Mónica Alves
(She/Her)
Portugal
As seen in:
Nature,
Eventbrite.ca,
Acta Scientiarum. Human and Social Sciences (UEM),
Pan American Health Organization,
Dialnet - Universidad de La Rioja,
colunadofla.com
Covers:
Culture, Food and Beveraves, Practical travel guides and itineraries , Purposeful travel and storytelling.
Doesn't Cover:
Extreme budgeting / ultra low-cost travel, Extreme adventure travel, Family travel with small children
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I started my journey as a travel blogger when I created my blog in 2015. Since then, I’ve been sharing my travel experiences and tips, growing into a full-time content creator.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is transforming how news is shared and consumed by making information faster and more accessible.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don’t really have a favorite fictional journalist.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a content creator means sharing stories honestly and with integrity, making sure they connect with people in a way that both informs and inspires
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I’m usually not very tuned in to news-related hashtags, as my main focus is writing for my blog.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched via email. It helps me review ideas carefully and respond when I’m available. Clear and concise pitches work best!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
As a travel blogger, I use a variety of tools to create and manage content efficiently:
WordPress – for writing, editing, and publishing blog articles.
Canva – to design visuals for blog posts and social media.
Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Gmail, Calendar) – for content planning and communication.
Grammarly / DeepL / LanguageTool – to support editing and idea development.
Meta Business Suite – for scheduling and analysing social media posts.
Convertkit – for managing email newsletters.
Google Analytics / Search Console – to monitor blog performance and SEO.
CapCut – for video editing on the go.
I also adapt depending on the needs of each campaign or partnership.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love to be followed by journalists, fellow content creators, travel brands, tourism boards, PR professionals, and destinations that value authentic storytelling. Connecting with people and organizations that are passionate about travel, culture, and meaningful experiences helps expand opportunities for collaboration, and keeps the inspiration flowing on both sides.
Why did you become a journalist?
I started creating content as a hobby over 10 years ago, simply because I loved sharing my travel experiences. Along the way, I fell in love with the process. What began as a passion project slowly evolved, and today, content creation is my full-time profession.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I did. I worked for my high school newspaper in Portugal, where I wrote articles and helped with editing. It was a great experience that sparked my passion for storytelling and journalism.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I’m most proud of writing was about my trip to Sri Lanka. It went beyond a typical travel guide, as I shared insights into the country’s rich culture, traditions, and beautiful landscapes. What made it truly special was hearing from readers who felt inspired to visit Sri Lanka after reading the articles. Some even said it gave them the confidence to explore a lesser-known destination.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I’d say: focus on telling authentic stories that truly connect with your audience. Always prioritize accuracy and integrity, and don’t be afraid to find your unique voice.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is usually during weekdays, preferably in the morning between 9 and 11 am. I find I’m most focused then and can give pitches the attention they deserve. But I’m always open to hearing new ideas, so feel free to reach out anytime and I’ll do my best to respond quickly!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got was about cultural travel combined with gastronomy ,exactly what my followers are interested in. It was clear, relevant, and perfectly matched my audience’s tastes.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever got was one that clearly hadn’t been tailored at all, completely generic and unrelated to my content or audience.
What's your favorite drink?
Gin tonic and Port Wine.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m most likely traveling or spending quality time with my family.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I really enjoy reading publications that focus on nature and sustainable travel. Magazines like National Geographic or Condé Nast Traveler inspire me with their incredible storytelling and stunning visuals that highlight the beauty and importance of preserving natural environments around the world.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One of the most common misperceptions about travel blogging is that it’s all about glamorous trips and constant fun. In reality, it involves a lot of planning, research, writing, editing, and often dealing with unexpected challenges on the road. It’s a full-time job that requires dedication and professionalism, not just posting pretty photos.
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