Set-jetting refers to the growing trend of traveling to real-life locations featured in popular films or TV series. Instead of just sightseeing, travelers now plan trips specifically to visit the places they’ve seen on screen—often using movie scenes as their travel inspiration. 

If you’re considering a trip inspired by your favorite show or film, this guide outlines the best destinations, how to reach them, and what to expect upon arrival.

What Is Set-Jetting?

Set-jetting is a travel trend where people visit real-life locations featured in movies or TV shows. Travelers often choose their destination specifically because it appears on screen, frequently using scenes from films or series as a guide when planning a trip. The goal is to experience the atmosphere, setting, and scenery they’ve seen on screen in person. 

This type of travel combines location-based tourism with pop culture interests and is often promoted through destination marketing campaigns, guided tours, and official filming site maps. 

Set-jetting has become increasingly popular as more people seek meaningful or immersive travel experiences tied to stories they already recognize.

Best Set-Jetting Locations to Visit Right Now

Dubrovnik, Croatia – As Seen in Game of Thrones

Dubrovnik’s Old Town was the primary filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. The medieval walls, forts, and narrow stone streets appear throughout the series.
You can walk the city walls (ticket: approx. €35), visit Fort Lovrijenac, and even take GoT-specific walking tours.
How to get there: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) connects to major European cities. From the airport, take a shuttle or taxi to the city center (approx. 30 minutes).
Best time to go: May to early June or September to avoid cruise ship crowds.

Paris, France – As Seen in Emily in Paris

Paris offers endless filming locations beyond the Eiffel Tower. Emily in Paris showcased real neighborhoods, such as Montmartre, the Palais-Royal, and Rue de l’Abreuvoir.
These locations are accessible by metro or on foot, and there’s no need for a tour—mark your Google Maps and explore.
How to get there: Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in about 35–40 minutes.
The best times to visit are spring (April to early June) and fall (late September to early October), when the weather is better and the crowds are fewer.

Skellig Michael, Ireland – As Seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

This UNESCO World Heritage Site off Ireland’s southwest coast appeared as Luke Skywalker’s hideout. Visiting requires planning: boat tours to the island are weather-dependent and only run during summer.
Access is limited (with only ~180 visitors per day), and bookings often fill up months in advance.
How to get there: Travel to Portmagee in County Kerry, then take a 45-minute boat to Skellig Michael.
Best time to go: Mid-May to early September, depending on sea conditions.

Petra, Jordan – As Seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

The iconic Treasury of Petra was immortalized in the Indiana Jones films. This ancient city is open to the public and accessible on foot once inside Petra’s archaeological site.
Day passes cost ~70 JOD (approx. €90). Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.
How to get there: Fly into Amman (AMM), then drive or take a JETT bus to Petra (approx. 3.5 hours).
The best times to visit are from March to May or October to November, when the weather is pleasant.

New Zealand – As Seen in The Lord of the Rings

The entire LOTR trilogy was filmed across both the North and South Islands. The Hobbiton set near Matamata is the most visited, now a permanent attraction.
Tickets cost approximately. NZD 120. Guided tours are required.
How to get there: Fly to Auckland or Wellington, then drive or take intercity buses to regional filming sites.
Best time to go: November to March (New Zealand’s summer season).

Scotland – As Seen in Outlander and The Traitors

Scotland’s highlands, castles, and remote villages have served as iconic backdrops for both historical dramas and reality competition shows. Locations across the country highlight its rugged natural beauty and preserved heritage.
How to get there: Fly into Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA). From either city, trains and buses connect to major filming areas, including the Highlands and coastal towns.
The best time to go is from May to early October, when the weather is clearer and daylight hours are longer.

England – As Seen in Bridgerton, The Crown, and Downton Abbey

England’s palaces, country estates, and historic gardens frequently appear in period dramas. Many of these filming locations, from royal residences to aristocratic manors, are open to visitors and easily accessible by train or car.
How to get there: Fly into London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). National Rail offers direct access to key locations across southern and central England.
Best time to go: April to June or September to October, when sites are open and the weather is mild.

Italy – As Seen in The White Lotus and The Leopard

Southern Italy, particularly Sicily, features prominently in films known for dramatic scenery and historic elegance. Travelers can visit historic towns, baroque buildings, and coastal resorts that appear in both classic and modern productions.
How to get there: Fly into Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA). Regional trains and buses connect major Sicilian cities and filming locations.
The best time to go is late April to early June or September, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.

Morocco – As Seen in Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator

Morocco’s deserts, kasbahs, and ancient cities have been the setting for numerous epic films. From fortified towns to vast desert plains, the country offers immersive backdrops that remain accessible today.
How to get there: Fly into Marrakesh (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN). Domestic flights or buses connect to filming areas such as Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou.
Best time to go: March to May or October to November to avoid extreme heat.

