Have you ever found yourself binging a show and thinking, “I need to be there”?
You aren’t alone. In 2026, over 80% of travelers are choosing their next destination based on what they see on screen. This trend, known as set-jetting, has turned living rooms into travel agencies. From the luxury resorts of Thailand to the moody cliffs of Yorkshire, cinematic tourism is the biggest movement in travel this year.
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What is set-jetting? The top travel trend for movie lovers
Set-jetting is the act of traveling to locations featured in movies or TV series. It’s about more than just sightseeing; it’s about stepping into a story you love.
Why is set-jetting so popular now? It offers a ready-made itinerary of stunning, “Instagrammable” spots while providing a deeper emotional connection to the destination.
| Set-Jetting Statistic | Impact for 2026 |
| Market Value | Projected to be an $8.4 billion industry. |
| Demographics | 81% of Gen Z and Millennials plan trips around shows. |
| Top Driver | Authenticity and “Main Character Energy.” |
Trending set-jetting destinations in 2026
As we move through the year, a new “map” of travel is emerging. Whether you are seeking the high-society elegance of the 1800s or the rugged frontier of the American West, these are the locations defining our travel bucket lists right now.
Regency Romance: Bridgerton & The Charm of Bath
With Season 4 released in February 2026, the city of Bath, England, is the undisputed epicenter of “Regency-core.”
- The Royal Crescent: The exterior of No. 1 Royal Crescent serves as the Featherington family home. It is now a museum where you can experience Georgian life in vivid detail.
- Abbey Green: This area doubles as London’s high-fashion district. The Abbey Deli is the real-life location for The Modiste, where the town’s juiciest gossip is traded over tea.
- The Holburne Museum: Its grand, pillared entrance is instantly recognizable as Lady Danbury’s villa.
Where to stay: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa allows you to stay directly within the filming location. They even offer “Lady Whistledown” themed afternoon teas for fans.
Curiosity: While the show is set in London, most filming happens in Bath because its “honey-colored” stone buildings are among the best-preserved 18th-century structures in the world.
The White Lotus Season 3: Luxury in Thailand
The “White Lotus effect” is peaking this March, exactly one year after the Thailand season premiere.
- Koh Samui: Much of the drama unfolds at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Fans can visit the private beach and infinity pools that served as the season’s primary backdrop.
- Phuket: The production also utilized the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, famous for its serene lagoons and billabongs.
- Bangkok: For urban scenes, the historic Mandarin Oriental provided the “Old World” glamour that has become a staple of the series.
Where to stay: If the Four Seasons is a stretch, try The Library in Koh Samui. It’s famous for its iconic red pool and fits the show’s “artsy” aesthetic perfectly.
Curiosity: Creator Mike White chose Thailand for its unique blend of “spirituality and chaos”—the perfect mirror for the characters’ internal struggles.
Gothic Moors: Wuthering Heights in Yorkshire
The February 2026 release of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has made the Yorkshire Dales the new hotspot for moody, romantic escapes.
- Swaledale and Arkengarthdale: These valleys provided the raw, windswept backdrops for Margot Robbie (Cathy) and Jacob Elordi (Heathcliff).
- Surrender Bridge: A key location for the film’s most dramatic moorland moments, surrounded by haunting, ancient mining ruins.
- Low Row: A picture-perfect stone village that served as the production’s primary filming hub.
Where to stay: For the ultimate star experience, book a room at Simonstone Hall near Hawes. This is where the lead cast stayed during filming.
Curiosity: Jacob Elordi was frequently spotted by locals at the pubs in Reeth, where he reportedly enjoyed the traditional Yorkshire hospitality between takes.
Travel insurance for Yorkshire
The “Cowboy Core” Frontier: Yellowstone in Montana
The “Yellowstone Effect” remains a powerhouse for US travel. Fans are flocking to “Big Sky Country” to live out their modern-day rancher fantasies.
- Chief Joseph Ranch (Darby, MT): The real-life Dutton Ranch. You can actually visit the gates for a photo or book a stay in the cabins when they aren’t filming.
- The Bitterroot Valley: This valley provides the sweeping mountain-and-river cinematography that defines the show’s look.
- Missoula: The Missoula County Courthouse and Ruby’s Cafe are must-visits for fans of the show’s intense legal and social drama.
Where to stay: You can actually rent Lee Dutton’s Cabin or Rip Wheeler’s Cabin right on the Chief Joseph Ranch. For luxury “glamping,” The Resort at Paws Up is the gold standard.
Curiosity: The “Dutton Ranch” signs are so popular they have to be guarded or removed when production isn’t active to prevent them from becoming “souvenirs” for over-eager fans.
Mythic Greece: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
As we approach the July 2026 release of The Odyssey, the Peloponnese region is seeing a massive surge in “Mythic Tourism.”
