“Set-Jetting” continues: The top 5 filming locations from this year’s hit TV shows you can visit now.
Set-Jetting Continues: Explore the Top 5 Filming Locations from This Year’s Hit TV Shows You Can Visit Now
Set-jetting transforms screen time into adventure by guiding fans to the exact spots where their favorite TV moments unfolded, blending pop culture passion with real-world exploration. As shows like The White Lotus, Game of Thrones prequels, Emily in Paris, Squid Game and Wednesday spark travel inspirations for 2025, this guide reveals five must-visit filming destinations, step-by-step planning advice, sustainable practices, unique local experiences, and ways streaming platforms and social media fuel the trend. You’ll learn how to discover more set-jetting spots through structured data and semantic search, plus uncover other iconic screen-tourism hubs beyond this year’s top picks.
What Is Set-Jetting and Why Is It a Growing Travel Trend?
Set-jetting is the practice of traveling to real-world locations featured in popular TV series, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in on-screen worlds while experiencing local culture firsthand. This phenomenon connects pop culture and travel by turning fictional settings into tangible destinations, boosting regional tourism and offering fans authentic encounters. Understanding its interplay between entertainment and economic impact clarifies why global travelers are increasingly chasing their TV obsessions.
Set-Jetting as a Growing Travel Trend
Set-jetting, the practice of visiting real-world locations featured in popular TV series, is a growing trend that connects pop culture and travel by turning fictional settings into tangible destinations, boosting regional tourism and offering fans authentic encounters.
This source supports the definition and the growing popularity of set-jetting as a travel trend.
How Does Set-Jetting Connect Pop Culture and Travel?
Set-jetting bridges narrative immersion and destination discovery by leveraging viewers’ emotional connections to characters and storylines, encouraging visits to filming sites. Popular series create aspirational imagery—luxury resorts in Sicily, medieval castles in Northern Ireland, Parisian cafés—that fans seek to experience offline. This fusion of content and travel fosters niche tourism markets, elevates fan engagement, and transforms fictional narratives into cultural itineraries.
Which TV Shows Are Driving Set-Jetting in 2025?
In 2025, several hit series are redefining travel inspiration:
- The White Lotus (Season 3 in Thailand and Sicily)
- Wednesday (Nevermore Academy in Ireland and Romania)
- Squid Game (Iconic landmarks across South Korea)
- Emily in Paris (Parisian streets and cafés)
- House of the Dragon (Storied castles in England, Spain and Portugal)
These productions showcase diverse landscapes and local traditions, prompting fans to follow storylines straight to the source.
What Impact Does Set-Jetting Have on Tourism Destinations?
Set-jetting can boost visitor numbers by 30–60% in featured regions, with Sicily’s search interest surging 300% after The White Lotus Season 2 and Koh Samui seeing a 170% spike post-Season 3. These increases generate revenue for hospitality sectors, create jobs in tour operations, and raise global awareness of cultural heritage. By converting screen appeal into foot traffic, set-jetting revitalizes destinations and inspires sustainable tourism initiatives.
Impact of Set-Jetting on Tourism Destinations
Set-jetting can significantly increase visitor numbers in featured regions, with some areas experiencing a 30–60% boost. This increase generates revenue for hospitality sectors, creates jobs, and raises global awareness of cultural heritage, revitalizing destinations and inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives.
This source provides data on the impact of film tourism on the increase of visitors and revenue.
Which Are the Top 5 Filming Locations from This Year’s Hit TV Shows?
The following table highlights the top five screen-tourism hotspots from this year’s chart-topping TV series, showcasing where to go and what to see.
How Can You Visit The White Lotus Filming Locations in Sicily and Thailand?
The White Lotus Season 3 features lavish scenes in Taormina’s historic hotels and Koh Samui’s beachfront resorts.
- In Taormina, tour San Domenico Palace for grand hotel facades and dine at Bar Vitelli, the quaint café by the seaside staircase.
