One of the hottest travel trends for this summer is ‘set-jetting’ which is all about travelling to the filming locations of their favourite movies and TV shows.
Who hasn’t been inspired by the power of the screen where we are whisked away to far-flung destinations?
If you’ve ever felt inspired to visit the filming locations you’ve seen in your favourite TV show or film, you’re not alone.
Set-jetting is a growing trend in travel — two-thirds of global travellers have considered it, and 39% of people have booked trips to destinations based on a TV show or film they have watched according to Expedia’s 2023 travel trends report.
This makes the medium of TV and film second only to advice from friends and family when it comes to getting some serious holiday inspiration which is pretty impressive stuff!
From the beautiful island of Sicily as seen in ‘White Lotus’ to the vibrant French capital as elegantly showcased in the top Netflix hit ‘Emily in Paris’, there’s never been a better time to whisk yourself away to the filming locations of your favourite shows.
The White Lotus
The chic resort town of Taormina in Sicily is perennially a summer hotspot, but this year many of its hotels are already at full capacity for the season.
Why? This unprecedented level of record visitor numbers is thanks to the oh-so-glamorous TV show ‘The White Lotus’, after the second series moved filming locations from Hawaii to this pretty Italian island (with a strong focus on the Four Seasons’ San Domenico Palace).
From the age-old amphitheatres to the delicious cuisine, if you are seeking a little piece of that delicious Sicilian dolce vita, then this dazzling town with its charming little piazzas is most definitely for you.
Then there’s the beautiful beaches, the charming Piazza IX Aprile with its baroque-style Church of San Giuseppe that has the most spectacular double staircase and some of the most incredible views.
You can’t leave Sicily without leaving the stunningly-beautiful ‘La Grotta Azzura’ the blue cave is named as such because of the dancing light.
It’s easy to see why Sicily is the hottest ticket in town when it comes to filming locations right now.
Wednesday
Dark, deadpan and oh so dazzling, the hit show Wednesday featuring the adventures of the Addams family are infinitely watchable.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of various filming locations in Romania, for those looking to follow in the footsteps of the eponymous hero Wednesday, a trip to this stunning country is an absolute must.
From the iconic capital Bucharest which includes the pretty Bucharest Botanical Garden to the snow-capped mountains in Bușteni where you will find the dramatic yet majestic Cantacuzino Castle which is one of the show’s main filming locations.
As well as the very breathtaking scenery, there’s also an insta-worthy castle which has a myriad of sculptures and works of art to admire which are scattered across the grounds and castle interiors.
Throughout the city, you can explore an astonishing architectural diversity where you can find everything from art deco villas and Gothic arches to Art Nouveau and Soviet-esque buildings.
Barbie
Are you ready to live in a Barbie world?
With the imminent release of the hotly-anticipated film of the world’s most famous doll, you could be tempted (like us!) to pack your favourite clothes all in hues of pink of course, and head on over to Los Angeles.
If you ‘think pink’ anywhere in LA, it has to be at the eclectic beachfront neighbourhood of Venice Beach of course!
Where you can follow in the inline skates of both Barbie and Ken who will be clad head-to-toe in their achingly-cool neon skate gear gliding along the promenade of Venice Beach, go shopping in Rodeo Drive or at the glamorous Abbot Kinney Boulevard and much more.
The fantastic plastic couple are no strangers to enjoying fun in the sun in California and you can too!
Whether you favour theme parks, getting a Barbie-style blow dry or even hitting the clubs for a stellar night out, you won’t be short of things to do!
Indiana Jones: The Dial of Destiny
From the cosmopolitan city of Los Angeles to the rustic village of Bamburgh in Northumberland, which is one of the many locations featured in the new Indiana Jones film which is set for release this summer.
‘The Dial of Destiny’ will be Hollywood stalwart Harrison Ford’s last Indi adventure and he is planning to hang up his fedora after this final instalment of the franchise.
Of course, the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is front and centre of the dramatic action, but there are several other filming locations that are helping elevate Indi’s swan song to new levels.
There have been various other spots in the UK including North Yorkshire, Holy Island and at the famed Pinewood Studios.
Filming also took place in Italy and Morocco too, but Indiana Jones is no stranger to exotic filming locations and scenes have previously taken place in destinations like Hawaii, Yosemite National Park and Tunisia.
