What is Set-Jetting? A Booming Travel Trend Explained and Explored

Set-jetting is more than a trend—it’s a movement turning fans into globe-trotters, and Cruise Planners is leading the way in crafting cinematic travel experiences

 

Contributed By: Cruise Planners

 

 

 

When TV meets real-world wanderlust, a new travel trend takes off. Enter set-jetting, the act of traveling to destinations featured in TV shows and films. With HBO’s The White Lotus having just wrapped its third season in Thailand, fans aren’t just watching, they’re booking. And Cruise Planners, the nation’s most awarded travel franchise, is leading the way.

 

💡Did you Know? The term was first coined in 2008, in the New York Post by journalist Gretchen Kelly.

 

 

Recognizing the momentum around Thailand luxury travel, Cruise Planners’ Founder and CEO Michelle Fee, along with COO Theresa Scalzitti, hosted the first Elite Summit of the year in the Land of Smiles. Partnering with Collette Tours, they welcomed over 50 top-performing franchise owners for an immersive, on-the-ground experience exploring the resorts, culture, and cinematic magic fueling this booming trend.

 

TV-Inspired Travel

The impact of prestige television on tourism is undeniable. After The White Lotus highlighted destinations like Hawaii and Sicily in earlier seasons, demand for those locales soared. One Four Seasons resort reported a 425% spike in web traffic. Now, Thailand is having its moment. Following the announcement of the show’s Thai setting, searches for flights to Chiang Mai jumped by 65%.

 

 

The New Bucket List

More than half of Gen-Z and Millennial travelers say their trips are inspired by TV or film, according to an American Express survey. Set-jetting is no longer a novelty, it is a movement. And Thailand, with its lush landscapes, five-star resorts, and deep cultural roots, offers the perfect real-life backdrop for luxury-seeking travelers.

 

Why Now? FOMO & the Power of Recency

Luxury travelers are acting fast, driven by what the kids call “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and a desire to be first. With The White Lotus spotlighting Thailand’s elite travel scene, high-end properties are already seeing a surge in interest. Recency bias only adds fuel. When a destination is fresh in people’s minds, it rockets to the top of their must-visit list.

 

Cruise Planners Elite Summit: On the Ground in Thailand

Cruise Planners’ Elite Summit couldn’t have come at a better time. Held in Thailand’s most exclusive locations, the event offered travel advisors a behind-the-scenes look at the exact experiences travelers are craving, from private island excursions to Michelin-starred meals.

Advisors not only explored luxury firsthand but also witnessed the strength and hospitality of the Thai people in the aftermath of a recent earthquake. “We were deeply moved by the resilience and warmth of the communities we visited,” shared the Cruise Planners team.

What’s Next: Turning Inspiration into Itineraries

As set-jetting turns viewers into voyagers, Cruise Planners franchise owners are uniquely positioned to deliver the immersive, TV-worthy experiences today’s luxury travelers demand. The Elite Summit equipped them with firsthand knowledge and connections to curate unforgettable getaways—complete with cinematic flair.

 

 

Why Choose Cruise Planners?

• Low-cost franchise with high earning potential
• Work from anywhere and build a career around travel
• Access exclusive events like the Elite Summit and top-tier industry partnerships

 

💼 Inspired by this trend? Learn how you can become a travel advisor and join Cruise Planners’ award-winning network. Visit cruiseplannersfranchise.com to start your journey.  Experienced agents can “Join for Free“.