- On Koh Samui, explore Fisherman’s Village for street markets, then indulge in spa treatments at the Four Seasons Resort.
Local guides offer themed walking tours, and pre-booked resort packages sometimes include show-inspired amenities. These immersive visits recreate the luxury and drama fans see onscreen, setting the stage for deeper cultural discovery.
What Are the Must-See Game of Thrones Sites in Northern Ireland and Croatia?
- Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland – The twisted beech alleyway immortalized as the Kingsroad.
- Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland – Rugged coastline scenes from pirate and seaside sequences.
- King’s Landing in Dubrovnik, Croatia – Stroll the city walls and Fort Lovrijenac, where royal intrigue unfolded.
- Lovrijenac Fort, Croatia – Climb ramparts overlooking the Adriatic Sea for epic photo moments.
Guided tours provide historic context and film anecdotes, enhancing each location’s narrative resonance.
Where to Experience Emily in Paris’ Iconic Parisian Landmarks?
- Snap a photo from Trocadéro for panoramic Eiffel Tower views.
- Sip coffee at Café de Flore and wander the arcades of Palais-Royal.
- Wander Montmartre’s La Maison Rose and sample pastries at local boulangeries.
- Bike along the Seine River towpaths for the same scenic route Emily rides.
Curated walking tours blend fashion, film references, and insider tips to help you live Paris like a character.
What Are the Key Squid Game Filming Spots in South Korea?
- Daejeon Expo Science Park – Home to the distinctive green playing area.
- Incheon International Airport – Featured in dramatic arrival and departure scenes.
- PCC Studio Park, Gyeonggi Province – Offers themed photo zones and interactive exhibits.
Arrange private transfers for optimal timing and reserve park tickets in advance to avoid crowds. Each site transports visitors into the show’s surreal challenges.
How to Explore Wednesday’s Filming Locations in Ireland and Romania?
- Tour Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow, Ireland, to see interior sets used as Nevermore Academy.
- Visit Cantacuzino Castle near Bucharest, Romania, the stately façade that embodies the school’s Gothic charm.
- Hike the Wicklow Mountains for dramatic estate exteriors and mist-shrouded woods.
Specialized tours often combine both countries in one itinerary, revealing behind-the-scenes trivia and local folklore that inspired the series’ dark aesthetic.
How to Plan Your Set-Jetting Trip to These Popular TV Show Locations?
Effective set-jetting requires strategic planning, from timing your visits to selecting immersive stays and ensuring responsible tourism practices. This section outlines essential tips, accommodation advice, curated tour options, and sustainability guidelines for an unforgettable pop-culture journey.
What Are the Best Travel Tips for Visiting Filming Locations?
- Book during off-peak seasons to enjoy locations without crowds.
- Research shooting schedules and obtain permits for restricted areas.
- Hire local guides who specialize in screen-tourism narratives.
- Pack appropriate gear (comfortable shoes, weather-ready clothing).
Following these steps helps you navigate logistics smoothly and capture the full cinematic experience without disrupting local life.
How to Book Accommodations Featured in Hit TV Shows?
- Use official show partner websites to secure rooms at filming hotels like San Domenico Palace and Four Seasons Koh Samui.
- Check boutique listings for guesthouses near site entrances at Dark Hedges and Cantacuzino Castle.
- Enroll in loyalty programs that sometimes offer exclusive show-inspired packages.
- Read past guest reviews for insights into on-screen authenticity and service quality.
Staying in featured properties deepens the narrative connection and makes every moment feel straight out of your favorite episodes.
Which Local Tours and Experiences Enhance Your Set-Jetting Adventure?
- Join themed walking tours with costumed guides recounting filming anecdotes.
- Attend immersive dine-and-drink events replicating show-inspired menus.
- Book private photoshoots at landmark settings to recreate iconic scenes.
- Try interactive VR or AR experiences at studio parks for behind-the-scenes perspectives.
These curated activities enrich your journey, blending storytelling with hands-on participation.
How Can You Practice Responsible and Sustainable Set-Jetting?
