After their incredible Sunday Family Reunion event at Brixton Warehouse, we caught up with Alberto and Giacomo — two of the three founders of JETLOST, the fast-growing travel platform connecting students and young creatives living abroad through unforgettable trips, shared experiences, and a sense of family.
They were later joined by Candela, who helped transform JETLOST from a passion project into the thriving international business it is today.
What began as a spur-of-the-moment weekend away has evolved into a global community that’s redefining what it means to travel and belong.
JETLOST was born out of friendship, adventure, and a shared curiosity to see the world differently — through connection, creativity, and a spirit of exploration. Three friends who turned spontaneous fun into a serious business model, while never losing the joy that started it all.
How did JETLOST begin?
Giacomo:
It started completely by chance about three years ago. We were bored of the same London weekends — spending crazy money going out, doing the same thing every Friday and Saturday. One weekend, a friend said, “Let’s do something different — there’s a flight to Poland tomorrow morning for £30.”
We booked it, went with no plan, and ended up exploring an abandoned World War II factory in the woods. It was wild — we came back that night and said, “We have to keep doing this.”
From there, we started organising group trips with friends — the first big one was Alicante in December. Thirty students from different universities, from grey skies in London to blue skies and Spanish taverna lunches — all in 24 hours. It blew our minds.
That trip changed everything. We realised weekends didn’t have to be predictable; they could be spontaneous, adventurous, and affordable. It made us see London life differently — that you could live here and still escape whenever you needed to.
When did it become a business?
Alberto:
At first, it was just a group of friends having fun. But when we saw how many people wanted to join, we realised we had something bigger.
We registered the company, built the brand, and started to take things seriously. Then, during a trip to Dubai, we met Candela, who became our third co-founder. She’s incredible — organised, creative, and full of ideas. Together, we turned JETLOST from a hobby into a structured company registered in Spain.
From that moment, our mindset shifted — we weren’t just planning trips; we were creating a movement.
What does JETLOST stand for?
Alberto:
Our ethos is simple — your family abroad.
Wherever you go — Japan, Colombia, London — we want you to find connection and belonging.
Giacomo:
We say our friendships have no expiration date. It’s not university that brings people together, it’s real friendship. That’s what JETLOST is about.
Tell us about your Sunday Family Reunion at Brixton Warehouse
Giacomo:
Sunday is family day, right? We wanted to create that feeling for students and young professionals who might be far from home.
We cooked food, played basketball and darts, made tiramisu together, and even had the Wii out — it was like one big living room. Everyone could relax, not pretend to have fun like in a club, just be themselves.
Alberto:
We created zones — cooking, gaming, music — so people naturally connected and taught each other things. It felt very organic.
“Sunday is family day, right? We wanted to create that feeling for students and young professionals who might be far from home.”
— Giacomo, JETLOST
Why are events like this so important?
Alberto:
Because they’re the bridge. Before people book a trip abroad with us, they want to meet us and the community. These events help build that trust — you feel like you already know everyone before you travel.
Giacomo:
And honestly, it’s good for wellbeing too. Cities like London can feel lonely — so creating a place that feels like home really matters.
You often talk about energy — what makes a JETLOST event so special?
Giacomo:
You’re selling an emotion. That’s what people want — to feel something genuine.
Alberto:
Exactly. We’re selling a dream. It’s not just a trip; it’s how it makes you feel. That’s what people remember.
“You’re selling an emotion. That’s what people want — to feel something genuine.”
— Giacomo, JETLOST
You’ve built a big community presence — how do you keep that energy going?
Giacomo:
We push ourselves to get out there. We go to every event we can, meet people on the street, talk about JETLOST — even set up darts games and mystery envelopes to grab attention.
Alberto:
It’s about showing up with enthusiasm. You can’t fake it — the energy comes from believing in what we’re building.
What’s been your biggest learning so far?
Giacomo:
Running a business at this age teaches you everything — about people, travel, money, motivation.
Alberto:
Sometimes I stop and realise I’m living the life I dreamed of when I was sixteen. We’ve organised over 20 trips to more than 20 countries — and we’re still growing.
“Sometimes I stop and realise I’m living the life I dreamed of when I was sixteen.”
— Alberto, JETLOST
How is JETLOST evolving as you and your community grow older?
Alberto:
As we’ve grown, we’ve realised our audience is growing with us. When we started, most people were university students — now we’re attracting more young professionals in their mid-twenties.
Our goal is to evolve with our community: keeping that same energy and openness, but offering experiences that suit where people are in life — whether they’re studying, working, or starting new careers abroad.
Giacomo:
And we’ll always keep the door open for students, too — that mix between ages creates great balance on our trips.
What makes a great JETLOST trip?
Giacomo:
It’s all about chemistry — creating the right mix of people and experiences. We like shared villas, local hosts, home-cooked meals, and moments where people can really connect.
We plan things that encourage interaction — cooking together, exploring together, sometimes even just sitting around a fire talking. It’s not about ticking off landmarks, it’s about shared memories.
Alberto:
Our favourite feedback is when people say, “I came alone and left with ten new friends.” That’s success for us.
How do you come up with your ideas for trips and events?
Giacomo:
We just talk. Someone throws out an idea — even if it’s crazy — and we build on it. It’s very spontaneous and collaborative.
Alberto:
We listen to our community too. People tell us what kind of vibe or destination they want, and we shape it around that.
How big is your team now?
Alberto:
There are three founders, plus a consultant, accountant, designer, web developer, and ambassadors — around ten people altogether. It’s growing fast.
Giacomo:
It’s like an extended family now — everyone brings their own skills and spirit.
What’s next for JETLOST?
Alberto:
We’re focusing on scaling up — investing in social ads, improving our website, and expanding our community across Europe.
Giacomo:
Our dream is to grow JETLOST into a global brand. We’d love to have hubs across Europe — and eventually in places like Australia, Asia, and the US. But first, we’re building solid roots here in the UK.
Finally, what advice would you give to students living abroad?
Alberto:
Get out of your comfort zone. Talk to people, show up, try new things — that’s how it all starts.
Giacomo:
Exactly. You never know — one trip could change your whole life.
“You never know — one trip could change your whole life.”
— Giacomo, JETLOST
About JETLOST
Founded by Alberto, Giacomo, and Candela, JETLOST is an online travel community connecting students and young professionals abroad through unforgettable trips and local events.
Website: www.jetlost.com
Instagram: @jetlost_
TikTok: @jetlost_
Email: hello@jetlost.com
JETLOST is a business to watch — fast-growing, creative, and global in outlook, with plans to bring its unique sense of community to Europe, Australia, Asia, and the US.
Thank You
A huge thank you to Alberto and Giacomo for sharing their story — and for bringing such infectious energy to Brixton Warehouse.
JETLOST is redefining what connection means for students and young travellers everywhere — one trip, one gathering, one friendship at a time.