Hear how Marissa built a full-time travel career while advocating for inclusion, ethical tourism and local stories. Travel creator Marissa Strang shares stories from Japan, Switzerland and Egypt while reflecting on the emotional realities of building a life through travel. She discusses leaving corporate America to become a full-time content creator, balancing documentation with being present in the moment, and using travel storytelling to spotlight underrepresented voices, local histories and community-led tourism initiatives. Marissa also explores the experiences of Black travelers abroad, the difference between diversity and inclusion in travel marketing, and why supporting local communities through intentional travel can foster deeper cultural understanding around the world.
390: Travel as Rebellion: Marissa Strang on Representation, Storytelling and Supporting Local Communities
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Marissa Strang
Marissa Strang is a Washington, D.C.–based travel creator, storyteller, and tourism marketing professional who has built a global community of over 100,000+ travelers through culture-first, experience-driven content that inspires people to explore the world with more confidence, curiosity, and intention. A lifelong traveler with a passion for immersive experiences and community-led tourism, Marissa has explored destinations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, with a travel style centered around local culture and highlighting underrepresented stories. And she will be a featured speaker at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit 2026.
What You'll Learn
- How Marissa transitioned from corporate America to building a full-time career in travel storytelling
- Why representation, inclusion and community-led tourism matter in the travel industry
- What travel through Japan, Switzerland and beyond taught her about culture, confidence and human connection
Links From the Episode
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JOIN MATT AND MARISSA AT THE WOMEN IN TRAVEL SUMMIT ON MAY 29TH TO 31ST, 2026 IN CHATTANOOGA
OTHER MAVERICK SHOW PODCAST GUESTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
CONTACT AND FOLLOW MARISSA
#1 BOOK THAT MARISSA RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM MARISSA WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
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LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
- Marissa:Fairfax, Virginia
- Matt: Asheville, North Carolina
WINES CONSUMED IN THIS EPISODE
COMPANIES / COMMUNITIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACE IN INDIA MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN ITALY MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES / SPOTS IN JAPAN MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES / SPOTS IN SWITZERLAND MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
OTHER PLACES / SPOTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Atlantic City (New Jersey)
- Cairo
- Cartagena (Colombia)
- Europe
- India
- Italy
- Massanutten
- Middle East
- New York City
- Nile River
- North Africa
- Panama Canal
- Puerto Rico
- Reykjavik (Iceland)
- Switzerland
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[1:05] First Impressions of Japan
[6:11] Sumo Wrestling in Japan
[8:05] Playing Soccer with Kids in Egypt
[10:28] Riding the Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy
[18:40] Leaving Her 9-5 Job to Become a Professional Travel Content Creator
[23:13] Living in the Moment vs. Documenting the Moment
[24:51] Tips for Experiencing Travel with a Spouse vs. Creating Content
[26:19] The Stress and Challenges of Being a Full Time Content Creator
[28:45] Stories that Marissa Wishes Got More Attention
[30:29] Highlighting Underrepresented Stories
[32:02] Much Needed Conversations on Race and Representation in Travel
[43:42] Reflections on Traveling the World a Black Woman
[37:16] Economic Class Barriers in Travel Culture
[40:20] Tips for Black Travelers
[42:09] Tips for Solo Female Travelers
[43:41] The Wanderful Community and the WITS Travel Creator Summit
[48:00] What Version of Marissa Only Exists When She Travels
[49:01] Outgrowing an Older Version of Herself
[49:59] What Travel Means to Marissa
[51:32] The Lightning Round
[53:34] Contact and Follow Marissa