- Travel in small groups to minimize environmental impact.
- Support local businesses for tours, dining and accommodations.
- Offset carbon emissions through verified programs when flying long-haul.
- Respect cultural norms, private properties and filming-area restrictions.
Responsible set-jetting not only preserves destination integrity but also fosters positive community partnerships for future filming projects.
What Unique Local Experiences Can You Enjoy Beyond the Screen at These Filming Locations?
While filming sites capture the imagination, each region offers deeper cultural activities, hidden gems and culinary traditions that bring on-screen magic to life off-camera.
Which Cultural Activities Complement The White Lotus Destinations?
- Join a Sicilian cooking class to master arancini and cannoli recipes.
- Take a sunset boat trip off Taormina’s coast to explore sea caves beneath the cliffs.
- Participate in a traditional Thai long-tail fishing expedition around Koh Samui.
- Unwind with Muay Thai training sessions at local gyms featured in background scenes.
These immersive activities highlight local heritage beyond the show’s luxury veneer.
What Are the Hidden Gems Near Game of Thrones Filming Spots?
- Discover Mussenden Temple perched dramatically on Northern Ireland’s cliffs.
- Explore Downhill Demesne gardens adjacent to Dark Hedges for serene photo backdrops.
- Hike Dubrovnik’s lesser-known Lapad Peninsula for coastal panoramas away from crowds.
- Dine at family-run konobas (taverns) in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, sampling seafood stews.
These off-the-beaten-path attractions reveal authentic regional life and scenic vistas.
How to Recreate Emily in Paris’ Lifestyle Through Cafes and Landmarks?
- Start with a croissant tasting tour at Du Pain et des Idées and La Maison P.
- Book a perfume-making workshop at Fragonard to design your signature scent.
- Take a bicycle tour along the Seine with stops at hidden bookshops and marketplaces.
- Attend a French language pop-up lesson at a Montmartre art studio for a local twist.
These activities let you live the chic, cosmopolitan vibe that defines Emily’s world.
What Local Traditions and Cuisine Can You Explore in Squid Game’s South Korea?
- Join a kimchi-making class at a traditional hanok homestay in Daejeon.
- Sample Incheon’s famous seafood pancakes and street skewers on a nighttime food crawl.
- Experience a temple stay at a nearby Buddhist monastery for meditation and craft workshops.
- Ride the Seoul tram to suburban filming sites and visit artisanal pottery villages.
Embracing these cultural practices enriches your understanding of the show’s social context.
Which Irish and Romanian Attractions Enhance Your Wednesday Set-Jetting?
- Climb the 6th-century Round Tower at Glendalough in County Wicklow.
- Hike the Wicklow Mountains for misty woodlands that inspired Nevermore’s grounds.
- Ride the historic Sinaia Railway in Romania to reach Cantacuzino Castle.
- Stroll Brașov’s medieval Council Square for Gothic architecture and artisanal markets.
Layering these experiences adds local flavor and historical depth to your Wednesday pilgrimage.
How Are Streaming Services and Social Media Fueling the Set-Jetting Phenomenon?
Influence of Streaming Services and Social Media
Streaming platforms and social media have amplified set-jetting by making production details accessible and igniting viral travel trends. Digital natives prioritize authenticity and storytelling, trusting plot-driven narratives and character journeys to reveal off-the-beaten-path destinations.
This source supports the influence of streaming services on travel trends and destination choices.
Why Do Gen Z and Millennials Prefer TV Shows for Travel Inspiration?
Digital natives prioritize authenticity and storytelling over glossy marketing, trusting plot-driven narratives and character journeys to reveal off-the-beaten-path destinations. Social proof from peers on Instagram and TikTok adds credibility, prompting younger travelers to seek experiences rooted in genuine cultural context rather than superficial sightseeing.
How Does TikTok Influence Set-Jetting Destinations?