New Zealand – As Seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

New Zealand’s national parks, rolling hills, and remote valleys form the fantasy world of Middle-earth. The preserved Hobbiton set is one of the most visited locations, while other regions offer dramatic outdoor landscapes seen throughout the films.
How to get there: Fly into Auckland (AKL) or Wellington (WLG). Rental cars or guided tours are best for accessing scattered filming sites.
Best time to go: November to March (New Zealand’s summer season) for ideal weather and full access to outdoor locations.

Thailand – As Seen in Multiple Films and Series

Thailand’s islands, temples, and street scenes often feature in action films, romances, and travel shows. Set-jetting encompasses beach destinations, vibrant cities, and rural landscapes featured in various productions.
How to get there: Fly into Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT). Domestic flights and ferries connect to regional filming areas.
Best time to go: November to February during the cool and dry season.

Peru – As Seen in Paddington in Peru

Peru’s iconic landscapes, including mountains, jungle, and colonial towns, are featured in recent productions. The country’s mix of urban charm and natural beauty provides an engaging set-jetting experience.
How to get there: Fly into Lima (LIM) or Cusco (CUZ). Domestic flights connect major filming sites, including those in the Andes.
Best time to go: May to September during the dry season, when travel conditions are most reliable.

Spain – As Seen in Game of Thrones and Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Spain offers a diverse range of filming locations, from medieval castles and Roman ruins to modern cities and coastal escapes. Set-jetting travelers often explore palaces, cathedrals, and historic plazas used in global productions.
How to get there: Fly into Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN). Spain’s extensive rail and bus networks make it easy to access locations across the country.
Best time to go: April to June or September to avoid extreme heat and enjoy pleasant travel conditions.

Iceland – As Seen in Game of Thrones and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and black-sand beaches have served as the backdrop for numerous fantasy and adventure films. Set-jetting here means exploring dramatic, remote locations that feel otherworldly.
How to get there: Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), near Reykjavík. Car rentals are essential for reaching most filming sites.
Best time to go: June to August for full daylight access and open roads; winter for snow-covered scenery.

Canada – As Seen in The Last of Us, Twilight, and The Revenant

Canada’s forests, mountains, and small towns frequently double as settings for both U.S. and international productions. Set-jetting in Canada often includes visiting wilderness areas, city streets, and purpose-built sets.
How to get there: Fly into Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ), or Calgary (YYC), depending on the region. Domestic flights and car rentals are widely available.
Best time to go: May to October for accessible outdoor filming sites.

Japan – As Seen in Lost in Translation and Memoirs of a Geisha

Japan’s mix of modern cityscapes and traditional temples has made it a popular filming destination. Visitors can explore iconic towers, narrow alleys, and scenic heritage sites that appeared on screen.
How to get there: Fly into Tokyo (NRT or HND) or Osaka (KIX). High-speed trains (Shinkansen) connect major cities and filming locations.
The best times to visit are March to May for cherry blossoms and October to November for fall colors.

Greece – As Seen in Mamma Mia, The Two Faces of January, and Glass Onion

Greece’s islands and historic ruins serve as stunning backdrops for musicals, mysteries, and dramas. Set-jetting in Greece often includes ferries between islands, beachside towns, and archaeological landmarks.
How to get there: Fly into Athens (ATH) or regional airports like Santorini (JTR) or Skiathos (JSI). Ferries connect the mainland to filming locations.
Best time to go: May to early July or late September to avoid heat and crowds.

United States – As Seen in Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and Forrest Gump

From deserts and small towns to coastal highways and city skylines, the U.S. offers countless set-jetting opportunities. Many filming sites are marked and open to the public, often supported by local tourism.
How to get there: Major filming cities include Los Angeles, Atlanta, Albuquerque, and Savannah. Airports and car rentals are available in all regions.
Best time to go: Varies by location. Spring and fall are generally best for most filming regions.

Best Tools to Plan a Set-Jetting Trip

Google Maps

Use Google Maps to pin and navigate filming locations. Many fans publish public maps for popular series.

Rome2Rio

Check how to get between filming locations via train, bus, or car.

Viator or GetYourGuide

Look for local tours tied explicitly to movies and shows—many include skip-the-line access or expert commentary.

Set-Jetting Destinations and Travel Details

FAQs

What is the meaning of set-jetting in travel?

Set-jetting means traveling to real-world destinations featured in movies or TV shows. It’s a blend of tourism and media fandom.

Is set-jetting a growing travel trend?

Yes. With the rise of streaming platforms and global filming locations, many travelers now build entire itineraries around places they’ve seen on screen.

Do I need a guide to visit film locations?

Not always. Urban spots like Paris or Dubrovnik are ideal for self-guided exploration and are friendly. Remote sites, such as Skellig Michael or Hobbiton, require booking a tour.

Are set-jetting trips more expensive than regular travel?

They can be, depending on location and access. Guided tours to remote locations may increase costs, but many sites are publicly accessible.

How do I find where my favorite show was filmed?

Utilize resources such as IMDb filming locations, fan blogs, Google Maps, and dedicated tour platforms. Some tourism websites even list official film trails.