About Ramon

Hi! I’m Ramon Stoppelenburg, a writer, creative entrepreneur, humanitarian, digital pioneer, and all-around professional curious mind. You may know me from my Letmestayforaday project, my film theaters in Cambodia, my book, or from somewhere completely different. Have your read my About Me page already?

I’ve worn many hats and lived many lives — from coordinating emergency earthquake relief in Indonesia to being shortlisted for NASA’s astronaut program. I’m also just a guy who once wanted to grow up to be an airplane passenger. Below I answer frequently asked questions that I have collected over the laste decades…

For quick jumps, here are the covered subjects so far:

The Letmestayforaday Story

What was Letmestayforaday?

It was my bold and slightly insane idea to travel the world without money, purely depending on the hospitality of strangers I connected with through my website — long before Couchsurfing, Facebook, or Instagram even existed. It ran (and I traveled) from 2001 to 2004, went viral before “viral” was even a thing, and earned me the title of “Internet Personality of the Year” from the Sunday Times. UNESCO even designated it Digital Heritage later in 2017. And yes, I really did travel for free for almost four years.

How did Letmestayforaday.com actually work?

It started as a wild idea: travel the world on the kindness of strangers, without spending a cent. I asked for help with a meal, a drink, and a place to sleep in exchange for writing on the website about the experience (the term blogging wasn’t even invented yet). I began with 70 invitations from 64 countries. In the end, I received over 4,000 offers from 72 nations. The website reached 1.2 million hits a month (which is what only CNN gets nowadays). Sponsors offered laptops, cameras, flights, and even clothes, in exchange for visibility on the site. All I had to do was show it could be done and strangers should not be feared.

What was the best part?

It’s impossible to pick one. A week with the Inuit in northern Canada? Dinner in a black township in South Africa? Swimming in tidal waves in Norway or staying in an Australian frat house? The beauty was in the range of experiences, and the generosity of complete strangers.

Why did you stop?

It became intense. The more I traveled, the more I became the product. I would be invited by people who were simply amazed they saw me on the news and the next thing they have me on their couch, asking how Tom Cruise was as he had sat next to me on that TV show they watched. My story belonged to the internet. Eventually, I had proven my point: the world is generous, and hospitality is still alive. It was time to return to being a person, not just a publicly owned project.

Do you still connect with people from your Letmestayforaday days?

Yes, many of those connections have lasted decades. Some of the people who hosted me became lifelong friends, and we still stay in touch through social media and occasional visits. It’s been incredible to watch their lives unfold and share mine with them over the years. The project created a global network of wonderful people that I’m still grateful to be part of.

Travel & Living Philosophy

How did you catch the travel bug?

I was born in Jakarta, but when I was five, we moved (back) to a very quiet and rather dull Dutch village. My experience in the tropics and the fact that I knew the grass was greener elsewhere never left. My first solo trip at 17, a few weeks in Spain, crashing at strangers’ places, partying and meeting people, sealed the deal. I was hooked on the freedom of elsewhere and that trip became the first of many entire summers away.

Why do you keep moving around the world?

Because staying in one place never taught me as much as being in motion. I’ve lived in the Netherlands, Cambodia, Georgia, Morocco, and Portugal — and returned to Cambodia again in 2025. Every place gave me something: a new language, a new cuisine, new histories, new ideas, or new reasons to believe that life should never be a routine.

I also have 5 different toothpaste flavors to choose from daily. Why settle for one for months!?

What is the most favorite place (city or town) you have ever traveled to and why?

Kugluktuk, a small Inuit town in the Canadian Arctic, absolutely stole my heart. I traveled there in 2002 during my Letmestayforaday journey, and it left an impression like no other place. It’s so remote, so isolated, and incredibly raw — where the tundra meets the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean. The local Inuit community welcomed me with such unexpected warmth that I still think about it. Lacking fresh fruit, they get their vitamine C from muktuk (the skin and blubber of whales) and raw fish! The vastness, the quiet, the surreal beauty of the ice roads, and the deep calm of that landscape made me feel more alive than most big cities ever have. It was one of those rare places where time slows down and you suddenly understand how vast and humbling the world really is.

What’s your favorite place you’ve lived in?

It could have been Tbilisi, or Casablanca. Or even Lisbon. But I came back to Cambodia. Hands down. It gives me space to be so creative, has a great community of locals and foreigners to grow, and a much easier rhythm of life. Even after trying out Europe, I found myself drawn back. Phnom Penh may be a chaotic whirlwind not many people can understand, but it’s also where my creativity thrives, and where my cats thrive, too.

How did you end up in Cambodia?

I had built up a life in the Netherlands. An office job as an editor and marketeer had landed me a contract, which resulted in a mortgage and owning an apartment in Amsterdam and me sitting on the couch in front of the television with my girlfriend. I escaped the office life, became a freelancer, but still felt trapped.

