About Little Wanderbook & Lieke Pijnappels

Lieke Pijnappels solo travel expert and founder of Little Wanderbook

Nice to meet you! I’m Lieke Pijnappels, a (travel) journalist and solo traveler with a soft spot for Portuguese cuisine, spending winters in Sri Lanka and discovering the most aesthetic boutique hotels around the world.

Little Wanderbook is a travel platform for women (and men) who love solo travel, boutique hotels, unique (surf) destinations and city trips with lots of good food. Here, you’ll find the hotels worth checking into, the restaurants worth dressing up for and the beaches without the crowds.

In 2021, my book Tropical Escapes was published. I also won the Dutch Travel Blog Award for Best Hotel Story in 2026 and Best Roadtrip Story in 2025.

Solo Travel, Surf Destinations & Boutique Hotels

Over the years, I have tested dozens of surf retreats, exceptional boutique hotels and city stays across Europe and beyond. I’ve checked the mattress, the water pressure and whether the croissant is worth waking up early for. Think of me as the friend who arrives early and sends you the good addresses.

Everything you read on Little Wanderbook is based on personal experience and on-the-ground research:-) No generic travel advice or copy-paste recommendations, but honest and carefully tested recommendations. I only feature places I would personally return to.

What Little Wanderbook Stands For

You’ll find:

  • Solo travel tips for women (and men)
  • Surf retreats and surf destinations in Europe and worldwide
  • Boutique hotels with character
  • Curated city guides
  • Slow travel routes
  • The best restaurants & cocktail bars

Who Is This Platform For?

Little Wanderbook is for women (and men) who:

  • Love solo travel but value comfort
  • Prefer authenticity over all-inclusive resorts
  • Get excited about road trips
  • Appreciate design, atmosphere and great food

This is not a backpacking blog, nor a luxury jet-set platform for Kardashians. It’s for travelers who like a little salt in their hair and a decent wine list.

Let the adventures begin
Whether you’re dreaming of a surf retreat in Portugal, Sri Lanka, relaxing in a boutique hotel on Formentera or planning a slow travel route through Europe: I’m here to guide you. After all, it helps when someone has already tested the restaurants, checked the hotel sheets and found the good coffee. Follow me on Instagram for upcoming adventures.

With love,
Lieke