- Methoni Castle: This 13th-century Venetian fortress is the stunning backdrop for Odysseus’s return to Ithaca.
- Voidokilia Beach: This horseshoe-shaped cove is where Nolan filmed the highly anticipated scenes involving the Cyclops.
- Acrocorinth: The massive acropolis overlooking Corinth served as the film’s epic fortress set.
Where to stay: The cast, including Matt Damon and Zendaya, stayed at Costa Navarino, a sustainable luxury resort that is a destination in its own right.
Curiosity: Nolan reportedly insisted on using a real, 200-year-old wooden trireme (Greek warship) for sea sequences, which was shipped in specifically for the shoot.
Moana (Live Action): Island Magic in Hawaii
With the live-action remake arriving in July 2026, fans are heading to Oahu to find the spirit of “Motunui.”
- Pokai Bay (Waianae): This calm, stunning bay was a primary filming location for Moana’s ocean voyages.
- Oahu’s West Coast: These rugged, less-developed beaches provided the authentic Pacific Island atmosphere for the film.
Where to Stay: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina is just minutes from the filming sites and offers deep dives into Hawaiian culture.
Curiosity: Star Catherine Laga‘aia (Moana) has deep Samoan roots, and her casting was celebrated for bringing authentic heritage to the live-action role.
Stranger Things Season 5: Farewell to Hawkins in Georgia
As the final season wraps up, the town of Jackson, Georgia, remains the permanent home of “Hawkins.”
- Jackson, Georgia: Walk the downtown square to see the buildings used for Melvald’s General Store and the local courthouse.
- The Claremont House (Rome, GA): This historic Victorian home is the real Creel House. While it’s a private residence, it’s a legendary stop for photos.
- Gwinnett Place Mall: The site of Starcourt Mall, a neon pilgrimage for any 80s nostalgia fan.
Where to Stay: The Georgian Terrace in midtown Atlanta is a historic hub that puts you central to all the major filming tours.
Curiosity: The “Hawkins Lab” is actually part of Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus, a former mental health facility that lends the show its eerie, authentic vibe.
Other classic movie and TV locations
For those who want to mix new hits with “Legacy Sets,” these classics are still trending in 2026:
- Lord of the Rings (New Zealand): Hobbiton in Matamata now allows guests to go inside the Hobbit Holes for a fully immersive lunch.
- Harry Potter (UK): The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland remains the top spot to see the “Hogwarts Express” in action.
- The Original Gladiator (Malta): Re-visit Fort Ricasoli in Valletta to see where the cinematic Roman Empire was first reborn.
- Star Wars (Ireland): The rugged island of Skellig Michael continues to draw fans of the Jedi archives.
- Avengers: Doomsday (London): Keep an eye on the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, which is currently a hub for Marvel’s latest production.
- Emily in Paris (Italy): Emily’s move to Italy has made the Hotel Eden in Rome and the Rialto Bridge in Venice the most Instagrammed spots of the spring.
Practical tips for planning a movie-themed vacation
- Cluster your locations: Don’t try to see too much at once. Group nearby sets—like the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin for Wednesday—to save on travel time.
- Book themed stays early: Iconic spots like the Chief Joseph Ranch or The Royal Crescent often book out a year in advance.
- Check accessibility: Some sets are private property. Always check if a location is open to the public or requires a guided tour.
- Respect local life: Be a respectful guest. Many “sets” are actually quiet neighborhoods where people live and work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you visit the actual filming locations of The White Lotus?
Yes. The show uses real luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and Anantara. While they are open to guests, they often require reservations for dining or spa services if you aren’t staying overnight.
Where was the latest season of Emily in Paris filmed?
The 2026 season expanded heavily into Rome (Hotel Eden, Palazzo Fendi) and Venice (The Grand Canal, St. Regis Venice).
Is set-jetting more expensive than regular travel?
Not necessarily. While the hotels are premium, visiting the public streets, bridges, and parks featured on screen is usually free. It’s all about how you plan your itinerary.
How do I find exact filming coordinates for a movie?
Resources like Atlas of Wonders or IMDb’s Filming Locations tab are the best places to start your research.
Why Heymondo is your best co-star
A great movie always has a safety net for its actors, and your travel should be no different. Whether you’re hiking the misty moors of Yorkshire for Wuthering Heights or navigating the bustling streets of Rome with Emily, imprevistos can happen.
In the event of a medical emergency in a foreign country, having travel insurance guarantees quality care without worry. If your flight to Thailand is unexpectedly canceled, your policy can cover the cost of lost reservations at those iconic White Lotus villas.
Heymondo offers more than just coverage; it offers the freedom to explore. With a 24/7 medical chat via their app, you can consult a doctor in seconds if you feel unwell in a remote Greek village. From lost luggage in London to a twisted ankle in Montana, you’re never alone.
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