The Layover

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jill Delaney, President and CEO of Discover Albany, to explore why New York’s capital is one of the Northeast’s most overlooked cultural destinations—and how a city with more than 400 years of history is finding new ways to attract modern travelers.

From historic landmarks and architectural treasures to revitalized museums, culinary institutions, and scenic Hudson Valley adventures, Jill shares why Albany is embracing its heritage while investing in its future. With convenient connections to New York City by Amtrak, a growing arts and culture scene, and deep roots in American history, Albany offers travelers a different kind of New York experience—one built around discovery rather than crowds.

Jill breaks down what makes Albany worth exploring:

- 400 years of history: Discovering one of America's oldest continuously chartered cities, including its Revolutionary-era landmarks and connections to Hamilton.

- A new era for cultural tourism: How a major investment in the New York State Museum is helping revitalize Albany’s cultural offerings.

- Architecture and hidden history: Exploring the New York State Capitol, its famous Million Dollar Staircase, and the stories behind the city's historic buildings.

- Food with a sense of place: Why institutions like Jack’s Oyster House are an essential part of Albany’s identity.

- Easy Northeast escapes: Making Albany part of a Hudson Valley weekend through scenic train journeys, cycling routes, wineries, and nearby historic towns.

- Community-first destination marketing: Why supporting local residents, businesses, and cultural institutions is just as important as attracting visitors.

The conversation also explores the changing role of destination marketing organizations and why building a great place to visit starts with maintaining a great place to live. Jill shares insights from Destinations International about the growing importance of resident engagement, community partnerships, and preserving the authentic local experiences that travelers increasingly seek.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, culture-focused traveler, weekend explorer, or tourism professional interested in the future of destination marketing, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Albany and the people helping shape its next chapter.

Learn More

Explore Albany’s historic sites, restaurants, museums, and travel experiences at http://albany.org, and follow Discover Albany on social media.

Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?

Check out our award-winning city guides at https://lostin.com/collections/guides -- we pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts.

We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam.

Connect with us

Web: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Susan Freeman, executive director of Meet PEI, the destination organization focused on bringing business events, conferences, and travelers to Prince Edward Island. Susan introduces PEI as a bucket-list island destination on Canada’s East Coast—connected by ferry to Nova Scotia, by bridge to New Brunswick, and by air through major Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary.

Susan shares why PEI has become such a memorable destination for both meeting planners and leisure travelers: it’s small enough to feel intimate, but layered enough that visitors can spend a week or two exploring its beaches, harbor villages, food culture, and hidden gems.

Susan breaks down what makes Prince Edward Island stand out:

- A strong business events market, hosting groups from 10 to around 1,000 people

- A highly connected local community where partners, venues, and operators work closely together

- The island’s reputation as Canada’s Food Island, known for oysters, blue mussels, lobster, and seafood

- Warm summer beach season, crisp fall weather, and major culinary festivals

- Traditional lobster dinners, shellfish festivals, food-and-wine events, and local culinary experiences

- A slower, wellness-driven pace where visitors can breathe easier, walk the beaches, explore trails, and reconnect

The conversation also explores how PEI balances meetings and leisure travel, with business visitors often arriving early, staying late, and returning later with family. Susan highlights the island’s ability to make people “feel the heartbeat” of the destination through food, culture, hospitality, and a strong sense of place.

Whether you’re a meeting planner, seafood lover, wellness traveler, family traveler, or someone looking for a quieter East Coast escape, this episode offers a warm introduction to why Prince Edward Island leaves such a lasting impression.

🦞 Learn More

Explore meetings, events, and travel opportunities in Prince Edward Island at http://meetpei.com.

Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?

Check out our award-winning city guides at https://lostin.com/collections/guides -- we pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts.

We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam.

Connect with us

Web: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Daniella Middleton, partner and development counsel at Development Counsellors International (DCI), to unpack how destination marketing is changing in the creator economy. A self-described “digital traveler,” Daniella has spent two decades in travel marketing, leading high-impact digital strategies, multi-channel campaigns, international roadshows, and research into generational buying habits for meetings and event spaces.

