole

 

Your Name*

Your Email*

Subject

Your Message

[recaptcha]

Don't forget to check your spam-folders for a copy of this email or my reply.

Talk to you very soon!
Nicole