Airplane Mode Podcast | Alexa Moore on quitting the corporate life to become a travel creator

Quitting your job to travel the world sounds like the plot of a daydream you have between Zoom calls, right? For Alexa Moore—better known online as @littlemissawkward—it became her life. She went from working in the environmental sector in Washington D.C. to building a full-blown travel-creator career that’s equal parts inspiring, chaotic, and yes, awkward (in the best way). Alexa and Sarah dove into her story on episode 02 of the Airplane Mode podcast.

Her “I’m done” moment

You know the scene—packing up your desk, arms full of sad plants and unwashed coffee mugs, and suddenly… clarity. That was Alexa in 2021. “It was like a movie scene. Box in hand, I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’ That was the moment I knew I had to make a change.”

After working in the environmental sector after graduating from college, she realized the cubicle life just wasn’t it. She already had some traction creating travel content on the side, so after talking it through with her family and partner, she decided to go all in.

Travel creator ≠ endless vacation

Okay, let's debunk the biggest myth first: Being a travel creator doesn’t mean living in a beach hammock and drinking out of coconuts all day. Alexa is quick to clarify that her job is equal parts hustle and hotel hopping. “My days can start at 5 am and end at midnight. It’s go-go-go.” From hiking even when she really isn’t in the mood to editing videos in tiny airport corners, the job is far from a chill vacation.

Travel lessons > textbooks

One of Alexa’s biggest travel takeaways? Don’t let stereotypes shape your itinerary. “You have to just see it for yourself. Get rid of those preconceived notions.”

She’s talking about places like Mexico or Thailand that get mixed reviews in the media, but are filled with incredible culture, people, and experiences. Her advice: Book the trip, form your own opinion, and keep your mind wide open.

What she misses from the 9–5 (yes, really)

Even dream jobs come with tradeoffs. Alexa admits that since content creation is her full-time gig, it’s hard to turn off. Whether it’s her honeymoon or a quick getaway, there’s always the itch to document the moment. When your job is to tell stories, it can be hard to remember when being present is more important. But she’s learned to find balance in the quiet moments, like cooking dinner at home with her husband and hanging out with her dog.

Authenticity on camera

Not everyone is born to vlog. Alexa describes herself as “a little awkward” on screen, which is exactly what makes her so relatable. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She leans into her quirks, tells it like it is, and finds a way to connect through honesty and humor.

Alexa’s travel icks

We had to ask: What makes a bad travel buddy? Alexa didn’t hold back.

❌ Complaining when locals don’t speak English

❌ Comparing everything to back home

❌ Constant negativity

Her golden rule: Respect the place you’re in, lean into the discomfort, and if you’re going to complain, at least be funny about it.

Solo travel > group chat plans that never happen

Ever wait around for your friends to commit to a trip... only for no one to actually book anything? Alexa’s over it. “If your friends don’t want to come, go anyway. Just tell them, ‘I’m going—let me know if you want to join.’”

She’s also seen her own mom transform from “nervous traveler” to “passport queen” on a two-month solo trip. The message? You’re never too young, too old, or too “awkward” to go explore the world on your own.

Safety first, always

Alexa’s go-to safety tips for solo travelers (and, honestly, everyone):

📱 Always have phone data—even if it costs more

📍 Share your location + itinerary with someone you trust

🧳 Download travel apps (offline maps = game changer)

🛡️ Get travel insurance. She swears by it.

Want to be a travel creator? Start here:

Not ready to quit your job yet? Cool. Alexa says you don’t have to. Start by:

📸 Posting consistently (yes, even if it feels cringe at first)

✈️ Stacking PTO and company holidays to travel + create content

🔍 Finding your voice—not just copying what’s already out there

“Audience size has very little to do with how much money you can make,” Alexa told us. Quality, personality, and storytelling beat follower count, every time.

Real life vs. reel life

Yes, even on personal trips (and in her daily life) Alexa is usually creating content. The difference? Sometimes she brings the big camera…sometimes it’s just an iPhone. But she’s learned to protect a few sacred moments.

“I’m not going to film everything. Sometimes I just want to watch the lanterns go up and be present.”

Final thoughts

Alexa’s story is proof that it’s possible to do the scary thing. Whether you want to become a creator or just take your first solo trip, her journey is all about being brave, staying true to yourself, and leaning into the awkward parts along the way.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally book that trip—or post that first video—this is it. ✈️

Watch the full podcast HERE!