When Eric Monkaba Speaks, I listen.
An interview with one of the most relentless, no bs, travel advisors in the industry.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last decade working alongside—and being introduced to—some of the sharpest minds in travel. People who challenge how I think about this industry. No fluff, no gimmicks, and definitely no recycled takes. When they speak, I listen. And now, I want you to be able to tap into their brains too.
First up: Eric Monkaba.
Eric is the founder of TripScaper and a top-tier travel advisor for clients who relish adventure, seek mindful immersion, and appreciate luxury. He’s hardcore in the best way—pounding the pavement around the world for months on end to craft exceptional experiences. When one client wanted to attend a Voodoo festival in Benin, he flew there himself first, on his own dime, to make sure every detail was locked in. He even hand-wraps his clients’ final documentation packages because he believes in the “tangibility of travel.” Every trip he touches feels intentional down to the smallest detail. Go check out his Instagram—you’ll see what I mean.
He recently wrapped an epic trip across Asia, including three nights on the drool worthy Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, and I wanted his hot take—not just on the trip, but on what he’s seeing and sensing across the travel and hospitality space.
A few highlights from our chat:
→ He splurged on the Presidential Suite aboard the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express—no regrets, no notes.
→ One of the most popular destinations his clients are asking about right now? China.
→ His travelers are gravitating back to heritage brands like Oetker and Raffles—“because, quite frankly, many of the newer brands feel a little too ‘superficial’ and financially exploitative.”
→ His direct advice for new travel advisors entering an industry where there is no barrier to entry.
You recently took a big trip across Asia. Tell us more—what was the inspiration behind this one?
This was a significant milestone for me. Not only was it my 45th birthday and my 20th year in the industry, but it also stood as a symbol of the blood, sweat, and tears—yes, I’ve shed all of these over the years—that have gone into what I’ve built.
What ended up being the highlight?
Of course, being in the train's Presidential Suite for three nights was the absolute highlight, but really, this trip was about letting myself be spoiled for a change. I booked VIP airport assistance at every stop, only flew business class, and even went days without checking my phone (life-changing, I swear).