Daniella shares how she first entered the travel industry through a Craigslist job post, later stepped away to sharpen her digital strategy perspective, and eventually returned to travel with a clearer view of how creators, social media, and digital platforms were reshaping the way destinations reach travelers.

Daniella breaks down how destination marketing is evolving through:

• The rise of travel creators as a hybrid of PR, advertising, social, and content
• Why creator partnerships need to be relationship-based, not purely transactional
• How destinations should vet creators based on objectives, audience, data, and brand fit
• The growing influence of Gen Alpha and younger audiences on family travel decisions
• Why TikTok search, shares, saves, and TikTok Go are changing the path from inspiration to booking
• How B2B destinations and meetings brands are beginning to work with thought leaders and LinkedIn creators
• Why print, guides, and physical media still have value when they serve a clear audience or stakeholder objective

The conversation also explores the difficulty of proving ROI in creator marketing, the blurred lines between journalists and influencers, the importance of qualitative signals like shares and saves, and why destinations need to move faster while still respecting public funding, transparency, and stakeholder accountability.

Whether you’re a destination marketer, travel creator, publisher, agency strategist, or tourism leader trying to understand where influence is headed next, this episode offers a sharp, practical look at how the travel industry can build smarter, more authentic, and more effective creator partnerships.

📍 Learn More Connect with Daniella Middleton on LinkedIn and learn more about DCI’s work in destination marketing, economic development, and talent attraction.

Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood? Check out our award-winning city guides at https://lostin.com/collections/guides -- we pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts.

We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam.

Connect with us Web: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Joe O’Connor, a full-time traveling dad, worldschooler, and co-founder of Global Family Home Rentals, or GFHR—a community-driven rental platform built for families pursuing slower, more intentional travel. After years of dreaming about long-term family travel, Joe and his partner, Linds, eventually packed up their traditional life and began spending months at a time abroad with their daughter, living in places like Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Hawaii.

Joe shares how their experience as a traveling family exposed one of the biggest challenges in the nomadic family lifestyle: what to do with your primary home while you’re away—and how to find trusted, affordable, family-friendly homes abroad without relying on traditional short-term rental platforms.

Joe breaks down how GFHR is:

• Helping families rent or exchange homes for 30+ day stays
• Creating a vetted, invite-only community built around trust and transparency
• Offering homes priced at cost, rather than for profit
• Supporting worldschooling families with homes designed for real family life
• Making slow travel more affordable by unlocking primary residences around the world
• Encouraging families to choose destinations based on homes, community, and lifestyle—not just tourist demand

The conversation also explores worldschooling, flexible education, micro-schools, remote learning, and how travel can become one of the richest forms of education for kids. Joe reflects on his family’s time in Syros, Greece, where his daughter learned, played, rode bikes, and built a life in the community—not just a vacation itinerary.

Whether you’re a parent dreaming about long-term travel, a worldschooling family looking for housing solutions, or simply curious about what it takes to build a more flexible life around travel, this episode offers an inspiring look at how families can move from watching the dream online to actually living it.

🏡 Learn More Explore Global Family Home Rentals at http://gfhr.co, or connect with Joe O’Connor on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Mauri Waneka, founder of Schwet, a hospitality-meets-wellness concept built around saunas, pools, steam, social connection, and what Mauri calls a “detox, retox” approach to living well. Rather than positioning Schwet as just another cold plunge or wellness space, Mauri frames it as a new kind of hospitality product: sexy, social, design-forward, and rooted in connection.

Mauri shares how her path from derivatives trading to real estate development to community building led to Schwet. After moving to Los Angeles, she began hosting dinners as a way to meet interesting people, eventually growing those gatherings into large-scale social experiences that blended business, art, science, entertainment, and culture.

