Hey, I’m Monica
Through my writing, I aim to inspire others to explore the outdoors and become curious about other cultures – hopefully increasing care, respect or even love for both.
How it started
Growing up, I was fortunate to go on frequent camping trips with my mum and summertime family holidays in Cuba – my dad’s favourite place for scuba diving. These trips brought out my adventurous side. Since I was 10, I’ve been exploring the world through things like hiking, diving and rock climbing.
Around the dinner table, Dad would mesmerize me with stories of his wild journeys through the African Plains and remote islands of the Bahamas. He was also obsessed with his career as a physicist – constantly sparking discussions about the unanswered questions of the universe. It taught me to be curious-minded and that happiness should also come from pursuing passions during your working week.
Age 19, I took my first solo backpacking trip to Southeast Asia for two months. Following that, I went to university and then straight away bagged a job in journalism at the South West News Service. The plan was to slowly work my way towards becoming a travel writer. But it came around sooner than anticipated – when I hit rock bottom after my dad died in September 2021, pursuing my dream career became a priority. I quit my full-time job in early 2022, finding happiness and purpose in my life again through travel writing.
British Guild of Travel Writers
I was accepted as a member January 2025
A strict code of conduct, extensive application process and annual membership review accredits those in the Guild as highly valued and trusted travel media professionals.
A seal of quality
Well-connected
Independent
Experienced
Contemporary
Experience
2017 - 2020
University of the West of England
2020 - 2022
South West News Service
2022 - Present
Freelance
2:1 Honours Degree in English Literature with Creative Writing
Features Writer
Real-life stories and lifestyle pages for the publishing department. Sourcing stories, interviewing, writing and subediting for four national women's titles.
Travel writer
Bylines in Adventure.com, The Club - British Airways, Travel Weekly, Cruising World, Euronews.travel, Euronews.green, Life Lovers Magazine, British Airways Staff Magazine, RIFE and IAG Cargo Magazine.
Copywriting for various online travel, media and marketing companies including Skyscanner, MICHELIN Guide, Cedar Communications, AIP Media, Travel Chapter, WildTrax and several Snaptrip Group brands.
