Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler
How Pop Culture Drives Our Travels—From 'White Lotus' to 'Eat, Pray, Love'
Mar 27, 2025
Shannon Sims, a journalist delving into the phenomenon of 'set jetting,' shares her insights on how pop culture influences travel. She discusses the allure of destinations showcased in shows like 'White Lotus' and how such trends can lead to both exciting travel experiences and challenges like overtourism. The conversation highlights ethical tourism practices in Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant charm of Ischia, and the narrative power of films in shaping travel landscapes, emphasizing the balance between exploration and respect for local cultures.
27:48
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Quick takeaways
- Set jetting illustrates how popular media can rapidly increase tourist interest in destinations, often overwhelming local culture and infrastructure.
- Travelers are encouraged to seek authentic experiences that foster genuine connections with local communities, rather than simply following tourist trails.
Deep dives
The Phenomenon of Set Jetting
Set jetting refers to the trend of tourists visiting locations that have been featured in popular media, often leading to a significant increase in visitors to these sites. This phenomenon has notably been observed with shows like 'The White Lotus,' where audiences are inspired to travel to stunning destinations like Maui and Koh Samui simply after seeing them on screen. The act of quickly booking flights after a show airs exemplifies how visual media can influence travel decisions, creating a surge in interest that may overwhelm these locations. This has raised concerns among long-time visitors who feel their beloved spots are being transformed into overly commercialized tourist hotspots.
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