El Cafecito Travel Talks
El Cafecito Travel Talks is a travel and cultural podcast hosted by Tony Lloyd, a travel planner, hostel owner, and community builder who has spent more than 25 years living and working in Latin America.
Each episode features real conversations with travellers, expats, backpackers, cultural explorers, community leaders, and people who have chosen to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world in their own way. From short adventures to life-changing moves abroad, these stories highlight the experiences, challenges, connections, and discoveries that come from seeing the world through different eyes.
Along the way, we’ll explore travel, culture, community, identity, and the unexpected moments that connect people across borders. Many conversations focus on Latin America, including the stories, experiences, and contributions of Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas, but the lessons and connections are universal.
Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming of living abroad, planning your next adventure, or simply curious about the people and places that make our world interesting, there’s a seat for you at the table.
Grab a cafecito or a tea and join us for the journey.
Travel. Culture. Connection.
El Cafecito Travel Talks
#47 Sailing to Latin America
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What would make someone from Switzerland trade a plane ticket for a sailboat?
In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd sits down with Tobias, a young traveller who chose the slow route to the Americas. Instead of flying across the Atlantic, he spent 26 days at sea, sailing from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to Martinique in the Caribbean.
Tobias shares what life was really like on board: night watches, endless ocean horizons, dolphins swimming alongside the boat, rough weather, and the surprising challenge of returning to society after weeks at sea.
The conversation continues through his travels in the Caribbean, Colombia, and Ecuador, where he reflects on cultural differences, learning Spanish, trusting his instincts, and the freedom that long-term travel can bring.
In this episode:
- Why Tobias chose a sailboat instead of a plane
- How do travellers find boats crossing the Atlantic
- Life aboard a sailing vessel for 26 days
- Dolphins, storms, and midnight sail changes
- Arriving in the Caribbean after weeks at sea
- Travelling through Colombia and Ecuador
- Lessons learned from slow travel
- The importance of trusting your intuition
- What freedom really means while travelling
Guest: Tobias (Switzerland)
Host: Tony Lloyd
Travel • Culture • Connection
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If you’d like to help keep these conversations going, you’ll find a contribution link in the podcast notes.
Travel Advisory Services
Tony Lloyd helps independent travellers create meaningful journeys throughout Central and South America, including cultural and community-based experiences.
Connect info:
Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:
email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com
El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: admincafecito@gmail.com
Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550
LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson
Support the Podcast:
If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550
New episodes are released every Tuesday.
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