Did you know 64% of travelers say TV or film inspired their trips? Even more people consider a trip after seeing a place onscreen. This trend reshapes the way fans pick destinations for vacations and city breaks.
Set‑jetting turns scenes from popular shows and movies into real routes you can follow. Streaming puts scenic streets and iconic landmarks at your fingertips, so planning a trip after one episode is easier than ever.
famous series and films. Expect tips for short trips and longer tours, plus advice on balancing must-see spots with downtime.around famous series and films. Expect tips for short trips and longer tours, plus advice on balancing must-see spots with downtime.
Read on for clear steps to turn screen moments into photo-ready memories, whether you have a weekend or a whole season to explore.
Key Takeaways
- Screen-inspired travel is a major modern travel trend that drives destination choices.
- Streaming makes it simple to find and save places from shows and movies.
- Plan with pacing in mind: mix iconic sites with rest to enjoy your trip.
- Options suit many styles—quick city breaks or multi-country routes.
- Practical tips ahead will help you book smart and stay flexible.
What is set‑jetting and why it’s a top travel trend right now
Screen moments increasingly double as travel inspiration, guiding people from the sofa to real streets and landmarks.
Definition: It’s travel sparked by a favorite show or film where an on-screen location becomes the anchor for your next trip.
Surveys back the momentum. Sixty-eight percent of people considered a trip after seeing a place on TV or in a movie, and 61% actually booked one. American Express found 64% felt inspired by screen content, and Expedia named this among the key travel trends of the year.
Streaming accelerates discovery. Viewers pause, look up locations in real time, and save them for later. New seasons arriving in summer — like Emily in Paris season 4 — often spike interest, so planning earlier helps avoid crowds.
- Works for big landscapes or small neighborhood stops.
- Iconic spots—think New York backdrops—fit weekend trips or longer routes.
- Check access ahead: some locations are public, others limited.
Turn inspiration into action: shortlist locations, lock dates, set a budget, then book transport so your idea becomes a trip.
Iconic movie filming locations fans can actually visit
From alpine clinics to desert canyons, real places bring movie scenes to life.
James Bond in the Alps: Ice Q, Sölden, Austria
The Ice Q restaurant sits at 3,048 meters and hosted Spectre’s clinic scenes. A cable car ride gets you there, and the building uses movable foundations to cope with ice shifts.
Don’t miss the James Bond exhibition with props like Scaramanga’s golden gun.
Star Wars and Bond romance: Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello doubled as Padmé’s lakeside retreat and appears in Casino Royale. House and garden tours cost about €24, so book a time slot in advance.
Otherworldly sci‑fi deserts: Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum served as Arrakis for Dune and the backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. If you drive or hire a car, mark the Prince Faisal camp coordinates: N29° 42’ 50” E35° 25’ 20”.
Architectural sci‑fi chic: Juvet Landscape Hotel, Norway
The Juvet Landscape Hotel provided the sleek look for Ex Machina. Filming ran 19 days in August 2013; staying here gives you that moody, design-forward atmosphere near the fjords.
Middle‑earth made real: Hobbiton, New Zealand
Hobbiton evolved into a permanent attraction with Bag End and the Party Tree. Choose the popular Second Breakfast tour and remember it’s an easy drive from Auckland.
- Plan for conditions: altitude in Sölden and heat in Wadi Rum can change your schedule.
- Stack nearby locations to save travel time—Lake Como plus Milan is an easy combo.
- Book tours and hotel nights early to secure the best experience.
Prestige TV destinations in easy reach for your next trip
From country estates to Parisian cafes, premium television shows point travelers to memorable places.
Highclere Castle, England: The primary filming site for downton abbey, Highclere is a working estate. The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon live there, and the grounds span about 1,000 acres with roughly 300 rooms. Book timed tickets and leave time for the small Egyptian exhibits tied to the family’s history.
Welford Park, Berkshire: Known for The Great British Baking Show’s white tent, this private estate opens only for special events. Check the calendar, then pair Welford with nearby Newbury and Highclere for an easy reach day of British TV places.
Emily in Paris & Lupin highlights: Reserve a table at Gabriel’s Restaurant (18 Rue des Fossés Saint‑Jacques) and visit Place de Valois for office scenes. Then walk to the Louvre and hunt vintage finds at Marché aux Puces de Saint‑Ouen where several scenes take place.
“Seeing a house or cafe from a favourite series makes a trip feel like stepping into the story.”
| Location | Why Visit | Practical Tip | Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highclere Castle | Downton Abbey house and grounds | Timed tickets online | Newbury |
| Welford Park | White tent from the show | Check event openings | Highclere |
| Gabriel’s Restaurant | Emily in Paris restaurant scenes | Book early for dinner | Place de Valois |
| Louvre & Marché aux Puces | Lupin scenes and antiques | Go Sunday morning for markets | Tuileries |
Set‑jetting in the United States
Colorado chills meet cinema lore. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains host a destination that blends history, hospitality, and a famous filming link: The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Colorado chills: The Stanley Hotel, The Shining’s real‑life inspiration
The hotel inspired Stephen King after his stay in room 217. A notable early twentieth‑century electrical explosion injured a housekeeper in 1911, a small but persistent fact tied to the property’s life and legend.