Aquaman
Talking of Hawaii, whilst the draw of surfing and other thrill-seeking activities are inevitably a huge draw to this jaw-droppingly stunning island, it’s also been one of the top filming locations for a wide range of TV shows and films throughout the years.
From the aforementioned White Lotus and Lost to Hawaii Five-O, this island has a true sense of allure as well as adventure.
Most recently, Hawaii was one of the main filming locations for the Jason Momoa epic Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom which was also filmed in California, London and Devon at Saunton Sands Beach.
From the wilds of Hawaii to the rugged coastlines of Devon, if you are looking for aquatic fun a la Aquaman, there’s plenty of amazing filming locations to dip your toe into.
Prefer your Devon-based adventures to be more land-based, whether you are a foodie, wildlife lover or love to hop on two wheels, you will find what you are looking for in Devon and in most instances, you can even bring your pooch too!
Dungeons and Dragons
The striking backdrop of the Icelandic landscape was integral to the latest incarnation of ‘Dungeons and Dragons’.
A small crew filmed at various film locations in South Iceland, with the rest of the film being filmed at a studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
With the Icelandic filming locations, eagle eyed viewers will note an ice chopping scene set in an Icelandic valley in the middle of nowhere which is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights.
Iceland has so many amazing places to visit, from the capital Reykjavik where you can explore to your heart’s content to feasting your way around the city.
However, there’s lots of tours that you can enjoy in the Icelandic capital which includes walking tours, foodie tours and even a beer tour (we kid you not!)
And Just Like That
One of the most eagerly-anticipated TV shows in recent times is the new Sex and the City spin off ‘And Just Like That’.
Who wouldn’t want to follow in the Manolo Blahnik shoes of the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in the Big Apple? Set against the glorious backdrop of New York City.
The series took us to some of the top-notch attractions in NYC which includes the East Village where Carrie and co drank cocktails galore, Manhattan and of course Central Park.
New York is one of the most popular filming locations in the world and the city offers the perfect backdrop for both the small and big screen which includes Will & Grace, Seinfeld and Friends as well as iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghostbusters, Home Alone, Elf, Big and The Devil Wears Prada.
The city that never sleeps is chock-full of exciting sights, dizzying skyscrapers, chic cocktail bars, as well as an endless selection of eclectic restaurants serving up food as wide-ranging from Japanese to good ole fashioned diners.
James Bond
The charming city of Venice has been at the centre of countless filming locations on the big screen including Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Tourist, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as well as three of the fantastic James Bond films.
The charming St Mark’s Square, locally known as Piazza San Marco, is one of the most famous places to see in Venice and this has been one of the main filming locations for Mr Bond and friends.
From 1979’s Moonraker with that infamous high-speed canal chase to Casino Royale in 2006, where Daniel Craig works his way through the bustling square in pure James Bond fashion of course.
The iconic Grand Canal also featured in Casino Royale where Daniel Craig and Eva Green cruised into Venice on board Spirit 54 in one of the most alluring and cinematic shots.
There’s so much to see and do in Venice and whether you are there just for the day or more and thanks to the timeless appeal of the narrow cobbled streets and maze-like alleyways, Venice is ripe for exploration.
Poldark
It’s easy to fall in love with the beautiful county of Cornwall thanks to its striking cinematic landscapes, expansive rugged golden beaches.
These inexplicably alluring landscapes provided the moody backdrop that was necessary to elevate the dramatic storyline of hit TV show Poldark.
From mesmerising wildlife to brilliant beaches like the Stepper Point headland which was featured in Poldark where you can gaze into the distance like Demelza or try your hand at a variety of watersports.
A visit to St Michael’s Mount is an absolute must where you can not only take a tour of this age-old castle, admire the magnificent tropical gardens as well as take in the spectacular sweeping sea views overlooking the mainland.
Emily in Paris
Ooh la la!
If Paris wasn’t already one of the most popular places on the planet, it’s been elevated to the next level thanks to Emily in Paris.
You can’t beat the City of Light for a mesmerising escape, whether you are meandering around through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, enjoying some wine and cheese with friends or exploring the varied markets of the city.
You can easily follow in the chic footsteps of the glamorous Emily herself with visiting attractions like the big ticket tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur) as well as lesser-known gems like the Terra Nera in the boho Sorbonne neighbourhood and the Musée de La Vie Romantique in Montmartre.