Short-form video clips with location tags and trending audio tracks create instant travel buzz, driving millions of views and spikes in search interest for featured landmarks. Hashtag challenges and influencer collaborations showcase behind-the-scenes tours, transforming obscure production sites into must-see hotspots overnight.
What Recent Statistics Highlight the Growth of Set-Jetting?
- 78% of travelers are very likely to book trips to destinations seen in movies or TV shows.
- Annual international film tourism trips exceed 250,000 globally.
- Destinations featured in popular series can see a 30–60% increase in tourist arrivals.
- Over half of global travelers research locations after watching streaming content.
Statistics Highlighting the Growth of Set-Jetting
A significant percentage of travelers are likely to book trips to destinations seen in movies or TV shows, with annual international film tourism trips exceeding a substantial number globally. Destinations featured in popular series can see a considerable increase in tourist arrivals, underscoring set-jetting’s status as a mainstream journey driver.
This source provides statistics on the growth of set-jetting and its impact on tourism.
How Can You Use Structured Data and Semantic SEO to Discover More Set-Jetting Destinations?
Leveraging structured markup and semantic search techniques helps fans unearth emerging screen-tourism opportunities beyond mainstream guides.
What Schema.org Markup Enhances Set-Jetting Content Visibility?
- Implement: schema:TVSeries to define each show’s details and link to premises.
- schema:Place and schema:TouristAttraction for filming sites with address, geo and description.
- schema:ItemList for ordered lists of locations, boosting rich snippets.
- schema:FAQPage for PAA integration if answering common user questions.
This markup signals search engines to display enhanced results for fans seeking on-set adventures.
How Do Entity Relationships Improve Search Results for Filming Locations?
By explicitly connecting to entities using properties like , search engines understand which show is tied to each destination. Semantic triples such as (The White Lotus – filmedIn – Sicily) and (Dubrovnik – appearedIn – Game of Thrones) strengthen the knowledge graph, driving more accurate search suggestions and carousel features.
Which Tools Help Track Set-Jetting Trends and Popular Filming Sites?
- Google Trends to monitor rising interest in show-related destinations.
- Social listening platforms (e.g., Brandwatch) for real-time mentions of filming sites.
- Travel forums and subreddits to gather on-the-ground visitor tips.
- Analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Search Console) to spot new long-tail queries about unexplored sites.
These resources keep your set-jetting content fresh and aligned with evolving fan interests.
What Are Other Notable Set-Jetting Destinations Beyond This Year’s Top 5?
Beyond 2025’s hottest picks, classic and emerging screen-tourism spots continue to captivate fans of other major franchises.
Where to Visit Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings Filming Locations?
- Harry Potter UK: Tour Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts exterior), the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express) and Oxford’s Bodleian Library.
- Lord of the Rings NZ: Visit Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, trek Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom), and explore Tongariro National Park.
These epic backdrops remain perennial favorites for fantasy devotees.
How Do UK and Ireland Remain Popular for Screen Tourism?
Historic estates like Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and the Scottish Highlands (Outlander) continue attracting visitors, while recent fantasy series film in iconic English cathedrals and Irish castles. A robust infrastructure of themed tours, volunteer guides and dedicated museums sustains their enduring appeal.
Which Emerging Set-Jetting Destinations Are Gaining Popularity?
- The Last of Us (Colorado, USA) for dystopian small towns and desert canyons.
- Industry (London) with modern financial district shoots at Canary Wharf.
- Stranger Things (Georgia, USA) reviving 1980s small-town Americana landmarks.
Niche productions unlock new travel corridors that cater to devoted fan bases and curious wanderers alike.
Set-jetting takes on-screen fascination and turns it into real-world exploration, creating unforgettable journeys that blur fiction and reality. By choosing the top five destinations from this year’s hit series, planning with insider tips, embracing local culture beyond filming sites, and understanding the influence of streaming and semantic search, fans can curate immersive adventures tailored to their favorite shows. Whether you chase the drama of The White Lotus or the gothic charm of Wednesday, these itineraries invite you to experience storytelling in tangible form—and spark your own travel story beyond the screen.