do you want to get the most out of your
sabbatical?
Why Take a Sabbatical?
With burnout at record highs, especially among women, sabbaticals are essential for overcoming exhaustion, navigating life transitions, and unlocking personal growth—while prioritizing both individual and planetary well-being. Yet many women return from their time off wondering if they truly made the most of it.
To solve this, empowered.travel has created the world’s first DIY sabbatical framework for women on solo journeys. This structured, self-guided approach helps women regenerate, reconnect with their purpose, and return truly empowered—for the long term.
Where to go from here
sabbatical guidebook
sabbatical guidebook
+ 1:1 coaching
employee
retention
empowered.travel benefits
- Action-Oriented Growth (Japanese: kaizen - discipline and continuous improvement)
- Simplicity and Decluttering Life’s Priorities (Japanese: arugamama - acceptance of things we cannot control)
- Living in the Present Moment (Japanese: ichi-go ichi-e)
- Building Resilience Through Challenges (Japanese: gaman - endurance with dignity)
- Developing Outward Attention (Japanese: omotenashi - the spirit of selfless service)
- Personal Regeneration by Fostering a Sense of Connection and Purpose (Japanese: ikigai)
- Embracing Impermanence and Imperfection (Japanese: wabi-sabi)
- Reconnection to Self and The World Around Us (Japanese: taikiken - approaching life from a place of true alignment and body knowledge)
Questions? Book a free intro call:
Or submit the form below and we'll get in touch:
What others say
“Monika inspired me with her determination, devotion, and commitment to serve. She really has profound skills to bring the best out of you. Her way to communicate with others is just amazing; she loves people and helping them. Definitely I would recommend her as an empowerment coach. ” – Lili Gavrilovic, Life Guidance and Empowerment Mentor, Dearmouring Expert, Powerful Retreat Leader
“Monika is brave—and just the right kind of crazy. And trust me, I know a thing or two about crazy (it’s basically a prerequisite for summiting Everest in winter for the first time). I first met Monika at a workshop Leszek Cichy and I gave about our historic first winter ascent of Everest in 1980 (I think? The altitude might have messed with my memory). Right away, Monika stood out with her kindness, spark, and boundless enthusiasm—it’s the kind that makes you want to grab an ice axe and chase your dreams. I’m rooting for Monika in everything she does—on the mountain and off. She’s a force of nature.” – Krzysztof Wielicki, living legend; first ascent of Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga in winter
“I first met Mona when I was speaking at an event in Slovenia that she was helping to run, and we felt a powerful connection instantly. Mona is open, honest, kind, vulnerable and has a passion for adventure and making a difference. I can’t think of anyone better to guide others through an empowering journey!” – Natalia Cohen, Adventurer, Keynote Speaker, part of the first all-female team to row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean
“I first met Monika while she was cycling solo from Austria to Greece—because apparently, walking across Europe wasn’t ambitious enough. Her energy levels are nothing short of supernatural (seriously, someone should study this). Case in point: the next day, we climbed a several-hundred-meter multi-pitch route in Paklenica. We’d never climbed together before, it was a short autumn afternoon, and she’d just cycled over 130 km the previous day—but exhaustion? Not in her vocabulary. Her perseverance is only matched by her kindness, which makes her an unstoppable force in every sense of the word.” – Luka Krajnc, World-Class Alpinist, Patagonia and Black Diamond Ambassador
“Few people understand and appreciate every facet of the sport, or the incredible world it opens up to us. Monika is one of those rare individuals: deeply passionate about rock climbing and mountains in every form, but perhaps even more so about people and the power of sharing experiences. Her relentless drive to help others maximize their climbing journeys sets her apart and makes a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.” – Caro Ciavaldini: Once Upon the a Climb, Pro Climber, The North Face and La Sportiva Ambassador
“Monika is an empowered woman, with a bright future because her tenacity and perseverance take her to the top! Believing in yourself in difficult situations is not an easy task, but perhaps it is the key to success, to your success! An inspiring woman, eager to conquer personal and professional heights!“ – Edu Martin, professional climber, Petzl Ambassador
“When you meet Monika you are immediately struck by the light in her eyes, the desire to give light to her entire universe including those in front of her. She has a natural propensity to support others, with words, her precious advices or simply with silence and her presence. She is a powerful and special woman to me and I am grateful our paths crossed.” – Antonella Capasso, Founder of ToBE Method – Chinese Medicine combined with Emotional Training Method
“I love empowered.travel! What a great offering fitting in perfectly with the Transformation Economy in guiding women in achieving their utmost potential.” – B. Joseph Pine II, an internationally acclaimed author of ‘The Experience Economy’, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies
“What sets Monika apart is her “travel with heart” philosophy, which infuses both her personal and professional pursuits with purpose and sustainability. Her adventurous spirit and resilience shine through in all her endeavors. Beyond her professional capabilities, Monika is simply a joy to be around, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to every interaction.” – Norie Quintos, Communications consultant, formerly Editor at Large National Geographic
“I’ve worked with Monika on several projects and under multiple conditions, always with the same result: she exudes passion for her work and stays exceptionally focused on details. I’ll always seek her out because of the care she exhibits for others and the fact that doing something well is her top priority.” – Alex Crevar, Writer, Editor, Contributor to The New York Times, Adventure Destinations Strategist
“The way that Mona connects with others is very special and it is a privilege to work with someone who is so genuinely devoted to a cause and has true belief in what she does.” – Laura Montesanti, Founder, Synergy – The Retreat Show
“Monika puts so much passion, energy, care, and attention to detail into her work that whatever the project or event, it will turn out wonderful.” – Dr Raj Joshi, Expedition Leader + Founder of The Adventure Boutique and 360 Expeditions
“Monika’s social skills are truly impressive, characterised by her openness, warmhearted attitude, and authenticity. Despite her sociability, she never loses focus and always knows what needs to be done. Monika is someone you will always enjoy having around as a collaborator.” – Judith Volker, Real Estate Alchemist, Founder of Magical Places
“Monika has been such a pleasure to work with over these past years. Her kindness and compassion are conveyed in all of her words and actions; and her experience leads to travel conversations and planning that unlock inner growth and transformation.” – Jared M. Meyers, Co-Founder at B Tourism, Founding Director at Climate First Bank, and Chairman at Legacy Vacation Resorts
“I would happily follow Mona on any adventure she curated. I know that it would be a profound experience. If you have yet to meet Mona, you are in for a treat.” – Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA, Emmy-winning TV Producer
“Monika stands out as an impassioned, engaged and enlightened global ambassador in her professional and personal pursuits. Monika is an engaging connector through her extensive professional travel industry network, vast knowledge of people, places and cultures, and the heart-centered way she cares about people, the planet and how travel can transform.” – Kurt Kutay, Founder and former President at Wildland Adventures
“I first met Monika at a B to B trade event and I was instantly inspired. She’s interested in people and has the natural ability to connect. She will be a great asset for any company looking to expand their visibility and grow in the spheres of tourism.” – Karen Simmonds, Founder of Travel Matters, Travelpulse’s 2024 Most Influencial Woman in Travel
“I whole-heartedly recommend Mona. I’ve known her for years and she has consistently been enthusiastic and passionate for travel with purpose and meaning. My approach to work is values-based and ‘leading with the heart’ and in this regard Mona and are completely aligned.” – Duncan Grossart, Founder, Chair & Chief Purpose Officer at Journeys With Purpose