Plan your visit: Tour or stay at The Stanley, join a history or ghost tour, then enjoy nearby lakes and mountain trails to balance eerie scenes with fresh air.
- Drive time: if you rent a car from Denver, check weather on mountain roads and arrange parking or shuttle details in advance.
- Book early for peak vacation periods and request room types if you want to avoid 217 or 237.
- Families can split the day between the hotel and Estes Park’s town center for easy dining and souvenirs.
- Extend your itinerary with scenic mountain drives or add other Colorado attractions for a longer country loop.
“Room 217 is tied to Stephen King’s stay; reserve a guided tour to hear the full tale.”
For more on how film influences travel choices, consult this movie tourism study to plan an easy‑reach trip rooted in screen history.
Fantasy, superheroes, and comic-book estates
Comic-book landscapes and fantasy estates invite fans to walk the frames of their favorite stories. These locations blur the line between on-screen drama and real life, giving travelers tangible moments to remember.
Hatley Castle, British Columbia: This striking house doubled as Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in several X‑Men films and series. Ornate gardens and a free museum make it an easy visit from Vancouver. Check visitor info before you go and plan time to photograph the classic exterior.
St Abbs, Berwickshire: New Asgard
St Abbs stood in for New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame. Walk the harbor and clifftops for dramatic coastal views and diving spots that echo the film’s backdrop.
- Combine Hatley with nearby Vancouver to see multiple comic-book sets without long transfers.
- In St Abbs, be respectful: “The Cormorant and Tun” is actually a private house at 6 Seaview Terrace, not a pub.
- Bring a windproof layer for coastal weather; it can change fast and affect photos.
“Multiple estates have portrayed Xavier’s school across films, but Hatley Castle remains a fan‑favorite for its classic exterior and lush grounds.”
Quick fact: Treat these places as working community spaces—keep noise down and follow posted rules so future visitors can enjoy them too.
The White Lotus effect: destination seeing in Sicily and Thailand
When a popular series focuses on a region, travelers quickly add its streets and views to their plans.
Sicily, Italy: Catania hub to Taormina’s Teatro Antico and coastal scenes
Season 2 of the show highlighted eastern Sicily, with Catania acting as the main city hub for arrivals and transfers.
Fly into Catania, then ride the train or drive to Taormina for the Teatro Antico and sweeping coastal scenes that mirror the series’ luxe vibe.
Tip: Book entry times and dinner reservations in summer when crowds rise. Split your vacation between Catania’s lively streets and Taormina’s seaside views to balance logistics and leisure.
Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui filming locations on the horizon
Season 3 is filmed around Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui with episodes expected in 2025.
Watch hotel releases and local notices for set access. Plan a city day in Bangkok and save separate island hops for Phuket or Ko Samui to keep travel times low.
- Map location clusters: pair Taormina with nearby beaches; in Thailand, group Bangkok landmarks on one day and islands on another.
- Seek small screen‑adjacent places—markets or piazzas often become favorite places to visit.
- Use current travel trends: book flexible rates and monitor local calendars for festivals or filming that change opening times.
“Teatro Antico di Taormina’s cliffside amphitheater delivers dramatic photos at golden hour; arrive early to secure a clean shot.”
| Region | Key Spots | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sicily | Catania, Taormina, Teatro Antico | Fly to Catania; reserve timed entries and summer dinners |
| Thailand | Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui | Plan city vs island days; watch for hotel updates |
| Photo Ops | Cliffside amphitheater, coastal promenades, local markets | Arrive at golden hour; scout exact angles in advance |
How to plan your set‑jetting itinerary without the drama
A calm, realistic itinerary makes visiting famous filming locations feel effortless and fun. Start with a short checklist so you avoid closed gates, missed transport, and wasted time.
Access and timing: check public hours, admission, and peak times
Start with access: verify opening days, ticket types, and any admission windows for locations so you’re not surprised by closures or special events.
Note peak times and build buffer minutes between stops. Morning visits often give clearer frames and fewer people in your photo shots.
Getting around: public transport, car rental, and door‑to‑door private cars
Decide your best way around: compare public transport schedules against car flexibility. A rental car helps rural filming locations, while trains and buses work well in cities.
When several scenes cluster in one area, stitch them together with a private car or local transfer to save time and reduce backtracking.
Smart tools: Google Maps Trip Planner, Rome2Rio, and Kiwi for bookings
Use Google Maps Trip Planner to map daily time and modes. Cross‑check with Rome2Rio for alternative routes and costs, and search Kiwi for budget flights that keep the trip within budget.
- Keep offline copies of tickets and maps for spotty reception.
- Choose sunrise or late light for the best photo results and pack a small kit (phone tripod, microfiber cloth).
- Add meal breaks so the vacation feels relaxed, not rushed.
Photo ops: recreate famous scenes the easy way
A clever photo method lets you match on-screen angles in real locations. Follow a few simple steps and you’ll come home with a gallery that feels cinematic rather than touristy.