Mauri breaks down how Schwet is:

• Reimagining wellness as living well, not rigid self-denial
• Blending contrast therapy, social time, and nightlife energy into one hospitality experience
• Creating a space where people can connect without phones, pressure, or the usual members-club stiffness
• Balancing exclusivity with public access so the community stays fresh and dynamic
• Building a brand voice that is funny, irreverent, privacy-conscious, and intentionally anti-flex
• Positioning itself for a future where wellness, hotels, clubs, and hospitality increasingly overlap

The conversation also explores New York’s current social renaissance, why Mauri believes the city beats Los Angeles for spontaneous connection, and how boutique hotels inspired Schwet’s mix of locals, visitors, friends-of-friends, and new faces.

Whether you’re interested in hospitality, wellness, community design, nightlife, or the next wave of social spaces, this episode offers a look at how Schwet is making wellness feel less precious—and a lot more fun.

💧 Learn More Follow Schwet at https://www.getschwet.com/to see the space, the vibe, and Mauri’s very unserious approach to serious hospitality.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Ryan Simonetti, president and CEO of Convene Hospitality Group, to explore the evolving intersection of hospitality, work, lifestyle, and travel. From his early roots around restaurants and hospitality through his father’s Martin’s potato roll delivery business to building one of the leading platforms for premium meetings, events, and flexible workspaces, Ryan shares how Convene is redefining where—and how—people come together.

Ryan unpacks how Convene Hospitality Group is building spaces designed for a world where the lines between business travel, lifestyle, community, and experience are increasingly blurred.

Ryan breaks down how CHG is:

• Turning meetings and conferences into experience-driven gatherings
• Designing premium workspaces through a hospitality-first lens
• Using human-centered design to support productivity, connection, and brand identity
• Reimagining third spaces for entrepreneurs, creators, and modern teams
• Bringing NeueHouse into its next chapter as a home for the curious and creative
• Scaling thoughtfully across markets while preserving high-touch service and local nuance

The conversation also explores the rise of IRL experiences in an AI-driven world, the transformation of business travel, the importance of design in workplace culture, and why the future of conferences may look more like festivals, private dinners, wellness breakouts, and curated cultural moments.

Whether you’re a founder, hospitality operator, event strategist, business traveler, or someone thinking about the future of work, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how premium spaces can help people gather with more purpose, creativity, and connection.

🏢 Learn MoreExplore Convene Hospitality Group, Convene, and NeueHouse, or follow Ryan Simonetti on LinkedIn for more on the future of hospitality, work, and experience.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convenehospitalitygroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convene-hospitality-group/

Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-simonetti/

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Robbie Bent, CEO and co-founder of OtherShip, a fast-growing wellness concept blending sauna, ice baths, breathwork, music, comedy, and emotionally driven group classes into a new kind of social experience.

What started as a backyard ice bath community in Toronto has evolved into a cult-favorite wellness brand with locations in Toronto and New York, designed for people looking to connect, decompress, and socialize without alcohol.

Robbie breaks down how OtherShip is:

• Reimagining sauna and cold plunge culture as a platform for emotional wellness
• Creating sober social spaces through DJ nights, comedy, singles events, and guided classes
• Using hot and cold exposure to help people feel more open, present, and connected
• Building community around shared experiences instead of phones, alcohol, or nightlife pressure
• Designing spaces that feel more like a boutique hotel or social club than a fitness studio
• Scaling from a backyard experiment to major New York buildouts with a deeply loyal following

The conversation also explores Robbie’s own path from sobriety to entrepreneurship, the rise of sober-curious culture, the loneliness epidemic in major cities, and why OtherShip’s most powerful product may not be the sauna or the ice bath—but the permission it gives people to be human together.

Whether you’re interested in wellness, hospitality, nightlife, community building, or the future of alcohol-free social spaces, this episode offers a look at how OtherShip is turning recovery, connection, and emotional release into a new kind of modern ritual.

🧊 Learn More Follow Robbie Bent on LinkedIn or Instagram, and explore OtherShip to learn more about its sauna, ice bath, and emotional wellness experiences.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Alex Schellenberger, former Global Chief Marketing Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality brands balances heritage, growth, and modern brand building.

