PLAN A SET JETTING TRIP: A GUIDE TO VISITING YOUR FAVORITE FILM AND TV LOCATIONS

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and thought, “I need to go there”? You’re far from alone. The desire to visit the places we see on screen has grown into a full-blown travel movement - and it has a name.

Set jetting is the act of traveling to destinations made famous by movies and TV shows, and it has become one of the fastest-growing travel trends of the streaming era. Expedia’s Unpack ‘25 report found that 66% of travelers say their trips have been influenced by places they’ve seen in movies or TV shows. The numbers behind the trend are staggering: according to TourismReview, the global film tourism market reached $66 billion in 2025.

But showing up to a filming location without a plan can mean missed spots, long lines, and disappointment. Preparing ahead of time is key. Here’s how to do it right.

Start With the Source Material

Before you book a single flight or hotel room, go back and rewatch the key episodes or scenes that inspired your wanderlust - this time with fresh, intentional eyes. Pay close attention to landscapes, architecture, street signs, and any geographic clues that appear on-screen.

From there, dive into the research. Fan wikis, Reddit threads, and dedicated location databases like MovieMaps or Atlas of Wonders are goldmines for pinning down exact filming spots. These resources can help you distinguish between a location that was genuinely filmed on site and one that was recreated on a soundstage or digitally altered. The more specific your list, the better your trip will be.

Check Which Locations Are Actually Accessible

This step is crucial and one that many excited travelers skip. Not every filming location is open to the public. Some are on private property, others require advance booking, and a few have been closed entirely due to overtourism.

Cross-reference your list against current visitor information before finalizing your plans. It’s also worth checking if guided tours are available, since they often grant access to spots that are otherwise off-limits. A knowledgeable guide also adds enormous context - helping you understand not just where a scene was filmed, but how the production team transformed the location for the screen.

Build a Realistic Itinerary

Here’s something that catches many set jetters off guard: filming locations are rarely clustered in one tidy area, even if it may seem like it in the show or movie. A single production might use locations spread across an entire region or even multiple countries.

Map out your must-see spots geographically and group them by proximity to avoid unnecessary backtracking. Factor in travel time between locations honestly - and leave buffer time for the unexpected discoveries that often end up being the highlight of the trip. Rushing from point to point diminishes the experience, so give yourself room to breathe and take it all in.

Time Your Visit Strategically

When you go matters just as much as where you go. Popular filming locations can draw massive crowds, especially after a hit series finale or a major theatrical release. The surge of visitors following a buzzy premiere can turn a normally quiet destination into an overwhelming scene.

Check when your destination typically peaks and consider visiting in shoulder season if possible. Early morning visits to iconic spots almost always reward you with better photos, smaller crowds, and a more immersive experience than midday. If you’ve dreamed of capturing that perfect shot at a famous location, arriving at dawn can make all the difference.

Stay Close to Your Key Locations

Where you stay matters more on a set jetting trip than a typical vacation. Proximity to your top filming spots lets you get there early, return for golden-hour light, and explore without rushing. Rather than choosing accommodations based solely on price or amenities, think about which locations you most want to spend time at - and position yourself accordingly.

Some destinations even offer stays that are part of the experience themselves, giving travelers the opportunity to sleep in the same environment they fell in love with on screen.

Be a Respectful Visitor

This may be the most important step of all. The influx of fans has strained relationships between locals and visitors in several high-profile destinations. Dubrovnik, Croatia, for example, has capped the number of daily visitors to manage the crowds drawn by Game of Thrones.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of standing where your favorite character stood, but it’s essential to remember that the backdrop of your favorite scene is also likely a regular person’s hometown. Stick to designated areas, support local businesses, follow posted guidelines, and remember that the community existed long before the cameras arrived. Being a considerate visitor helps ensure these places remain open and welcoming for future fans.

Go Beyond the Obvious Spots

Finally, don’t limit yourself to only the most iconic locations. The most-photographed filming locations are worth seeing, but the best set jetting trips dig deeper. Look for background locations, lesser-known scenes, and nearby areas that share the same visual character as the production.

These hidden gems often deliver a more personal, less crowded experience - and they can help you see a destination the way the filmmakers originally did, with an eye for atmosphere and beauty rather than just famous landmarks.

The Bottom Line

Set jetting offers a unique way to experience travel - one driven by story, emotion, and a genuine connection to the places you visit. With 66% of travelers reporting that movies and TV shows have influenced their trips, it’s clear this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

But the difference between a frustrating tourist outing and a truly memorable set jetting adventure comes down to preparation. Choose your source material carefully, research access and logistics, time your visit wisely, and above all, travel with respect for the communities that make these beloved locations possible. Do that, and you’ll come home with far more than just a photo - you’ll have an experience that deepens your love for both travel and the stories that inspired it.

Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.

2026-03-10T20:03:53Z