Jet-Setting in 2026: Top Places to Visit

Picture this: you're binge-watching your favorite show on a cozy Friday night, completely captivated by those stunning clifftop views, charming cobblestone streets, or that impossibly luxurious resort! Suddenly, you realize—you're not just entertained. You're inspired! Your brain's already mapping out plane tickets, hotel bookings, and Instagram captions. Welcome to set-jetting, the travel trend that's about to dominate your 2026 vacation plans!

If you haven't heard about set-jetting yet, buckle up! This phenomenon is turning TV viewers into globe-trotters faster than you can say "Netflix and jet lag." It's projected to become an $8 billion industry in the United States alone, and honestly? We're here for it!

What Is Set-Jetting?

Let's break it down in the simplest way possible. Set-jetting is when you plan your vacation around locations you've seen in movies, TV shows, or streaming series. You could also include places where celebrities are currently performing! Think of it as turning your watchlist into a travel bucket list.

The term was actually coined way back in 2008 by New York Post journalist Gretchen Kelly, but it's exploded into mainstream consciousness recently. Why now? Because during those lockdown days, we were all glued to our screens, mentally traveling to far-off destinations while stuck on our couches. When borders finally opened, people emerged with a burning desire to experience those on-screen paradises in real life!

Here's what makes set-jetting different from regular tourism—it's not just about visiting a country or city. You want the exact experience your favorite characters had. You're not just going to Paris; you're hunting down Emily's go-to café. You're not simply visiting Sicily; you're staying at that specific White Lotus resort!

And the numbers don't lie! A whopping 81% of Gen Z and Millennials are now planning their getaways based on what they've streamed. More than half of all travelers say their desire for screen-inspired trips has grown compared to last year!

Why Set-Jetting Has Taken Over Travel Planning

There's something magical about stepping into a world you've only experienced through a screen. Film and TV don't just show us beautiful locations—they wrap those places in stories, emotions, and characters we've fallen in love with!

Television shows now influence travel decisions more than Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts combined. That's pretty wild when you think about it! But it makes sense. When you watch a well-crafted show, you're not just seeing scenery. You're experiencing mood, atmosphere, and narrative context that makes you feel connected to a place before you've even packed your bags!

Social media amplifies this effect like crazy. TikTok and Instagram feeds explode with behind-the-scenes content, location guides, and stunning travel photos that make it easier than ever to turn screen inspiration into real-world adventures. After Bridgerton launched, #visitbath and #royalcrescent tagged videos flooded TikTok, directly linking the show's filming locations to travel inspiration!

Plus, let's be honest—there's major main character energy in recreating iconic scenes from your favorite shows. Set-jetters aren't satisfied with just visiting anymore. They want curated explorations of the destination's culture, cuisine, and landscape for that full immersive experience!

The Hottest Set-Jetting Destinations for 2026

Ready to start planning? Here are the must-visit locations that everyone will be talking about this year!

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Thanks to the upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the dramatic Yorkshire moors and stunning countryside estates are calling your name. The Yorkshire Dales offer breathtaking beauty and historic charm that'll transport you straight into a period drama!

Tuscany, Italy

George Clooney's film Jay Kelly is putting Tuscany back in the spotlight (as if it ever left!). Picture rolling vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, and that quintessential Italian countryside magic.

Thailand

Season three of The White Lotus filmed in Koh Samui and Phuket has already sparked a tourism frenzy. Hotels reported a 40% booking increase even before the season aired. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where much of the filming took place, became an instant bucket-list destination.

Samoa, Polynesia

Disney's live-action Moana is bringing travelers to the Pacific islands in droves. The stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich Polynesian culture offer the ultimate tropical escape.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Already famous from Game of Thrones, Croatia's getting another boost from People We Meet on Vacation. Dubrovnik's ancient walls, turquoise Adriatic waters, and dramatic coastline continue captivating screen-obsessed travelers.

New Zealand

Still reigning supreme thanks to Avatar: Fire & Ash, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings trilogies! Wellington's Weta Workshop offers behind-the-scenes magic, while Hobbiton remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country!

Colombia

Disney's Encanto sparked massive interest in Colombia's coffee region, colonial towns, and vibrant culture. Adventures by Disney even created an eight-day tour bringing the film's magic to life.

The White Lotus Effect: When Shows Change Destinations Forever

Let's talk about The White Lotus for a second because this show basically wrote the playbook on modern set-jetting.

Season one filmed at the Four Seasons Maui saw a 425% increase in website visits and a 386% rise in availability checks. Sicily experienced a tourism surge that exceeded typical summer seasons after season two. Now, with season three set in Thailand, Koh Samui residents are bracing for what locals call the "White Lotus effect."

