In a world where stories captivate us and visuals inspire us, a unique travel trend has emerged, merging wanderlust with the magic of the screen. Set-jetting, the act of visiting destinations featured in films and TV shows, is captivating the hearts of adventure-seekers and movie buffs alike. This trend offers more than just a vacation - it’s an opportunity to step into your favorite stories and connect with the worlds you’ve come to love.
What is Set-Jetting?
Set-jetting is all about bringing fiction to life. By visiting real-world locations used in your favorite films or TV series, you can immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Whether it’s standing in the same spot as your favorite character or walking through landscapes that feel straight out of a dream, set-jetting offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Unlike traditional sightseeing, set-jetting isn’t just about checking famous landmarks - it’s about connecting emotionally with the places you visit. These locations often become characters in their own right, contributing to the plot, mood and ambiance of the stories we adore.
Why is Set-Jetting So Popular?
The rise of streaming platforms has made movies and TV shows more accessible than ever, creating global fandoms for series like Game of Thrones, The Lord of The Rings and Emily in Paris. Viewers don’t just watch these stories, they imagine themselves in them, leading to a growing desire to experience the filming locations firsthand.
Social media plays a big role in fueling this trend. Behind the scenes photos, travel influencers and hashtags like #SetJetting makes it easier than ever to find inspiration. For many, it’s a way to turn passive entertainment into active exploration. After all, what could be more exciting than walking where your favorite characters walked or gazing upon the landscapes you’ve admired on screen?
Top Set-Jetting Destinations
Here’s a closer look at some of the world’s most iconic set-jetting locations:
1. New Zealand - The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit
New Zealand's dramatic landscapes became synonymous with J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional Middle-Earth. The country’s breathtaking terrain, from towering mountains to rolling hills, made it the ideal backdrop for Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy films.
- Key Locations:
- Hobbiton, Matamata: Visit the lush Shire, where Bilbo and Frodo lived. Explore the charming hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and Bag End on a guided tour.
- Tongariro National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the ominous land of Mordor. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must-do hike for fans and adventurers alike
- Fiordland National Park: Featured as the mythical Fangorn Forest and other locations, this area is perfect for exploring untouched wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for warmer weather and vibrant landscapes.
Activities Beyond the Movies: Experience Maori culture in Rotorua, by bungee jumping in Queenstown, or indulge in wine tasting in Marlborough.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia - Game of Thrones
Dubrovnik, with its medieval architecture and stunning coastal views, became the real-life King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. The city’s ancient walls and forts perfectly embodied the intrigue and drama of the capital of Westeros.
- Key Locations:
- Fort Lovrijenac: The Red Keep’s filming location offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- City Walls of Dubrovnik: Walk the famous walls that served as a backdrop for many scenes, including the Battle of Blackwater.
- Jesuit Staircase: Relive Cersei’s iconic Walk of Shame down these steps in the Old Town.
Best Time to Visit: May and September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities Beyond the Movies: Take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, enjoy local seafood at waterfront restaurants, or explore the Elaphiti Islands.
3. Scotland - Outlander
Scotland’s rugged landscapes and historic castles brought the world of Outlander to life, blending romance, history and adventure. The series showcases the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Key Locations:
- Doune Castle, Stirling: Known as Castle Leoch in the series, this medieval fortress is a must-visit for fans.
- Blackness Castle: This 15th-century fortress served as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters. Its dramatic location on the Firth of Forth is unforgettable.
- Clava Cairns: Visit the ancient burial sites that inspired Craigh na Dun, the mystical stone circle from the series.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for green landscapes and accessible trails.
Activities Beyond the Movies: Explore the Isle of Skye, sip on Scotch whisky at a distillery, or hike in the Cairngorms National Park.
4. Paris, France - Emily in Paris
Paris has always been a dream destination, but Emily in Paris brought its romantic charm to a new audience. From chic cafés to picturesque streets, the series highlights some of the city’s most iconic locations.
- Key Locations:
- Place de l’Estrapade: Emily’s apartment and the nearby bakery are quintessentially Parisian.
- Palais Garnier: Featured as a cultural hub in the show, this ornate opera house is a marvel of architecture.
- Pont Alexandre III: The bridge’s golden sculptures and sweeping views of the Seine make it an unforgettable setting.
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October for mild weather and fewer tourists.
Activities Beyond the Movies: Visit world-class museums like the Louvre, savor croissants in a café, or take a river cruise on the Seine.
5. Petra, Jordan - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, is one of the most iconic filming locations in cinema history. It featured prominently as the resting place of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, adding a sense of adventure and mystery to the already breathtaking site.
- Key Locations:
- The Treasury (Al-Khaneh): This magnificent structure served as the exterior of the Grail’s final resting place in the movie. Its intricate carvings and towering facade make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
- The Siq: The dramatic, narrow canyon leading to The Treasury creates a cinematic sense of anticipation. Walking through it feels like entering another world.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir): While not featured in the film, this larger and equally impressive structure is worth the climb for its grandeur and stunning views of the surrounding desert.
Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for comfortable weather, as summers can be intensely hot.
Activities Beyond the Movies:
- Take a camel ride through the desert to explore Petra’s sprawling ruins.
- Visit Little Petra (Siq-Barid), a smaller but equally fascinating archeological site nearby.
- Enjoy a Bedouin camp experience under the stars, complete with traditional music and food.
Fun Fact: While the interiors of the Grail temple were filmed on a set, The Treasury’s real-world history is no less fascinating. Built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century AD, it’s believed to have been a royal tomb or a temple.
6. New York, USA - Sex and the City
New York City isn’t just a backdrop for Sex and the City - it’s practically the fifth main character. From the glitz of Fifth Avenue to the coziness of the West Village, the series captures the essence of Manhattan.
- Key Locations:
- Carrie’s Apartment Steps: Located at 66 Perry Street in the West Village, these iconic steps are a fan-favorite photo spot.
- Magnolia Bakery: Indulge in cupcakes at the bakery where Carrie and Miranda shared memorable moments.
- The Plaza Hotel: Featured in multiple episodes, this luxurious hotel is a symbol of Manhattan elegance.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant city life.
Activities Beyond the Movies: Catch a Broadway show, stroll through Central Park, or shop at designer boutiques in SoHo.
Honorable Mentions:
- Iceland - Game of Thrones: Visit locations like Thingvellir National Park and Reynisfjara Beach for the lands beyond the Wall.
- Matera, Italy - No Time to Die: Explore the ancient caves and streets of this southern Italian town, featured in Daniel Craig’s James Bond last adventure.
- Salzburg, Austria - The Sound of Music: Walk in Maria’s footsteps at the Mirabell Gardens and the iconic gazebo.
Set-jetting offers a unique way to explore the world, blending the excitement of travel with the emotional connection of storytelling.
Whether you’re wandering the Shire, standing on the Iron Throne, or sipping coffee in a Parisian café, these journeys bring beloved stories to life.
So, why just watch your favorite films and shows when you can step into them? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to create memories worthy of their own cinematic setting. The world of set-jetting awaits!