From his early career at Procter & Gamble, Hugo Boss, Coty, and Accor to leading brand strategy for Mandarin Oriental, Alex shares how classical brand management principles translate into the world of ultra-luxury travel—where emotion, recognition, and service define the guest experience.

Alex unpacks how luxury hospitality is evolving through:

• Preserving brand DNA while scaling Mandarin Oriental’s global footprint
• Building loyalty among ultra-high-net-worth travelers through recognition, access, and emotional connection
• Keeping the iconic “I’m a Fan” campaign relevant after more than two decades
• Using celebrities and cultural figures as authentic brand ambassadors, not just paid endorsers
• Applying AI and guest data to improve personalization while keeping the human touch at the center
• Designing transformational experiences, from monk-led retreats in Japan to private museum access and champagne house immersions

The conversation also explores why service memories matter more than room design, how Asian hospitality continues to shape global luxury, and why the future of high-end travel depends on both technology and deeply human moments.

Whether you’re a luxury traveler, hotelier, brand marketer, or simply fascinated by what makes a hospitality brand iconic, this episode offers a rare look inside the strategy behind one of the most respected names in global travel.

🏨 Learn More Explore Mandarin Oriental’s hotels, residences, and experiences at http://mandarinoriental.com.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Sander Allegro, hospitality strategist, international speaker, and founder of Allegro Innovations, to explore one of the industry's biggest questions: as hospitality becomes increasingly automated, how do we preserve the human connection that makes great travel memorable?

Drawing on decades of experience across hotel operations, education, consulting, and his leadership role with Quality Lodgings, Sander shares why the future of hospitality isn’t a choice between technology and service—it’s about mastering both.

Sander unpacks how the industry is:

• Using AI and automation to eliminate repetitive tasks while creating more meaningful guest interactions
• Shifting from a gut-feel industry to a data-driven one without losing its soul
• Helping independent hotels compete by offering authenticity, personality, and unforgettable experiences
• Creating communities of hoteliers who share knowledge, resources, and innovation
• Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders to balance business analytics with emotional intelligence
• Redefining luxury through personalization, storytelling, and genuine human care

The conversation also explores why boutique hotels may have an edge in an increasingly standardized world, how brands outside hospitality—from dentists to automotive companies—are embracing hospitality principles, and why the most valuable travel experiences often come from people, not amenities.

Whether you're a hotelier, entrepreneur, hospitality student, or traveler searching for more meaningful experiences, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why the future of hospitality may be more human than ever.

🏨 Learn More Explore Sander’s work at Allegro Innovations and discover Europe’s leading collection of independent luxury hotels through Quality Lodgings.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jessie Fischer, founder and CEO of GuestOS, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality—not by replacing people, but by giving hotel teams more time to create meaningful guest experiences.

Raised in a family that has operated hotels near Yosemite National Park for more than 50 years, Jessie grew up answering phones, calming guests during wildfires and power outages, and learning firsthand what hospitality looks like when nature keeps you on your toes. Today, she’s channeling those experiences into GuestOS, an AI-powered hospitality platform helping hotels automate repetitive tasks while elevating service and personalization.

Jessie breaks down how GuestOS is:

• Automating repetitive guest inquiries so hotel staff can focus on hospitality, not busywork
• Creating customizable AI “teammates” trained on each property’s unique brand and personality
• Helping hotels unlock underutilized spaces and create new guest experiences
• Using AI to improve communication during emergencies like wildfires and road closures
• Supporting outdoor destinations like Yosemite through better visitor information and coordination
• Reimagining hotels as hubs for experiences, community, and connection—not just places to sleep

The conversation also dives into the future of hospitality tech, overtourism in national parks, outdoor travel, female founders in hospitality, and why the best travel memories almost always come from human connection—not amenities.