The show creates this fascinating tension between luxury escapism and the real-world impacts of tourism. It's made destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket incredibly desirable, but it's also highlighting concerns about water scarcity, environmental strain, and infrastructure challenges.

Emily in Paris and the Romance of European Cities

Emily in Paris turned the City of Light into an even hotter destination (if that was even possible). A staggering 10% of tourists chose France after watching movies or shows, with over 35% citing Emily in Paris specifically.

La Boulangerie Moderne, where Emily had her first pain au chocolat, now sees nearly 40% of customers visiting because of the show. Carette tea house experienced a surge of tourists wanting that signature chocolat chaud topped with chantilly cream.

But here's the thing—the show's created some friction with locals who feel it promotes stereotypical tourism. Visitors often rush through locations just to snap Instagram photos without truly immersing themselves in the culture. It's a reminder that responsible set-jetting means more than just checking off filming locations!

Bridgerton's Royal Impact on Bath

Bath, England, has experienced a proper Regency revival thanks to Bridgerton. The economic impact? A cool £5 million boost to the local economy from afternoon teas, walking tours, and hotel stays.

The Royal Crescent, The Assembly Rooms, and Great Pulteney Street have become pilgrimage sites for fans. The Bath Assembly Rooms, where Lady Danbury's ball was filmed, reports crowds specifically asking about the room featured in the show.

Unique walking tours now guide fans through key filming locations, creating an entire industry around the show. With nine seasons planned, Bath anticipates continued tourism benefits for years to come.

Planning Your Perfect Set-Jetting Adventure

Ready to turn your watchlist into a reality? Here's how to do it right!

Do Your Research

Start by identifying the exact filming locations of your favorite shows. Check official tourism sites, fan forums, and film tour operators for verified locations. Sometimes you'll find plaques or signs marking where movies were filmed, especially in cities popular with filmmakers.

Book Early and Smart

Popular filming locations can get crowded fast. Consider visiting during off-season to avoid massive crowds and score better deals on lodging and activities. Research all transportation options ahead of time—rental cars, public transit, or organized tours.

Budget Realistically

Calculate your trip budget including accommodations, meals, transportation, and any special tours or events. Some film-inspired properties command premium prices, so be prepared. The Four Seasons properties featured in The White Lotus aren't exactly budget-friendly!

Go Beyond the Surface

Don't just visit filming locations and call it a day. Experience the local cuisine, shop at local businesses, and engage with the culture. This supports the local economy and gives you a richer, more authentic experience.

Respect the Locals

Remember that people actually live in these destinations. Follow local guidelines, adhere to noise ordinances and curfews, and be respectful of residents. Filming locations aren't theme parks—they're real communities.

Consider Guided Tours

Many famous movie locations offer guided tours or host special events like festivals related to the films shot there. These can provide insider knowledge and access you wouldn't get exploring solo.

Common Set-Jetting Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding Hot Spots

Everyone wants to visit the same trending destination at the same time. This creates overcrowding that degrades the experience and harms local environments. Be strategic about timing your visit.

Ignoring Environmental Impact

Popular filming locations can face serious environmental strain. Maya Beach in Thailand, featured in The Beach, closed for over three years because constant tourism damaged coral reefs and beach areas. Skellig Michael in Ireland implemented strict visitor caps after Star Wars filming to protect the delicate 6th-century monastic settlement.

Only Chasing Instagram Moments

If you're just rushing through locations for quick selfies without experiencing the destination, you're missing the point. Take time to actually explore, learn, and appreciate what makes each place special.

Not Planning for Accessibility

Some remote filming locations require special transportation or guided tours. Don't assume you can just show up and access everything. Check opening hours, seasonal closures, and entry requirements ahead of time.

Forgetting It's Not Always as Glamorous

Television uses carefully edited shots, perfect lighting, and sometimes CGI to enhance locations. The reality might differ from what you saw on screen. That's okay! Real-world destinations have their own authentic charm.

The Disney Connection: From Encanto to Moana

As a Disney fan, you've got some incredible set-jetting opportunities! Disney's Encanto put Colombia on the map in a whole new way. Adventures by Disney created an eight-day tour visiting locations that inspired the film—from Bogotá's colorful markets to the Coffee Region's towering wax palms in Cocora Valley.

The itinerary includes visiting fourth-generation coffee farms, exploring colonial towns like Salento and Barichara (which inspired the Madrigal family village), and experiencing Cartagena's Caribbean coast.