Stepping through film: print stills and frame the exact angle
Bring printed stills from your favorite scene and hold the image up to the lens to compare edges. Align railings, steps, or door frames so the composition matches cleanly.
Scout the place first and mark fixed points. Those markers help you recreate the frame fast and stay out of the flow of foot traffic.
Season, light, and a helpful friend for those iconic shots
Time your shoot for early morning or golden hour to avoid glare and crowds. Traveling with a friend makes the process smooth—trade roles so someone is always behind the camera.
- Bring printed stills and match verticals to nail the angle.
- Scout the place for anchors like archways or benches to lock composition.
- Plan around season and light; mornings reduce people and soften shadows (time matters).
- Pack a compact tripod and a microfiber cloth for cleaner, sharper photos.
- Quick fact: try busy spots on weekdays or at opening for the best chances to line up the frame.
“Hold the still up, align the edges, and make small tweaks—repeat until the match feels right.”
Conclusion
Film and series locations keep inspiring travelers—so turn that inspiration into a confident plan.
Screen‑driven travel is a proven travel trend backed by surveys and steady production of new destinations. Use this guide to sketch a trip that mixes blockbuster movies with intimate series house tours and coastal promenades.
Pair epic stops like a Star Wars site or Lake Como scene with a city break in New York or Paris. Watch release times and summer calendars and book early to secure prime times.
strong, choose the way that fits you—public transit in cities, a rental for rural drives, or private cars when timing is tight. Bring family or friends and respect each location’s rules so destination seeing remains enjoyable for everyone.
For practical tips and route ideas, see our set‑jetting guide and plan a vacation that feels cinematic from first scene to final shot.
FAQ
What is set‑jetting and why is it a top travel trend right now?
Set‑jetting is travelling to places featured in movies and TV shows. Fans seek real‑world locations to relive scenes, take photos, and experience destinations inspired by on‑screen stories. Streaming services and social media have boosted interest, making it a major travel trend for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Which iconic movie locations can I actually visit?
Many famous filming spots welcome visitors. Examples include Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Hobbiton in New Zealand, Wadi Rum in Jordan, and the Ice Q restaurant in Sölden, Austria. These sites often offer guided tours, exhibits, or nearby accommodations that bring movie history to life.
Are there popular TV show locations within easy reach for a weekend trip?
Yes. Highclere Castle in England (Downton Abbey), Welford Park for The Great British Bake Off tent, and Paris locations used in Emily in Paris and Lupin are all accessible for short breaks. Public transport and regional flights make many of these destinations easy to reach.
Can I visit U.S. filming locations used in horror or thriller films?
Absolutely. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, which inspired The Shining, welcomes guests with tours and overnight stays. Many U.S. hotels, parks, and city streets used in films offer plaques, guided walks, or visitor centers with behind‑the‑scenes details.
What should I know before visiting a castle or historic estate used in superhero films?
Check opening hours, ticketing, photography rules, and any seasonal closures. Places like Hatley Castle in Canada and coastal spots like St Abbs in Scotland host visitors but may restrict access to certain rooms or grounds due to filming or preservation work.
How has The White Lotus influenced travel to Sicily and Thailand?
The show put a spotlight on Taormina and Catania in Sicily and resorts across Phuket and Ko Samui. Local tourism boards report increased searches and bookings for the hotels, beaches, and historic sites featured, so expect more guided tours and curated itineraries tied to the series.
What practical tips help plan a filming‑location itinerary without hassles?
Research public hours and peak times, book tickets in advance, and mix public transport with short car rentals when needed. Use tools like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and Kiwi to coordinate routes and transfers. Always respect private property and follow local rules.
How can I get the best photos recreating famous scenes?
Bring a printed or digital still to match angles, visit at the same time of day for similar light, and ask a friend to help with framing. Consider seasonality for foliage or snow to match the original scene more closely.
Are there sustainable ways to visit popular filming spots?
Yes. Use public transport where possible, choose eco‑certified hotels, and join small‑group guided tours to reduce impact. Respect site rules, stick to marked paths, and support local businesses to help communities benefit from tourism.
Do I need special permission to photograph or film at well‑known locations?
For casual photos, most sites allow visitors to shoot for personal use. Commercial filming or professional shoots often require permits and advance approval from site managers or local authorities. Always check the specific location’s policy before planning a shoot.
How can I find guided tours focused on movie and TV locations?
Look for local tour operators, visitor centers, and official sites that list themed experiences. Major cities and popular regions often offer walking tours, bus circuits, or full‑day excursions focused on film and television history.
Are there family‑friendly filming locations with activities for kids?
Many destinations cater to families. Hobbiton in New Zealand, themed museums, studio tours, and interactive exhibits at larger sites offer kid‑friendly programming. Check age guidelines and activity content before visiting.
What role do hotels and restaurants play in a successful location trip?
Hotels and restaurants featured in films can enhance the experience. Staying at or dining in the actual venues seen on screen adds authenticity and photo ops. Popular spots may require reservations, so plan ahead—especially in peak season.