The Layover

Inside Lithuania with Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis: Culture, Cuisine & Europe’s Most Underrated Destination

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 architectureOffering nature-forward travel with 2,000+ lakes, outdoor adventures, and slow-travel appealServing up hearty, soulful cuisine—from potato-based cepelinai to refreshing pink beet soupPositioning itself as a rising hub for fintech, startups, and digital nomadsLeveraging CES to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovatorsInvesting in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital for the futureWhether 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.

Inside Yucatán with Elizabeth Cole: Ancient Roots, Living Culture & Mexico’s Next Great Destination

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 cuisineOffering immersive community-based tourism that empowers locals and protects traditionHome to award-winning gastronomy, cenotes, and archaeological wonders like Chichén Itzá and UxmalReviving coastal gems like El Cuyo—Tulum’s soulful predecessor—for travelers seeking quieter, more authentic escapesBuilding a sustainable model of tourism rooted in respect, authenticity, and shared benefitWhether 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 yucatan.travelWant to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?Check out our expertly curated city guidebooks at lostin.comWe 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_travelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lost_in_travel

Inside Batch with Mike Petrakis: The Celebration Economy, Group Travel & Building the Ultimate Party Planning App

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 momentsExpanding beyond bachelor and bachelorette parties to serve every kind of group celebrationUsing predictive demand to see where travelers are going months before they bookEmpowering small businesses, from boat captains to hibachi chefs, to thrive by plugging into Batch’s ecosystemCurating authentic local stays, dining, and activities powered by user data, not algorithmsBalancing explosive growth with profitability—and why they’ve turned down outside capital for two yearsBetting on community and curation over automation as AI reshapes travelWhether 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 batch.com.Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood?Check out our expertly curated city guidebooks at lostin.comWe 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_travelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lost_in_travel

Inside Airshare with Andy Tretiak: Private Aviation, Sports Marketing & The Power of Time

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 ethosTurning golf partnerships with the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup into long-term brand storytellingOffering fractional ownership, jet cards, and aircraft management for flyers who value flexibility over flashMaking private aviation accessible to the next generation of business leaders and luxury travelersUsing sports, culture, and hospitality as cornerstones for brand growth and emotional connectionWhether 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 flyairshare.com

Zachary Smith of Anywhere: Stress-Free Travel, Local Experts & The Future of Personalized Journeys

Special Offer Get $100 off your first trip with Anywhere by signing up here: anywhere.com/thelayover In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Zachary Smith, CEO of Anywhere, to unpack how a one-way trip to Oaxaca and an unexpected detour in Costa Rica grew into a global travel company redefining what it means to plan (and actually enjoy) your trip. Born from the simple idea of making travel less stressful, Anywhere blends technology with human connection, relying on local experts in every destination to design personalized, culturally immersive itineraries that put peace of mind first. Zach shares how Anywhere is: - Eliminating “tyranny of choice” overwhelm with curated, human-guided planning - Pairing travelers with local experts who understand the culture—and can step in if things go wrong -Turning stress into serenity through a “connected trip” model that flexes in real time - Focusing on authenticity over algorithms: no tour buses, no buffet lines, just real-world experiences - Scaling from Costa Rica to Cuba, Mexico, Japan, and beyond while staying deeply human-centric - Building a brand rooted in accountability, trust, and transformative travel - Whether you’re a busy parent dreading logistics, a cultural explorer craving authenticity, or someone who wants to make travel feel less like work and more like discovery, this episode reveals how Anywhere is rewriting the playbook for stress-free, meaningful journeys.