Critics at Large | The New Yorker

Episode: Why We Travel

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Hosts:

• Alex Schwartz
• Nomi Frye
• Vincent Cunningham

Introduction to Modern Travel Trends

In the episode titled "Why We Travel," hosts Alex Schwartz, Nomi Frye, and Vincent Cunningham delve into the contemporary landscape of summer travel, exploring its evolution, motivations, and the impact of societal changes. They begin by observing the surge in travel activities, noting the ubiquity of vacation photos on platforms like Instagram. Vincent humorously remarks, "It’s already a big, big year for summer travel. If you don't believe me, just go ahead, take a good look at your Instagram feed." (01:04)

The Changing Nature of Tourism

The conversation quickly shifts to the duality of travel’s allure and its ethical implications. Vincent shares his internal conflict regarding the carbon footprint of flying, stating, "Every time I'm on a plane, I feel differently about it." (01:57). Alex supports this sentiment, emphasizing the environmental and cultural consequences of mass tourism: "I've seen photos of throngs, throngs, I tell you, of people packed like sardines on various beaches." (02:33).

Nomi adds to this discussion by highlighting the societal pressure to conform to specific travel ideals: "You see people doing one thing and you feel like, oh, should I be doing that as well?" (02:59). This introspection sets the stage for a deeper exploration of why travel remains a compelling human pursuit despite its complexities.

Historical Perspectives on Travel

Vincent introduces the episode's main theme by tracing the impulse to travel through history—from Marco Polo’s voyages to the Grand Tour and beyond. He eloquently poses, "Why we travel, what has enticed our species really for as long as it's been possible on a mass scale to pack a bag and set off." (03:30).

The hosts discuss Paige McClanahan's book, "The New Tourist," which examines the evolution of travel and the emergence of trend-based tourism. Alex praises the book's exploration of individuality within collective travel trends: "This idea of feeling like an individual but actually being part of a big trend." (08:49).

The Influence of Guidebooks and Media

Alex recounts the origin of Lonely Planet Guides, highlighting their role in shaping modern travel: "Lonely Planet guides came about in the post-war years because a young British couple set off on an adventurous journey trying to make it to Australia." (09:16). The discussion underscores how guidebooks have transformed unique travel experiences into standardized paths, impacting both travelers and local economies.

Vincent draws parallels between historical travel literature and contemporary media, citing Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and Mike White’s The White Lotus. Alex emphasizes Bourdain’s focus on curiosity and cultural understanding, while Nomi critiques The White Lotus for portraying a satirical view of entitled tourists (29:10, 31:04).

The Ethical Dimensions of Travel

A significant portion of the episode addresses the ethical considerations of modern travel. Vincent reflects on the environmental degradation caused by overtourism, using the example of fragile Icelandic moss destroyed by celebrity visits: "This is very fragile, delicate moss in Iceland that... needs absolutely no one to step on it." (37:58).

Nomi brings up the tragic Titanic submersible disaster as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with extreme travel ventures, criticizing the hubris of affluent individuals undertaking perilous journeys (40:38). Alex and Vincent further discuss the contrast between luxury adventure travel and the desperate, often perilous migrations undertaken by those fleeing conflict and climate change (41:06, 42:53).

Travel and Identity

The hosts explore how travel serves as a means of self-discovery and identity formation. Vincent muses on the personal transformations that occur during travel, linking it to broader themes of mortality and the desire for new experiences: "For me, I think travel is kind of also about mortality." (46:03).

Nomi concurs, acknowledging the emotional weight of revisiting places and questioning whether one will ever see them again: "There is an idea of, like, will I ever see this again?" (47:29). The conversation highlights the intrinsic human need to explore and the complex emotions tied to leaving and returning from foreign locales.

Future of Travel

As the episode concludes, the hosts ponder the future of travel in an era increasingly aware of its environmental and social impacts. Alex suggests potential solutions such as policy changes and enhanced regulations to mitigate tourism's negative effects: "Maybe governments need to step in and say, we need to limit access to this place." (44:12).

Vincent emphasizes the collective responsibility required to address these challenges, questioning how individual actions can contribute to broader systemic changes: "What should we do as people?" (43:31).

Conclusion

"Why We Travel" offers a nuanced examination of the multifaceted motivations behind modern travel, balancing personal desires with ethical considerations. Through historical references, literary analysis, and contemporary examples, Alex, Nomi, and Vincent provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of travel's enduring allure and its complex repercussions in today's world.

Notable Quotes:

• Vincent Cunningham (01:04): "It’s already a big, big year for summer travel. If you don't believe me, just go ahead, take a good look at your Instagram feed."

• Alex Schwartz (08:49): "This idea of feeling like an individual but actually being part of a big trend."

• Nomi Frye (02:59): "You see people doing one thing and you feel like, oh, should I be doing that as well?"

• Vincent Cunningham (03:30): "Why we travel, what has enticed our species really for as long as it's been possible on a mass scale to pack a bag and set off."

• Alex Schwartz (09:16): "Lonely Planet guides came about in the post-war years because a young British couple set off on an adventurous journey trying to make it to Australia."

• Vincent Cunningham (37:58): "This is very fragile, delicate moss in Iceland that... needs absolutely no one to step on it."

• Alex Schwartz (44:12): "Maybe governments need to step in and say, we need to limit access to this place."

Additional Information

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