Jesse Ashlock is the deputy global editorial director of Condé Nast Traveler, where he champions travel as a means of cultural connection and personal renewal. Based in New York City, his work intersects wellness, luxury, and sustainable tourism, often highlighting destinations that prioritize mindfulness over itinerary density.
With 15+ years at top publications including The New York Times and Travel + Leisure, Ashlock brings a critic’s eye to travel journalism—rewarding pitches that balance aspirational locales with authentic human stories.
Jesse Ashlock has cultivated a distinguished career at the intersection of travel, culture, and wellness journalism. Beginning as a senior editor at I.D. and Visionaire in the 2000s, he honed his ability to dissect cultural trends. His tenure as deputy editor at Details (2010–2013) and online director for T: The New York Times Style Magazine (2013–2014) solidified his reputation for blending sharp editorial insight with accessible storytelling.
At Travel + Leisure (2014–2019), Ashlock transitioned into travel journalism, first as featured editor and later as executive editor. Here, he pioneered narratives that framed travel as a tool for personal growth, a theme he expanded upon after joining Condé Nast Traveler in 2019. Promoted to deputy global editorial director in 2020, he now oversees editorial strategy for one of the world’s most influential travel publications, emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality in modern travel.
This March 2025 editorial frames wellness not as a trend but as a foundational element of travel. Ashlock critiques the commodification of mindfulness in luxury resorts, arguing that true wellness emerges from simplicity—whether through unstructured time in nature or meaningful human connections. The piece cites emerging data on "attention economy fatigue" and advocates for itineraries that prioritize mental restoration over Instagrammable moments.
Blending practical advice with cultural commentary, this article deconstructs the psychology of packing for high-end wellness retreats. Ashlock’s curated list—featuring items like noise-canceling headphones and a leather-bound journal—reflects his belief in travel as a catalyst for creative reflection. The piece subtly critiques overplanned itineraries by emphasizing the value of "empty space" in both luggage and schedules.
Published in Luxury Daily, this forward-looking analysis predicts the rise of "JOMO" (joy of missing out) travel. Ashlock interviews industry leaders at Black Tomato and Explora Journeys to showcase how luxury providers are replacing structured activities with opportunities for spontaneous cultural immersion. The article’s viral #NOMO hashtag sparked industry-wide discussions about redefining luxury travel metrics.
Ashlock prioritizes stories that explore underreported intersections of wellness and culture. Successful pitches might examine how traditional healing practices (e.g., Japanese forest bathing or Icelandic cold-water rituals) are being reinterpreted by luxury resorts. Reference his Blackberry Farm packing list article to demonstrate understanding of his "less is more" editorial philosophy.
He consistently amplifies hotels and tour operators that partner with indigenous communities to preserve cultural heritage. When pitching eco-friendly initiatives, emphasize measurable outcomes like percentage of staff hired locally or traditional building materials used. His Baha Mar arts festival coverage exemplifies this preference for culturally grounded sustainability.
Ashlock’s work frequently incorporates behavioral science research. Pitches could explore topics like "the neuroscience of slow travel" or "digital detox vacation ROI studies." Ground proposals in academic studies or proprietary data, mirroring the methodology seen in his attention economy analysis for Luxury Daily.
His editorial stance actively discourages coverage of overcrowded destinations. Instead, pitch alternatives to Venice or Bali that highlight emerging regions implementing visitor caps or regenerative tourism models. The San Juan Islands driftwood fort anecdote in his Luxury Daily piece illustrates this preference for understated locales.
While Ashlock occasionally uses first-person anecdotes, he maintains a journalistic tone. PR professionals should highlight unique angles through brief, vivid storytelling—e.g., "A chef who redesigned her menu after meditating in Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest monastery." Avoid overly promotional language; let the story’s intrinsic value shine.
Though Ashlock’s work speaks through its cultural impact rather than awards cabinets, his 2020 promotion to deputy global editorial director at Condé Nast Traveler marked a career milestone. This role places him among the top 5% of travel editors influencing global tourism narratives. His adjunct professorship at NYU’s Center for Publishing further cements his status as a thought leader shaping journalism’s next generation.
"When you go looking for nothing, something is what you’ll actually find."
— Jesse Ashlock, on redefining luxury travel in Luxury Daily
