At LifeTrek, we work with passionate individuals who don’t just guide tours—they live the adventure. In this interview, meet Tilen Fajon, a Slovenian traveler and tour leader who spends at least three months a year exploring the world. From high-altitude hikes to remote beaches, Tilen shares his unique experiences, insights, and travel philosophy.
How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
I’d say I’m a person with a range of interests, almost all connected in one way or another to travel. With a bit of luck—and a lot more work—I engage in projects that align with where I am in life. When something no longer fulfills me or stops offering personal growth, I turn a new page. Traveling, it seems, will remain a central part of my life for quite some time.
How did it all begin?
I grew up in Ljubljana, and my first job was at my grandfather’s inn on Mount Slivnica, nestled in the Karst region. That’s where I first caught the travel bug—tourists from around the world would come and tell me about their countries, and I would show them ours. My first big adventure was an Interrail trip across Europe. Later, I launched a travel blog, Leticeneje.si, to spread the travel spirit. Eventually, I outgrew it and looked to work in a real travel agency. That’s how I found LifeTrek—and started leading trips and reshaping a few travel programs.
Where are you at the moment?
At home, preparing for a ski touring trip to Georgia next week.
How much of the year do you spend traveling?
I don’t keep detailed records—it’s often a mix of work and surfing. Probably about three months per year.
What’s the longest you’ve been away?
Four summer months in the Basque Country (with a two-week break in Croatia). My longest continuous trip was six weeks on the move.
How do you pick your next destination?
Entirely by feel. Sometimes we’re scouting new destinations for LifeTrek. But I love going back to familiar places, discovering them with fresh eyes. You evolve from being a basic tourist in flip-flops to someone who’s on a first-name basis with locals, swapping iconic sights for everyday moments.
Which past trip is closest to your heart?
Definitely my first Interrail adventure—it was chaotic, but that’s what made it memorable. I also have a special place in my heart for South America.
When did you start your blog?
Hard to say exactly—probably around six years ago.
Most-read blog post?
Flights to London for €1.
What do you do when you’re not traveling?
I spend time with my dog, play inline hockey with friends, and enjoy board games. Blogging takes a backseat, but I try to write now and then—especially when inspiration hits.
How do you finance your travels? Do you earn from your blog?
In the early days, yes—there weren’t many expenses. Nowadays, many trips are part of my job. When I travel privately, I reduce costs using my knowledge and contacts abroad. So travel rarely becomes a financial burden.
Who are your readers—mostly Slovenians or foreigners?
Mostly Slovenians.
Which continent feels most like home?
Europe, for sure. The diversity of cultures and nature in such a small area is amazing. You can drive anywhere and still be home the same day. And I can take my dog along.
Do you interact with locals during your travels? Any favorites?
Always! I try to avoid acting like a typical tourist. People in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia have been incredibly hospitable. I also had unforgettable experiences with two Bolivian miners on Chacaltaya (a 5000-meter peak near La Paz)—they gave me a full tour of their mine and even gifted me a chunk of raw ore.
Can you imagine traveling without taking a single photo?
Almost. I prefer experiencing the world without gadgets. I’ll take photos of rental car damage, maybe, but otherwise, I don’t rush to take hundreds of pictures. Since I often return to destinations, I feel no urgency.
What kind of traveler are you?
Laid-back and adaptable. I embrace the local level—street food, homestays, spending money in local communities. But I turn into a fierce negotiator when it comes to taxi fares; otherwise, I just take public transport.
Five things you always pack first?
- Passport
- Toothbrush and basic hygiene
- Phone charger
- Sleeping bag or sleep sheet
- Dog gear (bowl, food, bed)
Best advice for other travelers?
Before you go, prep an envelope labeled “For Guides!” Put $10–15 per travel day inside. Use it for local guides—they’ll tell you way more than any book, and with much more enthusiasm. You’ll gain a deeper experience. I’m not saying you must travel with an agency—independent travel is great—but hiring a guide doesn’t make you any less adventurous.
Top 3 dishes discovered abroad?
Gyros, tajine, and txuleta (Basque steak).
Worst travel experience?
Drug inspection in Ecuador just before my flight back to Europe. Super stressful.
Which destination exceeded your expectations, and which disappointed you?
Bolivia exceeded all expectations. I’m rarely disappointed—what bothers me more is that we often “spoil” trips by over-researching and looking up photos beforehand. Then we arrive and just think, “I’ve seen this already.” That happened in Uzbekistan recently.
Common myths about travel and travelers?
People skip hiring guides, thinking they’re not worth it—that’s a mistake. Another is tipping: if you’re not careful, you can distort the local economy. Over-tipping can undermine the motivation of teachers, doctors, and public workers, pushing talent toward tourism.
Also, travelers are often seen as wealthy, carefree people. But we make sacrifices. On my first Interrail trip, I got by on €20/day across five countries. I was often hungry, and my fancy drink lasted a week. People rarely asked how the trip went—only how I could afford it.
What life lessons has travel taught you?
Peace of mind, especially from my summers surfing in the Basque Country. I’ve learned how small and insignificant we are in nature’s grand rhythm. You can fight the tides—or learn to move with them. Once you accept that, life becomes more enjoyable.
Sometimes I joke that the world is a simulation—because so many things defy logic. But rather than dwell on the why, I focus on the joy of the experience.
When does blogging stop being a hobby and become a job?
In Slovenia, it’s tough. A personal blog can open doors or act as a great resume item. But it won’t support a full-time income for most. That’s why I stopped chasing clicks with Leticeneje and shifted to meaningful travel stories. I’m also building a flight search tool—not for profit, but to help others save. It’s more of a hobby; I won’t be buying a car with the earnings.
Thanks to my blog, I landed a job in a travel agency—that’s real value. But making it a scalable business that supports others? That’s still a dream.
Is there anything Slovenian you miss abroad?
Funny enough, sometimes I miss playing hockey. In Latin America, I even miss Ljubljana’s traffic—it’s less chaotic than theirs.