In this series, I interview world travellers who all embrace the love of backpacking the world and enjoying the diversity of it all. The latest in the long running (11+ years now) list of World Travellers is Monika from Tropical Woman. Monika loves to travel to “tropical” places so of course we will read about the Spanish and Portuguese islands here and she has also been to The Maldives, a place on my list of countries to visit, that I haven’t yet been to. Monika is currently based in Poland and so she joins a long list of Polish travellers I have met on my journeys. Poland is a beautiful country itself, as I am based here now, but those from Poland who travel to unusual destinations are usually in a smaller unique group, as Monika is!
World Travellers: Monika From Tropical Woman at Pico del Teide Tenerife
Who are you?
First of all, I am a woman;) I am a strong and active woman. My name is Monika. I am also a mother of three children, a wife, and a boring accountant;) I dream of traveling for a long time, but I had a break because of the children. Now I feel that it is time for the dream to come true.
Where are you from?
I am from Poland. I was born in Warsaw and live here.
Where have you been?
I’ve been in Madeira (Portugal), Mallorca (Spain), Ibiza (Spain), Croatia, Corfu (Greece), Cyprus, Tunisia, Maldives, Rhodes (Greece), Egypt, Tenerife (Spain), Crete (Greece).
World Travellers: Monika From Tropical Woman in Majorca
Where are you now?
Now I am in my beautiful house in Warsaw (Poland). I live here and I am planning my next trip.
What are the top 3 places you’ve visited?
The top 3 places I’ve visited are Tenerife (my honeymoon), Madeira (the island of eternal spring), and Maldives (paradise).
What is the best travel experience you’ve had?
My best travel experience was a trip to the Pico del Teide volcano in Tenerife. I experienced amazing views and a thrill because the volcano is still active.
World Travellers: Monika From Tropical Woman in Alcudia, Majorca
What is the worst travel experience you’ve had?
The worst place I’ve visited was Tunisia. I felt dirt all around and I had the traveller’s diarrhea. I thought I would not survive the trip.
What is the funniest travel experience you’ve had?
I’m a little ashamed of it, but it was a very long time ago. When we traveled to The Maldives, I had something in my suitcase. The thing banned in this country. It was supposed to be a surprise for my husband. It turned out that we couldn’t enter the country with it. My suitcase was damaged because it was locked. My husband didn’t understand anything that happened and why they searched my luggage. Now we are laughing about it😉
What is the scariest travel experience you’ve had?
My scariest experience was a trip to Egypt. When I was traveling around Egypt, we were stopped by men with rifles. I didn’t feel safe there.
What is the most random job you have had on your travels?
I never worked during my travels. I travel to take a break from work and household chores.
World Travellers: Monika From Tropical Woman at Seixal Beach in Madeira
How do you fund your travels?
I just dream. I am most interested in islands and exotic places. I love beaches, the sea, sunsets, nature. I would like to live near the beach in a warm climate.
What 3 tips would you give a new traveller before they set off on their adventure?
1) I recommend the Revolut debit card. We have access to multiple exchange rates in one app.
2) Travel dreams motivate us to earn and save money for them.
3) “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right” – Hill Napoleon.
World Travellers: Monika From Tropical Woman at São Vincente in Madeira
What are your future travel plans?
I’m going with my whole family to Italy this year. My plans for next year are very ambitious. I would like to go to Fuerteventura (Canary Island), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Bali (Indonesia), and the USA (California & Hawaii). I don’t know if I will be able to realize all the plans because of time and money, but I don’t stop dreaming.