C’est magnifique!
The Serpent
Set on the South-east Asian Seventies hippie trail across a variety of exotic filming locations, hit TV show The Serpent tells the true-life tale of French-born Charles Sobhraj.
With a dazzling collection of stellar filming locations which includes Nepal, India and Kashmir, Pakistan, Paris , Hong Kong and of course Thailand which is central to the plot of the show.
Almost all of the show was filmed in and around the visual feast that is Bangkok.
Whether you have a few days to spend in this enchanting city or more, you can guarantee you will have the time of your life.
From gazing down the city skyline from one of the many rooftop bars to checking out the sprawling markets where you can part your hard-earned cash with incredible food, flowers, and crafts.
It’s easy to see why Bangkok makes for such an intoxicating destination as well as one of the most epic filming locations in Asia.
Bridgerton
The smash-hit Netflix drama Bridgerton, despite being set in the Regency-era of London in 1813, was actually filmed in the pretty city of Bath.
The marvellous pale honey-coloured stone Georgian architecture made the perfect backdrop for the elegant historic town scenes of the hit TV show.
Why not take a stroll along Alfred Street, Bath Street and of course along the famed Royal Crescent which set the scene for many of the key moments in Bridgerton.
In fact, the exterior and entrance hall of the Georgian house museum was used as the Featheringtons’ London home as one of the main filming locations in the show.
Bridgerton-inspired tourism is generating so much interest in this historic city right now, but period dramas aside, there’s so much to see and do.
From taking a dip in the Roman baths to taking a boat ride on the River Avon and everything in-between.
If Bridgerton isn’t your thing, then why not take an architectural tour of the city that will plot out both the big hitters and the under-the-radar gems for you to get snap happy at.
The Little Mermaid
With its pristine, crystal clear waters and cerulean blue lagoons, it’s no wonder the Italian island of Sardinia wooed the location scouts who were looking for the picture-postcard perfect location for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid had a variety of filming locations throughout the little seaside village of Santa Teresa di Gallura, which is situated on Sardinia’s stunning northern coast, visitors are blessed with quintessentially Sardinia beaches, pristine white sands and more.
Sardinia is a scenic holiday location for those who, like our heroine Ariel, love life under the sea! The azure peaceful waters are simply perfect for snorkelling (as well as other watersports).
You can fully expect to see a myriad of colourful schools of fish swimming playfully among seaweed and corals — perhaps you’ll even spot your very own Sebastian or Flounder look alike too!
If all the water action is leaving you a smidge exhausted and you prefer to fly and flop, there’s plenty of gorgeous beaches for you to relax on throughout the island.
The White Lotus
The chic resort town of Taormina in Sicily is perennially a summer hotspot, but this year many of its hotels are already at full capacity for the season.
Why? This unprecedented level of record visitor numbers is thanks to the oh-so-glamorous TV show ‘The White Lotus’, after the second series moved filming locations from Hawaii to this pretty Italian island (with a strong focus on the Four Seasons’ San Domenico Palace).
From the age-old amphitheatres to the delicious cuisine, if you are seeking a little piece of that delicious Sicilian dolce vita, then this dazzling town with its charming little piazzas is most definitely for you.
Then there’s the beautiful beaches, the charming Piazza IX Aprile with its baroque-style Church of San Giuseppe that has the most spectacular double staircase and some of the most incredible views.
You can’t leave Sicily without leaving the stunningly-beautiful ‘La Grotta Azzura’ the blue cave is named as such because of the dancing light.
It’s easy to see why Sicily is the hottest ticket in town when it comes to filming locations right now.
Wednesday
Dark, deadpan and oh so dazzling, the hit show Wednesday featuring the adventures of the Addams family are infinitely watchable.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of various filming locations in Romania, for those looking to follow in the footsteps of the eponymous hero Wednesday, a trip to this stunning country is an absolute must.
From the iconic capital Bucharest which includes the pretty Bucharest Botanical Garden to the snow-capped mountains in Bușteni where you will find the dramatic yet majestic Cantacuzino Castle which is one of the show’s main filming locations.
As well as the very breathtaking scenery, there’s also an insta-worthy castle which has a myriad of sculptures and works of art to admire which are scattered across the grounds and castle interiors.
Throughout the city, you can explore an astonishing architectural diversity where you can find everything from art deco villas and Gothic arches to Art Nouveau and Soviet-esque buildings.
