Mónica Santi: travel journalism with identity and awareness

Mónica Santi’s journey in travel journalism began through exploration. Before the microphone and the words, there were journeys across her own country, careful observation, and the need to tell stories often left out of traditional narratives. Local histories, myths and legends, biographies of notable figures, music, and the unique character of each place were the starting point of a vocation that saw tourism as a profound cultural expression.

Tourism revealed itself to her as a social and cultural phenomenon during an awards ceremony for radio and television programs in Puerto Madryn. There, she realized that there was much to share,not in isolation, but with a clear and sustained purpose. That trip marked a turning point, leading her to make tourism a central and meaningful theme in her radio programs.

For Mónica Santi, tourism today is culture, history, and identity. It strengthens bonds, offers constant learning, and provides the chance to walk new paths, seeing the world from a broader perspective and seeking what is not always visible at first glance. Her approach is guided by a personal philosophy of sustainable and responsible tourism, with a strong commitment to supporting regional economies.

Her professional practice is grounded in responsibility. Mónica understands that behind every word there are real people and realities. When she leaves a place, she not only shares suggestions but also recognizes and praises what is done well. She believes that everyone can improve, but any contribution must come from a place of respect. Her values guide her to always emphasize the importance of caring for the spaces that welcome visitors, focusing on ecosystem preservation, protection of local wildlife, and safeguarding seas and rivers, while integrating these issues with knowledge of local history.

Environmental commitment is not an empty slogan in her work. It is an integral part of her personal and professional project. She has trained in environmental management and has the tools to share small changes that, when applied responsibly, can produce significant transformations. Her work aims to protect the environment without stopping enjoyment, translating small everyday habits into sustainable tourism practices.

Mónica observes real progress in environmental awareness connected to travel. For her, “big” simply means taking action. Even talking about caring for nature during vacations is already a sign of change. Every professional contributes from their own perspective, and in this collective effort, every action matters. 

Among the many stories that have left a mark, she recalls one in particular in Santa Elena, Entre Ríos. There, she interviewed local producers,a family of two parents and three children,who, in addition to their teaching work, run a project called Hombre Verde. They produce preservative-free goods for local distribution with a national reach. The initiative is a family legacy, with recipes created by the father, the “Green Man,” leaving a living inheritance for children, grandchildren, and the wider community.   

For Mónica, being a travel journalist means carrying great responsibility, embracing a privilege, and following a path marked by humility and commitment. She sees her role as defending the rights of each territory she visits, aware that travelers are always guests. Entering a place requires protecting what belongs to others, sharing without intruding, and preserving respect for local identity.

Through her radio programs, she continues promoting respectful tourism, where every life counts,from humans to animals and nature. If something is to be passed on to future generations, she believes it must be protected today. She is inspired by the cities she visits and by the certainty that there will always be new wonders to discover.

Among the destinations that most impacted her are Puerto Madryn and Iguazú Falls. In Madryn, a close encounter with whales was profoundly emotional. Feeling them just meters away, perceiving their fins as a greeting, brought her to tears as she fulfilled a lifelong dream. Both destinations left an indelible mark on her heart and represented achievements realized.

From every trip, she takes human lessons. She particularly values the people from Argentina’s interior, whom she describes as wonderful, and highlights solidarity as a defining trait of the country. These experiences confirmed that the path she chose is the right one: sharing the most valuable thing we have,our time.

Mónica envisions tourism that dares to show the multiple ways life and spaces can be experienced, but in a way that respects rather than intrudes. “Like a quinceañera,” she says, beauty is revealed while respecting the environment, history, and family. She continues to work in this direction.

Her ongoing challenge is to present the good and meaningful publicly, maintaining balance when pointing out negative aspects and understanding both public and private responsibilities. To those just starting, she advises staying true to their projects, preparing, training, and choosing their own path. Mistakes, she assures, provide valuable lessons, even if they are not fully understood at the time.

Her career has allowed her to participate in national and international awards, travel widely, and share unforgettable experiences. Everything comes at a cost, but also holds great value. She concludes that aiming for this value sets the course and guides the journey, refining mistakes, highlighting successes, and turning every hard-to-reach destination into an unforgettable memory.