Whether you’re a hotelier, travel tech founder, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about how AI can make hospitality feel more human, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where the industry is headed next.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Goedele Mangelaars, founder and CEO of Pink Notebook, an AI-powered travel platform reimagining how trips are discovered, planned, and booked. From growing up across continents to working at companies like Skyscanner and Terra API, Goedele brings a global, data-driven perspective to one of travel’s biggest pain points: too much inspiration, not enough context. Pink Notebook is built to bridge that gap—combining visual discovery, smart curation, and seamless booking into one cohesive experience. Goedele breaks down how Pink Notebook is:

• Reducing decision fatigue by narrowing thousands of options into a curated shortlist
• Combining inspiration, context, and booking into a single end-to-end platform
• Challenging traditional OTAs by focusing on boutique hotels and high-intent travelers
• Using AI more like Spotify or Pinterest—surfacing what you’ll love, not overwhelming you with choices
• Designing for a world where 80% of travel decisions are driven by women
• Pushing back against trend-driven travel in favor of authentic, meaningful discovery

The conversation also explores the future of agentic travel planning, the limits of AI trust, and why human curation still matters in a world flooded with content. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, startup founder, or simply tired of clicking through 277 tabs to plan a trip, this episode offers a fresh take on where travel tech is headed—and how to make it work better for real people.

Follow Pink Notebook at @pinknotebooktravel for more!

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jon Skogmo, CEO of LOST iN, for an inside look at how the brand is redefining travel media; blending physical guidebooks, digital storytelling, and real-world experiences into one cohesive ecosystem.

From betting on print in a digital-first world to building a community that spans social, newsletters, and IRL events, Jon shares why the future of travel isn’t just about where you go—but how you connect along the way.

Jon unpacks how LOST iN is:

• Leading a resurgence of physical media, with guidebooks designed as collectible, story-driven travel companions
• Targeting millennials and Gen Z travelers who prioritize experiences over ownership
• Bridging the gap between URL and IRL, using events, pop-ups, and community moments to deepen engagement
• Treating travel as the antidote to AI, prioritizing real experiences over digital noise
• Building a curated creator network focused on authenticity, not follower count
• Expanding globally with 400+ retail locations and growing first-party audience data

From vacations to transformational travel trends, this conversation dives into how cultural shifts, remote work, and creator ecosystems are reshaping the way (and the reasons) people explore the world.

Whether you’re a traveler, brand marketer, or media operator, this episode offers a candid look at how LOST iN is building a next-generation travel brand rooted in curation, community, and real-world connection.

🌍 Explore LOST iN guidebooks, destinations, and experiences at http://lostin.com.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with D’Andra Duggans, Chief Brand Officer of the Las Vegas Aces, to explore how women’s sports, destination marketing, and live entertainment are reshaping Las Vegas into a global sports travel powerhouse. From championship culture to marquee partnerships, D’Andra shares how the Aces are designing experiences that draw fans far beyond the arena.

As sports tourism surges toward a projected $2 trillion global market, the Aces are emerging as a must-see stop on the Las Vegas itinerary—proving that women’s basketball can drive travel, culture, and economic impact at scale.

D’Andra breaks down how the Aces are:

• Turning championship success into a destination-worthy game-day experience
• Partnering with MGM and the LVCVA to integrate Aces games into broader Vegas travel itineraries
• Taking a quality-over-quantity approach to brand partnerships and sponsorships
• Building player-led storytelling that empowers athletes as creators and media brands
• Positioning the Aces as a cornerstone franchise in both the WNBA and Las Vegas’ sports ecosystem
• Using CES as a platform for inspiration, innovation, and future-facing fan engagement

Whether you’re a sports marketer, brand strategist, or traveler planning your next Vegas trip, this episode offers a compelling look at how the Las Vegas Aces are redefining sports entertainment—and why women’s sports are becoming a powerful engine for tourism and culture.

🏀 Learn More Follow the Las Vegas Aces and their upcoming season to see how championship basketball meets destination-driven storytelling in Las Vegas: https://aces.wnba.com/

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, the award-winning luxury travel company known for designing deeply immersive, emotionally driven journeys around the world. From backpacking through the Philippines and Brazil to building one of the most influential brands in experiential travel, Tom shares how curiosity, not comfort, has always been the compass.

