El Cafecito Travel Talks

Tony Lloyd

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.

  1. 1d ago

    #58 Documenting the Journey

    What will you remember from your travels a year from now?  Carina, a traveller from Germany, has taken a sabbatical to spend more than a year exploring the world. But she isn’t just travelling; she’s documenting the journey. Through a private written journal, photography, and printed photo albums for each country she visits, Carina is creating a personal record of the places she sees, the food she eats, the things that go right and the things that don’t. We talk about: • Why she has kept travel journals since childhood • Travelling solo as a woman • The difference between a private journal and social media • Photographing landscapes, food, and everyday moments • Creating a photo album for every country • How journaling can make travel more immersive • Whether documenting a moment can sometimes make you miss it • Why ordinary travellers’ stories may be worth preserving • Her year-long journey and the destination she’s most excited about: New Zealand Sometimes the best travel stories aren’t meant for an audience. They’re simply a way of remembering who you were and what you saw along the way. Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #58 Documenting the Journey
  2. 3d ago

    #57 Finding a Wife Abroad

    At 73, a traveler shares a very personal story about looking for companionship abroad, using an international matrimonial agency, and eventually marrying a woman in Colombia. He talks openly about spending thousands of dollars through the agency, the excitement of arriving in Medellín, falling in love, getting married and the red flags he admits he ignored along the way. At his request, we have chosen not to use his name. But we felt his story was important to share. This episode isn’t about judging his choices or anyone else’s. It’s an honest conversation about loneliness, attention, cultural and economic differences, relationships abroad, and what can happen when things move too quickly. Over tea, he reflects on what went wrong, what he would do differently today, and the advice he would give others looking for love far from home. Sometimes the most valuable travel stories aren’t about where we go, but what we learn along the way. Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #57 Finding a Wife Abroad
  3. 4d ago

    #56 Black Queer Travel

    What is it like to travel the world as a Black queer couple? In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Ash and Phae, two slow travellers from the United States who share their experiences navigating the world while embracing multiple identities. From defining what “non-binary” and “queer” mean in their own words to discussing safety, community, and the realities of long-term travel, this conversation is thoughtful, honest, and approachable. The discussion also explores Ecuador’s LGBTQ+ history, the importance of finding welcoming communities, and why slow travel has given them a new sense of freedom. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply curious to learn from different perspectives, this episode is about travel, understanding, and human connection. In This Episode What “non-binary” means in everyday lifeHow Ash and Phae define the word “queer”Travelling internationally with different identitiesSafety considerations before choosing a destinationWhy they chose slow travel over fast-paced tourismFinding Black and LGBTQ+ communities abroadTheir experiences in Costa Rica and EcuadorCuenca’s role in Ecuador’s LGBTQ+ historyResources they use before visiting a countryWhat true freedom means while travellingBuilding welcoming spaces wherever you goGuests: Ash and Phae https://www.instagram.com/unboundphae?utm_source=qr Host: Tony Lloyd Connect with El Cafecito  Travel Planning & Relocation Services throughout Latin America  El Cafecito Hostel – Cuenca, Ecuador  Subscribe to El Cafecito Travel Talks for inspiring stories from travellers, expats, and locals across Latin America. Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #56 Black Queer Travel
  4. Jul 5

    #54 One-Way Exploration

    What would you do if you had no return date? At just 24 years old, Fabian left behind a career in sports event management in Austria and bought a one-way ticket to South America. Six months later, he’s still exploring—discovering new cultures, making friendships in hostels, cheering alongside locals during the World Cup, and learning that travel is about much more than checking countries off a list. In this episode, we talk about experiencing Ecuador during football fever, discovering Ecuavolley in the Galápagos, life aboard an Amazon cargo boat, the friendships that start over a simple card game, and why embracing different cultures can completely change the way you see the world. In this episode: Why Fabian left his corporate careerExperiencing the World Cup in EcuadorDiscovering Ecuador’s unique EcuavolleyHow hostels create friendships across culturesEight days on an Amazon cargo boatLearning Spanish one mistake at a timeWhy travel is really about discovering different ways to liveTravel • Culture • Connection Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #54 One-Way Exploration
  5. Jul 2

    #53 Group Tours vs. Solo Travel

    Should you join a group tour or travel independently? In this episode, I sit down with Nathan, an experienced traveller and international teacher, to compare the advantages and disadvantages of both styles of travel. We discuss safety, flexibility, cost, meeting new people, language barriers, and when each approach makes the most sense. We also talk about cruises, all-inclusive resorts, relocating abroad, and why sometimes having someone else handle the planning can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning your very first international trip or your fiftieth, this conversation may help you decide which style of travel best fits your personality and travel goals. In this episode: Group tours vs. independent travelSafety and peace of mindMeeting people while travellingLanguage barriersCruises and all-inclusive resortsTravelling in China and EcuadorRelocation scouting tripsWhy travel teaches toleranceTravel • Culture • Connection Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #53 Group Tours vs. Solo Travel
  6. Jun 30

    #52 Irish Teacher in Colombia

    In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Azim, a 27-year-old teacher from Dublin, Ireland, who is working at an American international school in Valledupar, Colombia. Azim shares what led him to leave Ireland, how international teaching can open the door to travel, and what life is like in a hot, music-filled Colombian city famous for vallenato. The conversation explores culture shock, language barriers, Caribbean Colombian Spanish, power cuts, dance culture, social life, and the emotional side of living far from home. Azim also reflects on being the first Irish teacher at his school, working alongside mostly American colleagues, and how even English speakers can experience cultural differences through accent, humour, and everyday language. This episode looks at what happens when we live outside our comfort zone — how we judge, adapt, learn, and grow. Topics include: Irish life vs. Colombian life Teaching abroad as a way to travel Valledupar and Vallenato culture Language learning and identity Culture shock and cultural bias Missing family while living abroad Friendship and support in a new country Advice for anyone thinking of working internationally Guest: Azim, Irish Teacher Host: Tony Lloyd Travel · Culture · Connection Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #52 Irish Teacher in Colombia
  7. Jun 26

    #51 Behind the Hotel Desk

    What really goes on behind the scenes of a hotel? In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Pierce Lowney, an Irish hospitality professional who started working in a local pub at just 14 years old before building a career in luxury hotels. Now backpacking across South America, Peirce shares the stories, lessons, and unforgettable moments he’s experienced from both sides of the reception desk. From hilarious “Fawlty Towers” moments and unforgettable guests to bizarre online reviews and practical booking advice, this episode offers a fascinating look at the world of hospitality through the eyes of someone who’s lived it. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a hotel lover, or simply curious about what happens after you check in, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the people working behind the scenes. In this episode: Starting a hospitality career at just 14 years oldFunny hotel mistakes and unforgettable guest storiesBehind-the-scenes secrets of running a hotelThe strangest online reviews guests have leftCultural differences between travelersHotel vs. hostel vs. AirbnbHow to choose the right place to stayWhy hospitality is really about peopleGuest: Pierce Lowney, Irish hospitality professional Host: Tony Lloyd Travel • Culture • Connection Support the show 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: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    #51 Behind the Hotel Desk
4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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.