Accessible tourism consultant and ambassador, founder Buitengewoon Reizen and Freely Travel
Gerda is the founder of Buitengewoon Reizen and Freely Travel. She has been an advocate for independent, accessible travel for all since 2004, both nationally and internationally.
At just 14, her life changed dramatically due to a traffic accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. But instead of letting this define her, she embraced life with a fierce determination to experience everything it has to offer. Her father often said, “Gerda lives her life as if every moment counts.”
She began her journey in the travel industry in 1981, and in 2004, she launched her own business focused on wheelchair-accessible travel. Since then, her team and her have empowered countless individuals to embark on their own adventures, building a global network of suppliers dedicated to accessibility.
Her mission is to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in travel and to make accessible options more visible to everyone. Together, she believes we can create a world where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of life without barriers.
Quote:
“I want to inspire others with my travel experiences and empower women to travel independently.”