The live-action Moana is driving similar interest in Hawaii and Samoa. These destinations offer not just beautiful scenery, but rich cultural experiences that bring Disney's storytelling to life.

Disney even offers a wild 24-day private jet adventure visiting all 12 Disney theme parks around the world, plus the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, and Eiffel Tower. Talk about the ultimate set-jetting experience for Disney superfans!

The Future of Set-Jetting

Set-jetting isn't going anywhere. If anything, it's evolving! Social media platforms like TikTok continue amplifying the trend, with viral videos turning quiet spots into instant sensations practically overnight.

Technology's playing a bigger role too. Some destinations are experimenting with virtual reality previews, allowing potential visitors to experience locations before booking. AR and VR could eventually create "layered" set-jetting experiences where you can see behind-the-scenes content or interact with characters at actual filming locations.

The key challenge moving forward? Balancing economic benefits with sustainability. Destinations need strategies to manage sudden visitor surges without overwhelming local infrastructure or damaging environments.

Expedia even launched a dedicated Set-Jetting Travel Hub where you can book curated hotels, activities, and flights to buzzworthy destinations. They're making it easier than ever to turn watchlist wanderlust into real trips!

Frequently Asked Questions About Set-Jetting

What's the difference between set-jetting and regular tourism?

Set-jetting specifically focuses on visiting filming locations from movies and TV shows. It's not just about going to a destination—it's about experiencing the exact spots and recreating moments from your favorite on-screen stories.

Do I need special tickets to visit filming locations?

It depends! Many outdoor filming locations like city streets, parks, and public buildings are free to visit. However, studio tours, interior sets, or guided experiences often require advance booking. Always check ahead.

Is set-jetting expensive?

It can be, especially if you're visiting luxury properties featured in shows like The White Lotus. However, you can absolutely set-jet on a budget by focusing on public filming locations, staying in more affordable accommodations nearby, and exploring independently rather than booking expensive tours.

How do I find verified filming locations?

Check official tourism websites, fan forums, film commission databases, and tour operator sites for confirmed locations. Many destinations now proudly advertise their screen connections with plaques and signs.

What if the location is crowded?

Visit during off-peak seasons or shoulder months when crowds are lighter. Go early in the morning or later in the evening when possible. Consider visiting lesser-known filming locations from the same show to avoid the biggest crowds.

Can I visit filming locations year-round?

Most outdoor and public locations are accessible year-round, but it's smart to check seasonal weather conditions. Studio tours or indoor sets may have specific schedules or seasonal closures. Always verify before planning your trip.

How can I make my set-jetting trip more sustainable?

Travel during off-peak times to reduce overcrowding, support local businesses instead of international chains, follow Leave No Trace principles at natural filming locations, and engage meaningfully with local culture rather than just snapping photos.

Are there set-jetting tours I can join?

Absolutely! Many destinations now offer organized tours specifically for film and TV fans. Examples include Bridgerton tours in Bath, White Lotus experiences in Thailand and Sicily, Game of Thrones tours in Croatia, and Hobbiton tours in New Zealand.

What should I pack for a set-jetting trip?

Beyond typical travel essentials, bring a good camera for capturing those iconic shots, comfortable walking shoes (you'll be exploring a lot!), and weather-appropriate gear since many filming locations are outdoors. Consider bringing a portable charger—you'll be using your phone constantly for photos and navigation.

Your Screen-to-Reality Adventure Awaits!

Set-jetting represents something beautiful about how we experience stories today. It's not enough to just watch anymore—we want to live inside the narratives that move us. We want to walk those cobblestone streets, taste that perfect pain au chocolat, and stand on that clifftop watching the sunset!

The trend shows no signs of slowing down. With streaming platforms constantly releasing new content and social media making it easier than ever to share and discover filming locations, set-jetting will only get bigger in 2026 and beyond!

Just remember, while it's exciting to chase down those iconic filming spots, the best travel experiences happen when you balance your bucket list with genuine cultural immersion, environmental responsibility, and respect for local communities! The destinations that welcomed film crews into their neighborhoods deserve travelers who appreciate them beyond Instagram moments.

So what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite show, do your research, book those flights, and get ready to step into the screen. Your own main character moment is waiting somewhere out there—and unlike your favorite show, this adventure won't end after one season!

Whether you're sipping wine in Tuscany inspired by a George Clooney film, exploring the magical Coffee Region of Colombia like the Madrigal family, or living your luxury resort fantasy at a White Lotus property, 2026 is your year to turn those screen dreams into passport stamps. Let's go!