It depends on what you want to do. A monopod is really for steadying your camera/lens while you are holding the camera. This is usually for sports/wildlife photography with bigger/heavier lenses.

A tripod is for supporting your camera when you are not holding it. This allows for long exposures or for you to run and be in the picture.

My guess is that you would like a travel tripod. I bought mine in 2012, and here is the thread where I slowly figured out the differences and what I wanted. I ended up with a Gitzo 1542T, Markins Q3T ballhead, and Really Right Stuff plates. I would put Gitzo and Really Right stuff legs at the top of the market and Really Right stuff as well as a number of others at the top for ball heads. But I know others really like Oben, manfrotto, induro and other brands.

BTW, I love my selection. It does exactly what I wanted. Small, lightweight and steady and travels very well.