Barbie
Are you ready to live in a Barbie world? With the imminent release of the hotly-anticipated film of the world’s most famous doll, you could be tempted (like us!) to pack your favourite clothes all in hues of pink of course, and head on over to Los Angeles.
If you ‘think pink’ anywhere in LA, it has to be at the eclectic beachfront neighbourhood of Venice Beach of course! Where you can follow in the inline skates of both Barbie and Ken who will be clad head-to-toe in their achingly-cool neon skate gear gliding along the promenade of Venice Beach, go shopping in Rodeo Drive or at the glamorous Abbot Kinney Boulevard and much more.
The fantastic plastic couple are no strangers to enjoying fun in the sun in California and you can too!
Whether you favour theme parks, getting a Barbie-style blow dry or even hitting the clubs for a stellar night out, you won’t be short of things to do!
Indiana Jones: The Dial of Destiny
From the cosmopolitan city of Los Angeles to the rustic village of Bamburgh in Northumberland, which is one of the many locations featured in the new Indiana Jones film which is set for release this summer. ‘The Dial of Destiny’ will be Hollywood stalwart Harrison Ford’s last Indi adventure and he is planning to hang up his fedora after this final instalment of the franchise.
Of course, the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is front and centre of the dramatic action, but there are several other filming locations that are helping elevate Indi’s swan song to new levels.
There have been various other spots in the UK including North Yorkshire, Holy Island and at the famed Pinewood Studios.
Filming also took place in Italy and Morocco too, but Indiana Jones is no stranger to exotic filming locations and scenes have previously taken place in destinations like Hawaii, Yosemite National Park and Tunisia.
Aquaman
Talking of Hawaii, whilst the draw of surfing and other thrill-seeking activities are inevitably a huge draw to this jaw-droppingly stunning island, it’s also been one of the top filming locations for a wide range of TV shows and films throughout the years.
From the aforementioned White Lotus and Lost to Hawaii Five-O, this island has a true sense of allure as well as adventure.
Most recently, Hawaii was one of the main filming locations for the Jason Momoa epic Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom which was also filmed in California, London and Devon at Saunton Sands Beach.
From the wilds of Hawaii to the rugged coastlines of Devon, if you are looking for aquatic fun a la Aquaman, there’s plenty of amazing filming locations to dip your toe into.
Prefer your Devon-based adventures to be more land-based, whether you are a foodie, wildlife lover or love to hop on two wheels, you will find what you are looking for in Devon and in most instances, you can even bring your pooch too!
Dungeons and Dragons
The striking backdrop of the Icelandic landscape was integral to the latest incarnation of ‘Dungeons and Dragons’.
A small crew filmed at various film locations in South Iceland, with the rest of the film being filmed at a studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
With the Icelandic filming locations, eagle eyed viewers will note an ice chopping scene set in an Icelandic valley in the middle of nowhere which is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights.
Iceland has so many amazing places to visit, from the capital Reykjavik where you can explore to your heart’s content to feasting your way around the city.
However, there’s lots of tours that you can enjoy in the Icelandic capital which includes walking tours, foodie tours and even a beer tour (we kid you not!)
And Just Like That
One of the most eagerly-anticipated TV shows in recent times is the new Sex and the City spin off ‘And Just Like That’.
Who wouldn’t want to follow in the Manolo Blahnik shoes of the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in the Big Apple?
Set against the glorious backdrop of New York City. The series took us to some of the top-notch attractions in NYC which includes the East Village where Carrie and co drank cocktails galore, Manhattan and of course Central Park.
New York is one of the most popular filming locations in the world and the city offers the perfect backdrop for both the small and big screen which includes Will & Grace, Seinfeld and Friends as well as iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghostbusters, Home Alone, Elf, Big and The Devil Wears Prada.
The city that never sleeps is chock-full of exciting sights, dizzying skyscrapers, chic cocktail bars, as well as an endless selection of eclectic restaurants serving up food as wide-ranging from Japanese to good ole fashioned diners.
James Bond
The charming city of Venice has been at the centre of countless filming locations on the big screen including Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Tourist, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as well as three of the fantastic James Bond films.
St Mark’s Square, locally known as Piazza San Marco, is one of the most famous places to see in Venice and this has been one of the main filming locations for Mr Bond and friends.