Tom unpacks how Black Tomato has helped pioneer the rise of transformational travel, creating trips that prioritize how travelers want to feel, not just where they want to go.

In this conversation, Tom explores:

• Why luxury today is defined by thoughtfulness, access, and emotion, not just five-star amenities
• How Black Tomato finds meaningful experiences beyond overtouristed destinations
• The role of local fixers and human relationships in creating truly personal journeys
• Designing family and multi-generational travel that brings people together—without friction
• Why AI can support travel planning but will never replace human intuition and trust

Whether you’re fascinated by the psychology of travel, seeking deeper experiences beyond the bucket list, or curious how luxury brands stay human in an AI-driven world, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why the most powerful journeys don’t just change where you go—they change how you see the world.

🌍 Discover more about Black Tomato and their approach to transformational travel at http://blacktomato.com.

• Website: https://www.blacktomato.com/
• Instagram: @blacktomatotravel
• Tom Marchant on Instagram: @tommymarchant10
• Gift of Boredom (mentioned in conversation)

Destinations and itineraries mentioned:

• Iceland: Snorkel and dive between tectonic plates
• A Journey into Mongolia (for campfire cookouts, eagle hunting, and mountain monasteries)
• Ultimate Bhutan: A Luxurious & Cultural Retreat (spiritually enlightening and as remote as they come)
• An Adventure Across Iceland (for magma chambers, trolls, and geothermal tomato farms)
• Switzerland & Italy (a luxury vacation in the Alps, lakes, and coast)
• An insiders guide to the Amalfi Coast: Limoncello, sweeping vistas and storied villas

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, to explore how the state is future-proofing travel through bold infrastructure projects, clean energy innovation, and cross-border connectivity.

From America’s first public wireless-charging road to an EV-friendly Lake Michigan Circuit designed to keep charging stops within reach, Justine breaks down how Michigan is making road trips more seamless for the next generation of travelers.

Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like. At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path.

Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events.

—Connect with us—

Website: https://lostin.com/

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Mike Richter and Erica Fieldman of Unplugged Collective to unpack how modern travel storytelling is evolving—and what it really takes to build trust, scale audiences, and create content that actually moves people.

From navigating brand partnerships and audience growth to balancing creativity with commercial realities, Mike and Erica share an insider’s perspective on building a media platform rooted in authenticity, intention, and community.

Together, they explore:

• How Unplugged Collective approaches travel storytelling with purpose, not just reach
• Why depth, perspective, and credibility matter more than ever in a crowded media landscape
• What brands misunderstand about creator partnerships—and how to get them right
• How audience trust is built through consistent point of view and lived experience
• Where travel media is headed as platforms, formats, and consumer behavior continue to shift

Whether you’re a creator, brand marketer, tourism board, or simply passionate about thoughtful travel, this episode offers a grounded look at how Unplugged Collective is shaping the future of travel media—one story at a time.

Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like.

At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path. Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events.

Connect with us

Website: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador of Lithuania to the United States, live from CES, to explore why this Baltic nation is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most intriguing travel destinations.

From medieval old towns and Baroque architecture to lakeside castles, comfort-driven cuisine, and a booming innovation ecosystem, Lithuania blends deep history with modern momentum in a way most American travelers haven’t discovered yet.

Ambassador Varvuolis shares how Lithuania is:

• Showcasing its 700-year-old capital Vilnius, a UNESCO-listed city rich in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture
• Offering nature-forward travel with 2,000+ lakes, outdoor adventures, and slow-travel appeal
• Serving up hearty, soulful cuisine—from potato-based cepelinai to refreshing pink beet soup
• Positioning itself as a rising hub for fintech, startups, and digital nomads
• Leveraging CES to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators
• Investing in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital for the future

Whether you’re a curious traveler looking beyond Western Europe, a foodie chasing regional flavors, or a founder scouting your next international base, this episode offers a compelling introduction to Lithuania—where old-world charm meets next-generation ambition.

