Remember that scene in The White Lotus where Jennifer Coolidge is sipping a cocktail by that impossibly blue infinity pool, the Sicilian sun casting a golden hour glow on everything? Yeah, me too. I spent an embarrassing amount of time not just watching the show, but obsessively googling “San Domenico Palace, Taormina.” I wasn’t just binge-watching; I was, without even realizing it, destination dreaming. And I’m far from alone.
Welcome to the era of ‘set-jetting’—the travel trend that’s got us booking flights not just to a city, but to the very streets, hotels, and landscapes we’ve fallen in love with on our screens. It’s part pilgrimage, part immersive fandom, and 100% a fantastic excuse to plan your next adventure. Let’s be honest, a guidebook can tell you about the Colosseum, but only The Gladiator can make you feel its dust and thunder. So, how do you move from passive viewer to active set-jetter? It’s easier than you think.
From Your Couch to Your Itinerary: The Allure of Screen Tourism
This isn’t just about snapping a selfie at a famous location. It’s about emotional geography. We form powerful connections to fictional worlds and characters. Walking the same cobblestones as Bridgerton’s Daphne, hiking the starkly beautiful trails of The Last of Us in Alberta, or ordering a “Royale with Cheese” in Paris—these acts layer our own memories onto the stories we cherish. It transforms a standard vacation into a personal, deeply resonant experience. The location becomes a co-star in your own adventure.
I’ve found that this approach often leads you to places you might have otherwise overlooked. Before Game of Thrones, who was fervently planning a trip to Dubrovnik’s ancient walls or Iceland’s otherworldly Þingvellir? Screen tourism has a way of putting hidden gems on the global map.
Your Set-Jetting Toolkit: Planning Beyond the Google Search
Okay, you’re sold. You’ve got your show or movie in mind. Now what? A quick search for “[Show Name] filming locations” is a start, but here’s what most people miss: the magic is in the details.
First, dig deeper than the obvious landmark. Production companies often use multiple locations to create one fictional place. The Emily in Paris apartment might have a specific facade in the Le Marais district, but the interior could be a studio set. Your mission is to find the accessible, real-world spots. Fan wikis, dedicated location blogs (like Set-Jetting.com or Moviemaps), and even the show’s own social media can be goldmines.
Second, embrace the vibe, not just the pin on the map. Maybe you can’t stay in the exact Schitt’s Creek motel (it’s a private property in Ontario), but you can absolutely book a stay at a charming, quirky roadside motel in the same region and soak in the small-town Canadian hospitality that made the show so beloved. The goal is to capture the essence.
The Pro’s Playbook: How to Craft an Immersive Experience
Anyone can visit a location. A true set-jetter lives it. Here’s my three-step playbook for turning a visit into an experience:
- Curate a Themed Playlist or Watchlist. This is non-negotiable. On the flight or train ride there, re-watch key episodes. Have the soundtrack playing as you drive through the Scottish Highlands (hello, Outlander) or wander the Tokyo backstreights of Killing Eve. It sets the mood like nothing else.
- Seek Out the In-Between Moments. Don’t just find the café. Order what the character ordered. Visit the local bookstore the crew might have frequented. Find the park bench where a pivotal scene was shot. These subtle touches are far more powerful than a crowded, main tourist spot.
- Talk to the Locals. Bartenders, shop owners, and tour guides often have the best behind-the-scenes tidbits. I once chatted with a Dublin pub owner who pointed out the exact stool where a scene from PS I Love You was filmed—a fact you’d never find online. These stories are the souvenirs you can’t buy.
Navigating the Potential Pitfalls (Because It’s Not All Perfect)
Let’s keep it real. Set-jetting has its downsides. Overtourism is a serious issue. That beautiful, quiet village from a hit show can become overrun, harming the local ecosystem and community. Always strive to be a responsible traveler. Visit in the off-season, respect “no trespassing” signs (these are real homes and businesses, not just sets), and spend your money at local establishments beyond the one famous spot.
Also, manage your expectations. That sprawling, epic landscape might involve a 3-hour hike to reach the specific vantage point. The charming, always-sunny plaza might be under construction or packed with dozens of other fans with the same idea. Flexibility is your friend.
Your Next Chapter Awaits: Where Will Your Remote Take You?
The beautiful thing about this trend is that it’s infinitely customizable. Are you a rom-com fanatic tracing the steps of Before Sunrise in Vienna? A fantasy buff exploring New Zealand’s Middle-earth? A thriller enthusiast hunting for the Berlin locations from The Bourne Identity? Your watchlist is now your wanderlust.
So tonight, pay a little more attention to the backgrounds. Pause and use your “What’s that song?” app on the soundtrack. Let yourself wonder, “Where is that?” That curiosity is the first step. The next is booking the ticket.
The world’s greatest stories aren’t just meant to be watched. They’re meant to be walked. Your favorite show just might be the best travel agent you’ve ever had.