From 1979’s Moonraker with that infamous high-speed canal chase to Casino Royale in 2006, where Daniel Craig works his way through the bustling square in pure James Bond fashion of course.
The iconic Grand Canal also featured in Casino Royale where Daniel Craig and Eva Green cruised into Venice on board Spirit 54 in one of the most alluring and cinematic shots.
There’s so much to see and do in Venice and whether you are there just for the day or more and thanks to the timeless appeal of the narrow cobbled streets and maze-like alleyways, Venice is ripe for exploration.
Poldark
It’s easy to fall in love with the beautiful county of Cornwall thanks to its striking cinematic landscapes, expansive rugged golden beaches.
These inexplicably alluring landscapes provided the moody backdrop that was necessary to elevate the dramatic storyline of hit TV show Poldark.
From mesmerising wildlife to brilliant beaches like the Stepper Point headland which was featured in Poldark where you can gaze into the distance like Demelza or try your hand at a variety of watersports.
A visit to St Michael’s Mount is an absolute must where you can not only take a tour of this age-old castle, admire the magnificent tropical gardens as well as take in the spectacular sweeping sea views overlooking the mainland.
Emily in Paris
Oooh la la!
If Paris wasn’t already one of the most popular places on the planet, it’s been elevated to the next level thanks to Emily in Paris.
You can’t beat the City of Light for a mesmerising escape, whether you are meandering around through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, enjoying some wine and cheese with friends or exploring the varied markets of the city.
You can easily follow in the chic footsteps of the glamorous Emily herself with visiting attractions like the big ticket tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur) as well as lesser-known gems like the Terra Nera in the boho Sorbonne neighbourhood and the Musée de La Vie Romantique in Montmartre.
C’est magnifique!
The Serpent
Set on the South-east Asian Seventies hippie trail across a variety of exotic filming locations, hit TV show The Serpent tells the true-life tale of French-born Charles Sobhraj.
With a dazzling collection of stellar filming locations which includes Nepal, India and Kashmir, Pakistan, Paris , Hong Kong and of course Thailand which is central to the plot of the show.
Almost all of the show was filmed in and around the visual feast that is Bangkok. Whether you have a few days to spend in this enchanting city or more, you can guarantee you will have the time of your life.
From gazing down the city skyline from one of the many rooftop bars to checking out the sprawling markets where you can part your hard-earned cash with incredible food, flowers, and crafts.
It’s easy to see why Bangkok makes for such an intoxicating destination as well as one of the most epic filming locations in Asia.
Bridgerton
The smash-hit Netflix drama Bridgerton, despite being set in the Regency-era of London in 1813, was actually filmed in the pretty city of Bath.
The marvellous pale honey-coloured stone Georgian architecture made the perfect backdrop for the elegant historic town scenes of the hit TV show.
Why not take a stroll along Alfred Street, Bath Street and of course along the famed Royal Crescent which set the scene for many of the key moments in Bridgerton.
In fact, the exterior and entrance hall of the Georgian house museum was used as the Featheringtons’ London home as one of the main filming locations in the show.
Bridgerton-inspired tourism is generating so much interest in this historic city right now, but period dramas aside, there’s so much to see and do.
From taking a dip in the Roman baths to taking a boat ride on the River Avon and everything in-between.
If Bridgerton isn’t your thing, then why not take an architectural tour of the city that will plot out both the big hitters and the under-the-radar gems for you to get snap happy at.
The Little Mermaid
With its pristine, crystal clear waters and cerulean blue lagoons, it’s no wonder the Italian island of Sardinia wooed the location scouts who were looking for the picture-postcard perfect location for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid had a variety of filming locations throughout the little seaside village of Santa Teresa di Gallura, which is situated on Sardinia’s stunning northern coast, visitors are blessed with quintessentially Sardinia beaches, pristine white sands and more.
Sardinia is a scenic holiday location for those who, like our heroine Ariel, love life under the sea!
The azure peaceful waters are simply perfect for snorkelling (as well as other watersports).
You can fully expect to see a myriad of colourful schools of fish swimming playfully among seaweed and corals — perhaps you’ll even spot your very own Sebastian or Flounder look alike too!
If all the water action is leaving you a smidge exhausted and you prefer to fly and flop, there’s plenty of gorgeous beaches for you to relax on throughout the island.
