It’s not every day that a television show impacts global travel trends and bucket lists, but HBO’s The White Lotus has done exactly that. Along with being a sharp social satire and conversation starter, it has also become one of the most unexpected travel influencers of our time. From the sun-dappled beaches of Hawaii to cliffside palazzos in Sicily, viewers are trading their usual vacations for the opulent destinations featured on the hit show.
The wanderlust inspired by the show is so strong, it’s been dubbed “the White Lotus Effect.” And now, a new survey from Luggage Forward shows just how real this phenomenon is.
The Power of The White Lotus Effect
On-screen tourism isn’t new, but The White Lotus has given it a luxurious spin that speaks directly to modern travelers. Its resulting popularity is undeniable; more than half of survey respondents (50.7%) have watched at least some of the show.
And they’re not just watching—they’re planning. With its irresistible mix of luxury, natural beauty, and cultural richness, a striking 77.9% of viewers say they’ve been inspired to plan trips based on the destinations featured by the series. It’s a clear sign that the show isn’t just creating casual interest. It’s shaping real-world travel.
Why does The White Lotus resonate so deeply with travelers? The settings are impossibly indulgent, yet the storylines themselves remain grounded in recognizable dynamics. Relatable situations, conversations, and relationship dynamics create a blend of allure and authenticity that makes these fantasy locations feel within reach.
Destinations Inspired by The White Lotus
Which of the show’s dreamy backdrops appeals most to viewers? According to the survey:
- 60.8% are most enchanted by the beauty of Hawaii
- 49.5% are captivated by Italy
- 38.2% are drawn to the allure of Thailand
What brings these places together? Along with the breathtaking views, each of these locations represents the show’s signature themes: opulence, culture, and a dash of drama.
Where Fans Want to See Season Four
The wanderlust won’t stop with past seasons. HBO has already confirmed a fourth installment of The White Lotus, and viewers have strong opinions on where the nexxt story should unfold. The Luggage Forward survey reveals the audience’s top picks.
- Four Seasons Astir Palace, near Athens, Greece
- Four Seasons Resort Mallorca, Spain
- Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera
- Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, English countryside
HBO hasn’t unveiled the destination just yet. But if producers are looking for ideas, the Luggage Forward survey might make the perfect travel itinerary.
So why do these potential The White Lotus destinations resonate so strongly with audiences? The survey points to a potent mix of beauty, fantasy, and storytelling power.
Natural scenery and landscapes topped the list (38.6%), followed closely by climate and weather (33.5%). Culture and historical significance also played a big role (31.7%), proof that travelers want to see deeper meaning, not just pretty views.
What else matters?
- An interest in seeing a destination they will never get to experience (31.9%)
- The luxury or exclusivity of the location (29.7%)
- “I’ve always wanted to visit this place” (28.4%)
- A desire to escape to somewhere unfamiliar or remote (27.0%)
- It feels like a perfect setting for drama or intrigue (17.6%)
The takeaway? Travelers want more than a pretty view. They want destinations that make for unforgettable stories.
Why The White Lotus Effect Sparked Travel Trends
The key to the show’s emergence as a cultural force is simple. The White Lotus doesn’t just spotlight stunning hotels and landscapes. It taps into the universal desire for trips that feel extraordinary and slightly out of reach, vacations that people want to daydream about, and maybe even splurge on.
And with a new season on the horizon, one thing’s certain: wherever the show jets off to next, travelers will be packing their bags to follow. So fasten your seatbelts, because The White Lotus journey is only getting started.
The Propeller Insights survey was commissioned by Luggage Forward. Survey responses were representative of the U.S. population for age, gender, region, and ethnicity. The maximum margin of sampling error was +/- 3.0 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