I backpacked around Southeast-Asia in 2008 and saw potential — and freedom in this place called Phnom Penh. In 2010 I got rid of the house, the girlfriend and all and I moved to Cambodia. In 2011 I spotted The Flicks movie house for sale, but I didn’t have the $10,000 needed. So I launched a crowdfunding campaign on my home-made website timetohelp.me (fundraising platforms yet were not invented yet), raised that money in 15 days, and was able to take over the place. That was in 2011. The rest became indie film history.

How do you handle visas and legal requirements for constantly moving between countries?

Having a strong passport helps, but it’s also about understanding each country’s specific requirements and building in buffer time for unexpected delays. Sometimes it means planning routes around visa processing times, but that’s just part of the adventure. In Cambodia I can extend a work permit (self-employed) and business visa yearly and that’s all that needs to be done.

How do you stay productive while constantly traveling?

I’ve learned to work anywhere, coffee shops, airports, hotel lobbies, you name it. The key is having reliable internet, sometimes good noise-canceling headphones, and accepting that some days will be more about experiencing the place than getting things done. I also batch similar tasks and use travel time for things like reading, planning, or catching up on correspondence. After years of practice, I can pretty much turn any space into a temporary office. What’s your wifi password again?

Do you speak other languages?

I speak Dutch and English fluently, and have studied French and Spanish. My youth in Indonesia gave me Bahasia. After living in Cambodia for over a decade, I also learned Khmer. It’s never too late to pick up a new language, especially when you’re living it daily.

Professional Work

What’s your background in writing?

I studied Journalism and Communication in the Netherlands, write travel columns and essays for Dutch newspapers, compiled a literary anthology, blogged before it even was cool (1996), and published the bestselling travel book Letmestayforaday in Dutch. My work has appeared in Columbus Magazine, WorldHum, Playboy, Going Places, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, and more. During the pandemic, I even launched an online literary journal called The Quiet Reader.

What are you working on these days?

I split my time now between writing, consulting, creative entrepreneurship, and travel. I write books, edit stories, and help others tell theirs. I run Expedition Kilimanjaro (since 2008), and experiment with new ventures or help businesses wherever I land. I’m also working on a memoir, a novel, and non-fiction book, because some stories deserve more than just a blog post.

You seem to help out businesses, like hotels and restaurants in Portugal, Georgia, Sri Lanka and Cambodia? Tell me more.

Yes, that’s another hat I wear, turning struggling businesses into success stories. I step in when things aren’t working and deliver fast, practical solutions that actually move the needle.

Think of it as being a real-life Gordon Ramsay (seriously, Sri Lankan kitchen staff was really looking for cameras when I walked in) but without the yelling and more empathy. I’ve helped boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés, tour companies and online ventures all across Portugal, Georgia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. I don’t do long reports or abstract strategy slides: I diagnose what’s wrong, build a plan, and help owners fix things fast.

For example, in Sri Lanka I helped transform a failing hotel restaurant into a busy, profitable hotspot within three months: revamping the entire kitchen, encouraging the previously numbed-down kitchen staff, rewriting the menu, redesigning the space, and launching a new bar that increased customer spend significantly. Owner happy, me happy! And I would move on again.

What types of businesses do you typically work with?

I specialize in hospitality businesses — hotels, restaurants, cafés, and tour operators — usually in emerging markets or unique locations. I’m drawn to places with character and potential that just need someone to unlock what’s already there. I work best with owners who are passionate about their vision but might be stuck on execution or need fresh perspective on operations, marketing, or customer experience.

You coordinated earthquake aid?

Yes. After the 2018 earthquakes in Lombok, Indonesia, I rushed down there from Cambodia to help out in emergency relief efforts with a few friends. It was there when I realized that people in emergency situations were calling for help on various digital channels, so I created up an app for victims to pin themselves and this way to track needs and coordinate aid delivery with civilian volunteers, before the military forces discovered the app and joined in (and in came the helicopter food drops!). It was a very intense and deeply rewarding — showing me how far creativity and systems thinking can go in a crisis.

Did you always know you weren’t cut out for a 9-to-5 life?

Probably. Even while studying journalism, I wasn’t interested in the academic side. I organised the school parties, self-published a student magazine with friends, and jumped online early. I liked building things: projects, platforms, communities. That drive led to Letmestayforaday.com, my first big experiment in living life differently.

Current Projects & Future Plans

You are currently writing a lot?

An English memoir is in active development — I’m working through the challenge of condensing decades of adventures into something cohesive and meaningful.

The Dutch novel Het Laatste Hotel (The Last Hostel) draws heavily from my experiences as a digital nomad and our need for connectivity for performative travels for so many of them.

The English non-fiction guide Eat Out, Lose Fat is becoming a complete guide to restaurant dining without derailing your social life and your health goals.

No firm publication dates yet, as I want to make sure they’re worth the wait. I’ll announce updates on my social media when there’s real news to share.

