Set-Jetting: Traveling to the Real-World Locations of Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows

One of the fastest-growing travel trends is set-jetting — visiting real-life destinations made famous by movies and television shows.

It perfectly blends storytelling, nostalgia, emotion, and adventure into one immersive travel experience.

Why Set-Jetting Is Booming

• Over 80% of millennial and Gen Z travelers now choose destinations inspired by films and TV shows

• The global film tourism market continues to grow rapidly due to streaming platforms

• Fans want to step inside the worlds they love and relive emotional moments

• Social media amplifies the trend, with iconic filming locations going viral

• Destinations often see tourism increases of 30–60% after a hit show or film

• It creates real economic impact while deepening cultural and natural appreciation

  
  

Popular Set-Jetting Destinations

Game of Thrones / House of the Dragon

Kings Landing Game of Thrones-Dubrovnik, Croatia.

• Dubrovnik, Croatia (Europe) → King’s Landing (Old Town walls and fortress views)

  Mostly self-guided, with optional walking tours available

• Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) → Winterfell and the Dark Hedges (Kingsroad scenes) Mix of self-guided exploration and organized day tours from Belfast

• Seville, Spain (Europe) → Dorne filming locations. Self-guided with optional walking tours

• Iceland (North Atlantic) → Dramatic volcanic landscapes. Self-guided road trips and hiking routes

  
  

The Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit

Hobbiton Movie Set New Zeland near Matamata, New Zealand

• Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand (North Island) → Hobbit holes and Green Dragon Inn. Organized guided tours only (private farmland access)

• Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand → Mountains, fjords, and lakes. Self-guided hikes and scenic drives

• Wellington area, New Zealand → Film studios and additional locations. Mix of guided and self-guided experiences

  
  

Harry Potter

Alnwick Castle, UK

• London, England (United Kingdom) → King’s Cross Station (Platform 9¾). Self-guided

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Leavesden, UK) → Film sets and props. Self-guided experience with optional upgrades

• Oxford, England (UK) → Hogwarts-inspired university halls. Self-guided with optional themed tours

• Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (UK) → Flying broomstick scenes and castle grounds. Self-guided with optional experiences

  
  

The Sound of Music

Mirabell Gardens Salzburg, Austria

• Salzburg, Austria (Central Europe) → Von Trapp family home, Mirabell Gardens, and iconic filming spots. Mix of self-guided and organized bus tours

• Austrian Alps and lake regions (Austria) → Scenic landscapes. Self-guided or guided excursions

  
  

Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris Locations- Paris, France

• Paris, France (Europe) → Montmartre, cafés, Latin Quarter, and iconic neighborhoods. Self-guided walking routes with optional food or themed tours

  
  

The White Lotus

• Hawaii, USA (Pacific) → Luxury resorts and beaches on Maui (Season 1). Self-guided with optional island tours

• Sicily, Italy (Mediterranean) → Taormina and coastal villas (Season 2). Mix of self-guided and organized tours

• Thailand (Southeast Asia) → Koh Samui and Phuket (Season 3). Self-guided with optional excursions

• French Riviera, France (Europe) → Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco luxury settings (Season 4 influence). Mix of self-guided exploration and luxury tours

  
  

Emerging Set-Jetting Destinations

• Bridgerton → Bath & London, England (UK): Regency architecture, royal crescents, and walking tours

• Outlander → Scottish Highlands, Scotland (UK): Castles, lochs, and dramatic landscapes

• Downton Abbey → Highclere Castle, England (UK): Historic estate tours

• Wuthering Heights (2026 adaptation) → Yorkshire Dales, England (UK): Moors, hiking trails, and dramatic scenery

• The Odyssey (2026) → Greece & Sicily (Mediterranean): Ancient ruins, beaches, and island landscapes

• Moana (Live Action 2026) → Samoa & Hawaii (Pacific): Cultural villages and tropical coastlines

  
  

Tips for a Successful Set-Jetting Trip

• Book guided tours early for high-demand sites like Hobbiton

• Use self-guided exploration in walkable cities like Paris and London

• Combine structured tours with free exploration for balance

• Travel during off-peak seasons for fewer crowds

• Explore beyond main filming spots for authentic experiences

• Respect local communities and manage over-tourism responsibly

• Stay in filming-inspired hotels when possible

• Rewatch the show or movie before your trip for immersion

  
  

Challenges of Set-Jetting

• Over-tourism in destinations like Dubrovnik, Sicily, and emerging hotspots

• Pressure on local infrastructure and communities

• Visitor caps and timed entry systems in some locations

• Need for more responsible and sustainable film tourism practices

  
  

The Future of Set-Jetting

Set-jetting is expected to continue growing rapidly through 2026 and beyond.

Key drivers include:

• Streaming platforms producing global hit series

• Rise of fantasy, period drama, and luxury lifestyle shows

• New film releases adding fresh destinations to travel maps

• Increasing demand for immersive, story-driven travel

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Set-jetting transforms passive viewing into real-world exploration—letting travelers step directly into the stories they love.

Let’s Plan Your Set-Jetting Adventure

I’m Nikol Allee, a travel advisor specializing in unforgettable film and TV-inspired trips.

I can help you plan at not cost to you:

• Accommodations including hotels, resorts, boutique stays, historic stays, villas, Aparthotel, or rental homes

• Transportation and car rentals

• Guided tours or fully self-guided itineraries

• Custom travel planning based on your favorite shows and films

• Travel insurance and full trip coordination

Email: nikol.allee@fora.travel

Phone: +1-317-828-4950

Let’s turn your favorite scenes into real-life memories—whether you prefer organized tours or self-guided freedom.

Travel Resources

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