Meet Tour Leader Mika Behind the Mic

Sep 26
If you’re wondering about the transition from the 9 to 5 to life on the road, there’s nobody better than a Tour Leader to tell you! Let’s take a peek into the life of quite a new Tour Leader, Michalina (Mika), who’s only been leading tours for a year. For invaluable insights into the benefits of travel versus a desk job, read on for what Mika has to say.
Also check out: Behind the Tour Leader: Meet Luke.

Name

Michalina (Mika)

Age

34

Nationality

Polish

Where in the world do you call home now?

Bydgoszcz, Poland

How many countries have you explored so far?

15 countries

How long have you been helping fellow wanderers discover the world?

1 year

What did you do before trading the 9-5 for life on the road?

I was a teacher and headmaster of a vocational school.

What inspired you to become a Tour Leader and chase this incredible path?

A dating app! I used to date a guy who was working as a Tour Leader. He told me so much about this job and also that I would be good at it. I was getting burned out with my work at the time so I thought maybe it was a good time for a change.

What’s the best part about leading tours?

I like being on the move; this way I can skip the daily routine and make my life more exciting and adventurous! I am always around people from all over the world, and I can learn so much from them. This job gave me freedom which I never had before. I can work when I want and then still have time off when I can just enjoy life my way.

Ultimate favourite destination (anywhere on this planet)?

For holidays: Canary Islands. I lived there for a year, the weather is truly beautiful all year long. It's the perfect place to skip cold winters. For showing people around: Budapest.

Is there a dream destination still on your list? 

I would love to visit South Africa and Indonesia.

Which 3 bucket list items are still waiting for you?

  • Going for a bike tour on a trail along the Baltic Sea 
  • Visiting all of the Canary Islands
  • Buying a campervan

If you could lead a tour anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what makes that spot so special? 

I am very happy with leading tours in central/eastern Europe. I am from here and it feels more natural to me than leading a tour in Italy or Spain, for example. I would like to lead a tour that includes more of Poland and some eastern destinations like Ukraine and Belarus. I hope one day it will be possible.

How do you spend your time when you’re not guiding adventurers?

I like cycling, especially going on a bike tour for a couple of days.

What’s something about you that would totally surprise your travellers?

I was the principal of a school for 5 years!

What’s your favourite fun fact to share with people on tour?

When I was a teenager, I used to have dreadlocks. I grew up in the countryside in a very small community, a village in the middle of the forest with a population of around 50 people!

The most amazing meal you’ve had in the world? 

Seafood pasta.

Why do you think travel is essential for a fulfilling life?

It is the best way to learn about yourself and enjoy your life at the same time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Do not listen to other people’s opinions about your life; follow your intuition and do what you think is good for you!

Are you sold on life as a Tour Leader and want to take the first steps to follow in Mika’s footsteps? 

Invest in your future success and financial freedom with a TourCademy Training Program, designed to educate wanderers and equip them with the skills needed to fly free!