TikTok travel influencers are taking over, and Fabian Sanchez is an exciting voice in this dynamic world, providing a unique window into the life of an Ecuadorian living in Lithuania, plus trips to 55 countries under his belt. With over 83,000 followers on TikTok and 38,000 on Instagram, Fabian has captured the attention of viewers worldwide who tune in to his entertaining and informative videos on travel and the nuances of living in a new country; he is among the top TikTok travel influencers. In addition to being fun, his content, which combines travel advice, personal experiences, and cross-cultural interactions, teaches viewers about the beauty and complexities of exploring what the world has to offer.
Come along as we open this fascinating discussion with Fabian Sanchez and learn about the life that emerges when someone dares to step outside their comfort zone and welcome the world with open arms and an open heart.
You can find Fabian on TikTok and Instagram at @fabianas.lt
What are some essential travel items you can’t live without?
My essentials are pretty simple. I use my phone for taking pictures and videos, I need a good pair of sneakers to withstand all the walking, and I need sunscreen – especially in summer.
What place or country has the best food?
That’s a hard question, but my top three are Spain, Georgia, and Mexico.
Travelling sustainably and responsibly has become increasingly important. How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your travels, and what advice do you have for others who want to do the same?
I choose eco-friendly accommodation when I can. These places emphasise waste minimisation, energy efficiency, and selling locally grown food. It’s a great way to make sure my visit has a beneficial impact. I prefer getting around with public transport and rideshares like carpooling; it’s usually more cost-effective, too. Reusable items like water bottles and bags minimise plastic use. My motto is the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle.
Another important part of my travel philosophy is respecting local culture. This means being polite and thoughtful towards the locals and being mindful of their customs. I also support local businesses, be it cafés, stores, anything. It’s a great way to support the local economy and guarantee that the advantages of tourism are distributed throughout the community that live there.
For anybody wishing to travel in a more eco-conscious way, my advice would be to start small. Look into eco-friendly options, accommodation, and tours. Little things like using a reusable bag or water bottle can have a big impact. Share your stories about your commitment and experiences with other travellers. By raising awareness and motivating others to travel sustainably, we could boost our positive environmental effect.
Travel often involves meeting new people. Can you share stories about the interesting individuals you’ve encountered on your journeys and how they’ve influenced your life?
Some of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my life have been travelling alone. I always stay in a hostel; they’re the best for meeting other people. A unique camaraderie forms among solo travellers and hostels foster this with shared spaces and social events.
My solo trips in Asia have been very memorable. The people I met, especially those who were out there for 6 to 8 months, have crazy stories to tell about quitting their jobs and just going on adventures full-time. It made me want to do the same. Maybe one day!
How has relocating to Lithuania been for you? – language, cultural differences, etc.
It was definitely a little daunting at first. I come from a “warmer” culture, so the differences were immediately noticeable. Back in Ecuador, we have a very expressive and open way of socialising, which contrasts with the more reserved nature of Lithuanian culture. This difference in social dynamics was something I had to gradually get accustomed to.
I saw that with time, I was assimilating more into the area’s way of life. I developed an appreciation for the subtleties of interactions with Lithuanians, who are generally modest at first but incredibly kind once you get to know them. I was able to bridge the cultural divide by interacting with the locals, taking part in cultural activities, and embracing their way of life.
But there’s been a big obstacle with the Lithuanian language. Fluency is a huge task, especially for someone with an entirely different linguistic background. It’s a lovely but complicated language. The fact that so many Lithuanians are fluent in English doesn’t help either. It’s definitely useful, but it reduces the opportunity to use Lithuanian in daily interactions.
Do you have any advice for relocating to an unfamiliar country?
I recommend doing in-depth research. It’s important to know the area you’re going to. Starting with YouTube videos made by locals or expats living there is a great idea. These videos often provide insightful perspectives on the valuable elements of everyday living, such as using public transport, grocery shopping, and even etiquette in various situations. That would at least give a bit of context to where you are going.
Lastly, be flexible and keep an open mind. Moving to a foreign country means facing the unknown and leaving your comfort zone. Embrace the changes, be patient with yourself while you adjust, and remember that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed occasionally. All of this is a part of the journey, and eventually, what was once foreign will begin to feel like home.
Travelling to new places exposes us to different cultures and perspectives. How has travel changed your outlook on the world in general?
Going to new places made me see life in a whole new way! Meeting different kinds of people and seeing how they live opened my eyes. I learned to be more understanding and appreciate how everyone’s got their own way of doing things. These experiences have taught me the incredible diversity of human existence and the myriad ways people find happiness and fulfilment. It’s much more than crossing places off a list; it’s about hearing cool stories, learning stuff, and knowing there are tons of ways to live life. I’ve learned about many lifestyles, perspectives, and ways of thinking in every place I’ve been to.
My greatest takeaway from travel is the importance of empathy and understanding. Travelling taught me to be nice and understand people better. There is a lot to be learned from the perspectives of others in life.
What key lessons have you learned from your travels that have enriched your life?
Being cool and going with the flow is one of the most important things I’ve learned. Travelling can be unpredictable; there may be flight delays, plan changes, or other unexpected situations. Resilience and the capacity to thrive in uncertainty are skills I’ve gained by accepting these changes rather than fighting them.
Meeting people from all over has made me appreciate how awesome it is that everyone’s unique. I’ve started to emphasise the importance of people and experiences over material stuff. I’m more thankful for what I have. I’ve also learned the value of living in the present through travel. Enjoying the moment, being flexible, and adapting to new things have become part of the adventure. Being patient, brave in trying new things, and taking care of the environment have all become part of my journey, too.
In short, my travels have been a mix of fun, challenges, and lessons that have shaped who I am today. Each travel has left a lasting impression and advanced my own development.
Travel can be expensive. How do you manage your budget while exploring new destinations, and do you have any tips for saving money on the road?
Managing a travel budget is all about smart choices. I plan ahead, and book budget accommodations and flights way in advance. I also love exploring local eateries. You can get a very nice cheap meal by eating where the locals go, and it’s a more genuine eating experience. Opting for public transportation and travelling during off-peak seasons helps keep costs down.
I also always get travel insurance for unexpected situations. Though it might seem like an extra expense upfront, peace of mind is significantly enhanced by it, especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances like illness or trip cancellations. Sometimes, I mix work with travel so I don’t drain my annual leave. And when you get there, it’s all about finding a balance between splurging on experiences and keeping a handle on everyday expenses.
Thank you for your time today Fabian. To close off, what’s on your travel bucket list in the future? Are there any dream destinations or experiences you’re eager to explore?
Yes, I would like to visit Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and explore more of Africa.
