From Binge-Watching to Binge-Traveling: The Ultimate Set-Jetting Guide to TV’s Hottest Locations
Have you ever finished a season of a show and felt a desperate longing to step right through the screen and into its world? You’re not alone. We get so immersed in the stories, characters, and breathtaking backdrops of our favorite shows that the destinations themselves become characters.
This desire has fueled one of the hottest travel trends right now: set-jetting, the art of planning your travels around the filming locations of movies and TV shows. It’s a way to connect with your favorite stories on a deeper level, transforming a passive viewing experience into an active, unforgettable adventure. You’re not just seeing a beautiful place; you’re walking in the footsteps of Tyrion Lannister, Emily Cooper, or Tanya McQuoid.
Ready to trade your remote control for a passport? Here is the ultimate set-jetting guide to some of the most iconic and travel-worthy TV show locations.
1. Sicily, Italy: Live the Drama of The White Lotus
The second season of The White Lotus wasn’t just a brilliant social satire; it was a lavish, 10-hour advertisement for the seductive beauty of Sicily. The show single-handedly put this Italian island at the top of countless travel bucket lists.
- The Real-Life Resort: The real “White Lotus” resort is the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel in the stunning hilltop town of Taormina. While staying there is a serious splurge, you can still visit for a cocktail at the bar to soak in the atmosphere and a billion-dollar view of Mount Etna.
- Must-Visit Filming Spots:
- Taormina: Wander the charming streets, visit the ancient Greek Theatre (where several scenes were filmed), and browse the chic boutiques on Corso Umberto.
- Noto: Explore this UNESCO-listed Baroque town, where Daphne and Harper take their dramatic overnight trip.
- Cefalù: This picturesque coastal town with its beautiful beach and Norman cathedral is another key location featured in the series.
- The Vibe: Sicily is all about dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and indulgent food. Live your best life with fresh pasta, cannoli, and glasses of Aperol Spritz overlooking the Ionian Sea.
2. Croatia & Northern Ireland: Enter the World of Game of Thrones
Even years after its finale, the Game of Thrones effect is as strong as ever. The show used several European countries as its backdrop, but Croatia and Northern Ireland are arguably the most iconic.
- King’s Landing in Dubrovnik, Croatia: The walled city of Dubrovnik is King’s Landing. Walk the very same city walls where Varys and Tyrion plotted, visit Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), and descend the Jesuit Staircase where Cersei began her walk of shame.
- The Iron Islands and Winterfell in Northern Ireland: A road trip through Northern Ireland is a tour through the Seven Kingdoms. Visit Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands), Castle Ward (Winterfell), and the hauntingly beautiful Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad).
- The Vibe: Both destinations offer far more than just filming spots. Croatia boasts a stunning coastline and Roman history, while Northern Ireland has its own rich Celtic mythology, dramatic coastal drives, and warm pub culture.
3. Paris, France: Find Your Inner Emily in Paris
Love it or hate it, Emily in Paris is a visual love letter to a highly romanticized version of the French capital. The show provides a perfect checklist for anyone wanting to capture that picture-perfect Parisian experience.
- Must-Visit Filming Spots:
- Place de l’Estrapade: Find Emily’s apartment and Gabriel’s restaurant in this charming square in the 5th arrondissement.
- Jardin du Palais Royal: Recreate the scene where Emily meets Mindy in this beautiful, tranquil garden.
- Pont Alexandre III: Stroll across what is widely considered Paris’s most ornate and extravagant bridge, the setting for a controversial perfume ad in the show.
- The Vibe: Embrace the cliché! Eat a pain au chocolat from a local boulangerie, take too many photos of the Eiffel Tower, visit world-class museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and enjoy a glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe.
4. New Zealand: Journey Through Middle-earth (The Lord of the Rings)
Peter Jackson’s epic trilogies showcased New Zealand’s landscapes so spectacularly that for many, New Zealand simply is Middle-earth. The country’s dramatic mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests are a fantasy lover’s dream come true.
- The Shire in Hobbiton: The number one pilgrimage site is the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. This permanent attraction allows you to wander through the real Shire, see the hobbit holes, and grab a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. It’s pure magic.
- Mordor and Mount Doom: Tongariro National Park, with its volcanic, otherworldly terrain, served as the backdrop for Mordor. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike takes you past Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom.
- The Vibe: New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world. After you’ve had your fill of fantasy, go bungee jumping in Queenstown, hiking on a glacier, or kayaking through the majestic Milford Sound.
How to Plan Your Set-Jetting Adventure
Once you’ve picked the fictional world you want to inhabit, turning it into a real trip is surprisingly easy.
- Map Your Itinerary: Decide which key locations you want to hit. Many popular set-jetting destinations have guided tours that will take you to all the best spots, complete with behind-the-scenes trivia.
- Book Your Passage: The journey begins with a flight. To get to Westeros, Middle-earth, or Sicily, you’ll need to find the best route. Use a flexible search engine like TSAFIR Flight to compare airlines and find deals to the nearest major airport.
- Find the Perfect Stay: Where you stay is part of the fun. You could splurge on a hotel featured in the show or find a charming boutique hotel nearby that captures the right atmosphere. To browse everything from luxury resorts to cozy, affordable rooms, TSAFIR Hotel is the perfect tool to find your home base.
So, which show will inspire your next vacation? The world of television has never been more travel-worthy.
