Airplane Mode

Marissa Meizz on community building and the search for friendship

Episode 04: Sarah chats with Marissa about the creation of No More Lonely Friends and gets practical advice on growing community as a young adult.   On episode 4 of the Airplane Mode podcast from EF Ultimate Break, host Sarah Baus interviews Marissa Meizz, a travel creator and founder of the community “No More Lonely Friends.” Marissa shares her journey to becoming a viral travel creator and founder who fosters real-world connections through IRL meetups. Her mission centers on combating loneliness by bringing people together to make friends in a fun, intentional, and adventurous way.   The conversation dives into the nuances of adult friendship-making, emphasizing the importance of treating friendship-building like dating—being intentional, vulnerable, and open to finding mutual interests. Marissa also offers practical advice on approaching new social situations, including creative conversation starters and embracing the awkwardness that comes with meeting new people.   The discussion touches on the role of social media in nurturing and sustaining friendships formed in person or virtually, highlighting both its benefits and pitfalls. Marissa shares personal travel stories, insights into her extroverted personality, and practical tips for solo travelers seeking to embrace bravery and spontaneity.   Presented by EF Ultimate Break, Airplane Mode is a travel podcast about culture, community, and comfort zones. Hosted by influencer Sarah Baus, each episode is a creator-to-creator conversation that unpacks the realities of travel, iconic destinations, and the people we meet along the way.   Have a topic or question you want to hear discussed? Let us know @‌efultimatebreak.

Chloe Mitchell on the magic of shared memories and LGBTQ+ travel

Episode 03: Sarah and Chloe chat about group-trip core memories and the realities of traveling as a queer person.  In this episode of Airplane Mode, Sarah Baus sits down with Chloe Mitchell [https://www.instagram.com/chloevmitchell/?hl=en] to explore how group travel can spark deep, authentic connections among strangers. Drawing on her adventures with EF Ultimate Break, Chloe reflects on the powerful bonds formed through shared challenges—like long hours in a safari 4x4 or intense Muay Thai training sessions. She compares group travel to team sports, where vulnerability and discomfort lead to trust and camaraderie. Through personal travel stories, she illustrates how unpredictable moments on the road often become the most memorable—and the most meaningful.  The conversation also touches on Chloe’s experience traveling as a queer woman, and how group travel can provide both safety and solidarity in unfamiliar cultural contexts. She shares her thoughtful approach to navigating identity abroad, from researching LGBTQ+ friendliness to using subtle self-expression to find community. At its core, this episode celebrates the transformative magic of travel when experienced through connection, shared storytelling, and radical authenticity.  Presented by EF Ultimate Break, Airplane Mode is a travel podcast about culture, community, and comfort zones. Hosted by influencer Sarah Baus, each episode is a creator-to-creator conversation that unpacks the realities of travel, iconic destinations, and the people we meet along the way.   Have a topic or question you want to hear discussed? Let us know @efultimatebreak [https://www.instagram.com/efultimatebreak].

Alexa Moore on quitting the corporate life to become a travel creator

Episode 02: Sarah and Alexa Moore talk about leaving the corporate world to become a full-time travel creator, list their travel picks, and discuss remaining original in a copycat world.   In this episode of Airplane Mode, Alexa Moore opens up about her bold career shift from working in the environmental sector to becoming a full-time travel content creator. She shares the pivotal moment that sparked the realization she wanted more from life. With the support of her family, Alexa made the leap into content creation, driven by a desire to share honest, personal stories from her travels. Her story screams the importance of authenticity, both in life and online, as she emphasizes that meaningful storytelling and lived experience resonate more deeply than generic content.  Alexa also sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of life as a travel creator, including the challenge of balancing work with enjoying the moment. She speaks candidly about the importance of staying safe as a solo female traveler, advocating for preparedness while on the road. Debunking common myths, Alexa clarifies that monetization isn’t about follower count—it’s about creating quality content and real engagement. Her online persona, @lilmsawkward [https://www.instagram.com/lilmsawkward/?hl=en] celebrates embracing quirks and showing up authentically, encouraging others to do the same. She also underscores the value of strategic planning, urging aspiring creators to maximize their time and opportunities, even while on vacation.  Presented by EF Ultimate Break, Airplane Mode is a travel podcast about culture, community, and comfort zones. Hosted by influencer Sarah Baus, each episode is a creator-to-creator conversation that unpacks the realities of travel, iconic destinations, and the people we meet along the way.   Have a topic or question you want to hear discussed? Let us know @efultimatebreak [https://www.instagram.com/efultimatebreak].

Emma Topp on crying in Italy and finding empowerment traveling solo

Episode 01: Sarah is joined by Emma Topp to unpack what makes Italy so chefs kiss and what it’s like traveling solo as a woman.   In the debut episode of Airplane Mode, Sarah Baus [https://www.instagram.com/sarahebaus/?hl=en] is joined by content creator Emma Topp [https://www.instagram.com/emmaatopp/?hl=en], who shares her inspiring solo travel experiences in Italy. Having visited the country five times, Emma expresses a deep affection for its culture, cuisine, and charm. She recounts emotional moments—like sipping her first Aperol spritz and wandering through the canals of Venice alone—that made her travels feel especially meaningful. Emma emphasizes the empowerment that comes from traveling solo, describing it as a path to personal growth and self-discovery.  She also offers practical tips for female travelers, including the importance of packing light, staying aware of your surroundings, and walking with confidence. Emma highlights the joy of connecting with fellow travelers, noting how these spontaneous friendships can enhance the experience and create lasting memories. From savoring local Italian dishes to learning that asking for help can lead to meaningful encounters, her journey is a celebration of courage, independence, and the transformative power of solo travel.  Presented by EF Ultimate Break, Airplane Mode is a travel podcast about culture, community, and comfort zones. Hosted by influencer Sarah Baus, each episode is a creator-to-creator conversation that unpacks the realities of travel, iconic destinations, and the people we meet along the way.   Have a topic or question you want to hear discussed? Let us know @efultimatebreak [https://www.instagram.com/efultimatebreak].