Monika at Internationelle on Full Time Travelling and Turning Dreams into Plans

I’m really excited to announce that I’m starting a new monthly series on Effy Talks Life! The series is going to be focussed on badass women who are traveling the world and working too.

You’re going to hear from people from all walks of life who will share their stories and give their best advice on how to follow in their footsteps. These interviews will be raw, real and like nothing else out there that I could find. I want to give you guys the good, the bad and everything in between.

So many people have the desire to work and travel, but just need that extra push to get started. Consider this your push!

Last month I chatted with Carrie from Bigger Life Adventures all about overcoming addiction and becoming a digital nomad. The post had an amazing reception so I can't wait for you guys to get stuck into this week.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Monika who is co-creator of Internationelle, a travel blog with a difference. Monika currently works as a digital nomad and journalist after studying Political Science at university. She discusses what it’s like to make the leap into location independent work and how to set yourself apart from the crowd. 

It hasn't been easy (think living on 20 cents A DAY) - but it definitely makes for an interesting story!

Is Traveling Alone Really That Safe For Women?

*this post uses affiliate links for more information please see my disclaimer

As a woman, there’s no escaping from the fact that there are extra precautions you have to take to feel safe as a solo traveler and, in fact, everyday life. I’ve been followed home, spat at, catcalled - all of it.  When it comes to traveling alone it's only natural that your fears for safety are heightened. It is, after all, the great unknown. 

When it comes to the question of whether or not it's safe for women to travel alone there really is no definitive answer. However, there are loads of simple measures you can take to increase your safety while you're away.

Whether it’s your first trip, or you're an avid traveler looking for more ways to ensure your safety - you've come to the right place.

5 Important Lessons Travelling Alone Has Taught Me

When I set off on my travels at the end of 2016 I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.

A trip that had been months in the making with a close friend suddenly went to shit and a team of two became just a one. Having invested so much time, energy and money already I made the decision not to call off the trip. Two weeks later I set off out in to the big bad world travelling alone and to say I was anxious would be an understatement. 

It was one of the most hectic periods of my life.

What is it Really Like to Solo Travel as a Black Woman?

Last week I received a message on Instagram from a lovely woman who asked to learn more about my travel experiences. 

Since leaving the UK ten months ago I’ve been no stranger to messages from friends asking for travel advice and I love to offer insight when possible, so immediately I was interested. 

However what struck me most about the message was not the fact that a stranger was reaching out to me for travel advice, but the fact that she wanted to know how my travel experiences had been as a black woman.

It got me thinking.