Next to this I also wrote the pitch deck for a 6-episodes crime thriller called Flagged that takes place in Thailand and Australia, hoping to gain interest from production companies.

Are you planning any new travel projects or experiments?

Always! I’m constantly sketching new ideas; some involve technology and connection like the original Letmestayforaday concept, others focus on sustainable travel or cultural exchange. I can’t reveal too much yet, but let’s just say I’m not done pushing boundaries. The world keeps changing, and there are always new ways to explore it.

What’s next for you professionally?

I’m expanding my consulting work beyond just hospitality businesses and looking at larger-scale projects that combine travel, technology, and community building. The goal is to help others create their own unconventional paths, whether that’s in business or life adventures.

Personal Life & Interests

You mentioned your cats?

Yes! I traveled with Fifty Shady (born 2013), my adventurous Cambodian calico joined me in Georgia, Morocco, Portugal, The Netherlands and back to Cambodia. Her passport is thicker than most people’s. Recently she got a stepsister, another Cambodian calico called Chickpea (born 2024).

What kind of music do you like?

I’m a Gen X kid who grew up with my brother’s music out loud from his hifi stereo system: Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Michael Jackson. Later, I fell in love with absolutely amazing 90s Eurodance, which still gets me moving. These days, I enjoy chill trip-hop like Portishead when I’m writing, and pretty much anything that fits the vibe of the moment. During the day, you’ll find me listening to Dutch NPO Radio 2 or NPO 3FM, as Cambodia seriously lacks music radio in general.

Favorite movies?

Field of Dreams is my all-time favorite. It’s about believing in something impossible — and building it anyway, which hits close to home. I also love Stand By Me, The Goonies, The Lion King, Cinema Paradiso, Catch Me If You Can, The Motorcycle Diaries and La La Land. I ran three art house movie theaters in Phnom Penh, so I’ve seen more movies than I can remember.

What is the one thing you regret?

Honestly? Not much. I’ve lived boldly so far, taken chances, and chased ideas most people wouldn’t dare write down. But if I had to pick something, it would be the relationships I let slip away — the people I didn’t chase when I should have, the times I chose staying still over movement with someone who mattered. (Also, maybe I should have invested in Bitcoin when I first heard about it in 2011.)

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from all your adventures?

That most barriers exist only in our minds. Whether it’s traveling without money, starting a business in a foreign country, or learning a new language at 45, the biggest obstacle is usually our own assumptions about what’s possible. The world is far more accommodating to bold ideas than we think — but you have to take the first step to find out.

How has your worldview changed from living in so many different cultures?

I’ve become less judgmental and more curious. Every culture has its own logic, its own way of solving problems, its own definition of success. What looks chaotic from the outside often makes perfect sense from the inside. I’ve also learned that generosity and kindness are truly universal languages: they transcend every cultural barrier I’ve encountered.

Practical Advice & Working Together

What advice would you give to someone afraid to take the leap into unconventional living?

Start small. You don’t have to quit your job and travel the world tomorrow. Take a weekend trip without a detailed plan. Work remotely for a week from somewhere new. Say yes to an opportunity that scares you a little. Each small step builds confidence for bigger ones. The scariest part is always the first step, but once you’re moving, momentum takes care of the rest.

What’s your advice for someone wanting to start their own unconventional travel or business project?

Don’t wait for perfect conditions: they’ll never come. Start with whatever resources you have right now, even if it’s just an idea and an internet connection. Test your concept small and cheap before going big. Most importantly, document everything from day one. Your story might be just as valuable as your project, and you never know who might want to follow your journey.

Do you offer workshops or speaking engagements about entrepreneurship or travel?

No, not currently. I’m focused on my writing and translation projects and one-on-one consulting work right now. However, I do enjoy sharing stories and insights when the right opportunity comes along, so feel free to reach out if you have something specific in mind.

How can I hire you for consulting or ghostwriting work?

The best way is to reach out directly through my website contact form. For consulting, I work best with businesses that need rapid, practical solutions rather than lengthy analysis. For ghostwriting, I specialize in travel narratives, business biographies, and personal transformation stories. I typically book projects 2-3 months in advance, so reach out early if you have specific timelines.

How can people follow your current adventures?

I’m most active in English on Facebook, sometimes post on that horrible Linkedin, and in Dutch you can follow me on Mastodon, BlueSky and Substack. Anything travel related writing I publish on SomebodyHadToDoIt. For real-time updates from wherever I am in the world and whatever I am doing I created the Now Page. If you are Dutch, I also blog on my Dutch personal website.

Still Have Questions?

Didn’t find what you were looking for? I love connecting with curious minds from around the world. Whether you have a question about my adventures, want to share your own unconventional story, or just want to say hello from wherever you are, drop me a line through my contact page.

The world is full of generous, interesting people, and that includes you. Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit about my journey. Now go create your own adventure!

— Ramon