🇱🇹 Learn More & Plan a Visit Explore Lithuania through the Lithuanian Embassy or connect with local consulates in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles—and if you’re craving Lithuanian food stateside, Chicago is your first stop.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Elizabeth Cole, Undersecretary of Tourism for the Yucatán, to uncover why this storied region is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most compelling travel destinations.

Far beyond the crowds of Cancún, Yucatán offers travelers a deeper connection—to Mayan history, sustainable communities, and a culinary heritage that’s as alive today as it was centuries ago.

Elizabeth shares how Yucatán is:

• Preserving and celebrating living Maya culture, from language to cuisine
• Offering immersive community-based tourism that empowers locals and protects tradition
• Home to award-winning gastronomy, cenotes, and archaeological wonders like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal
• Reviving coastal gems like El Cuyo—Tulum’s soulful predecessor—for travelers seeking quieter, more authentic escapes
• Building a sustainable model of tourism rooted in respect, authenticity, and shared benefit

Whether you’re drawn by ancient ruins, turquoise sinkholes, or handmade tortillas cooked over open fires, this episode shows how Yucatán invites travelers to move slower, look deeper, and experience Mexico beyond the resort brochure.

🇲🇽 Plan Your Journey Discover more at http://yucatan.travel

Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?

Check out our expertly curated city guidebooks at http://lostin.com

We pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts.

We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam.

--Connect with us--

Web: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lost_in_travel

In this episode of The Layover, we catch up with Mike Petrakis, CEO and founder of Batch, the app revolutionizing how people plan group travel and celebrations. From bachelorette blowouts and golf trips to divorce parties and girls’ getaways, Batch has become the go-to destination for organizing unforgettable group experiences—now in 90 markets across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Mike shares how Batch is:

• Building what he calls “the celebration economy”—turning life’s milestones into travel-worthy moments
• Expanding beyond bachelor and bachelorette parties to serve every kind of group celebration
• Using predictive demand to see where travelers are going months before they book
• Empowering small businesses, from boat captains to hibachi chefs, to thrive by plugging into Batch’s ecosystem
• Curating authentic local stays, dining, and activities powered by user data, not algorithms
• Balancing explosive growth with profitability—and why they’ve turned down outside capital for two years
• Betting on community and curation over automation as AI reshapes travel

Whether you’re a party planner, an entrepreneur in the experience economy, or just someone who loves celebrating life with your crew, this episode offers a front-row look at how Batch is redefining group travel—one unforgettable trip at a time.

🎉 Plan Your Next Celebration Download the Batch app and start planning your next group getaway at http://batch.com.

Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?

Check out our expertly curated city guidebooks at http://lostin.com

We pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts.

We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam.

--Connect with us--

Web: https://lostin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide

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In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Andy Tretiak, Chief Marketing Officer of Airshare, to explore how one of America’s fastest-growing private aviation companies is redefining what it means to fly smarter, not just higher.

From rebranding MLS club Sporting Kansas City to spearheading Airshare’s partnership with the PGA of America and Ryder Cup, Andy’s career sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and the business of movement. He brings a marketer’s eye and a traveler’s heart to an industry built on saving the one thing money can’t buy—time.

Andy shares how Airshare is:

• Expanding from regional roots to national scale while keeping a personal, customer-first ethos
• Turning golf partnerships with the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup into long-term brand storytelling
• Offering fractional ownership, jet cards, and aircraft management for flyers who value flexibility over flash
• Making private aviation accessible to the next generation of business leaders and luxury travelers
• Using sports, culture, and hospitality as cornerstones for brand growth and emotional connection

Whether you’re a business traveler chasing efficiency, a golf enthusiast flying to your next tee time, or just curious what it really takes to elevate a brand 40,000 feet above the competition, this episode reveals how Airshare is transforming private aviation into something deeply human—and surprisingly attainable.

✈️ Learn More Explore Airshare’s private aviation programs and their 25-year milestone at http://flyairshare.com