Set-Jetting: Exploring Destinations Inspired by Popular Films and TV Shows

There’s a special kind of magic that unfolds when the silver screen steps off the frame and spills into the real world — a phenomenon I like to call set-jetting. It’s the soulful journey of chasing the footsteps of beloved characters, wandering through landscapes and cities immortalized by films and TV shows that have captured our hearts. For those hungry not just for travel, but for immersion in stories that have shaped our imaginations, set-jetting offers an elixir of nostalgia, wonder, and discovery all rolled into one.

Why Set-Jetting Awakens Our Soul

There’s something deeply emotional in standing where a climactic scene was captured or sipping coffee in the café where iconic characters shared secret moments. Stories told through film and television paint worlds that linger long after the credits roll. Set-jetting lets us *touch* those worlds, breaking the fourth wall and turning fiction into palpable reality.

I remember wandering through the charming streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, which became the formidable King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. The cobblestones beneath my feet echoed tales of power, betrayal, and resilience that I’ve watched unravel onscreen. Each narrow alleyway and ancient fortress wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a relic of storytelling imbued with layers of history and artistry.

The Allure of Iconic Film Destinations

Some places are etched into popular culture so deeply that visiting them can feel like stepping into a dream. Take New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, immortalized by The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Hobbiton’s lush green hills, the majestic Mt. Doom, and the serene Shire welcome travelers yearning to live a slice of Middle-earth, breathing in the profound harmony of nature that Peter Jackson so vividly captured.

Just as vivid are the cinematic streets of Paris, which enchant lovers of classics like Amélie or the whimsical Midnight in Paris. Here, every café and bridge carries whispers of romance and artistic revival, inviting you to lose yourself in the city’s timeless, cinematic rhythm.

Beyond the Touristy Lens — Discovering the Soul of a Film Location

What truly sets set-jetting apart is the invitation to dive beneath the surface. It’s not about ticking off famous sites but wandering with intent — discovering tucked-away alleys, chatting with locals who recognize the place from the camera’s eye, and indulging in the cultural cadence that shaped the narrative.

“Travel doesn’t just satisfy my wanderlust; it deepens my connection to the stories I love. It’s a conversation between fiction and reality.”

This is when the magic of set-jetting comes to life — when locations stop being just backdrops and start being characters themselves, whispering secrets of the stories they hosted.

TV Shows and Film Locations That Beckon the Adventurous

While blockbuster movies naturally draw crowds, the rise of television prestige and streaming has brought fresh new destinations into the limelight. Take Iceland’s rugged vistas, which frame countless scenes in shows like Game of Thrones and Sense8. Or the atmospheric beauty of Scotland, home to Outlander, where ancient castles and misty lochs unfold like chapters from a romantic saga.

And for those who adore the vibrant energy of city life, sets like the streets of New York in Friends and Sex and the City, or the quirky neighborhoods of London from Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, offer experiences steeped in cultural richness and entertainment history.

How to Make Your Set-Jetting Journey Truly Your Own

Every journey, no matter how inspired by films or TV, should be profoundly personal. I always recommend blending the allure of iconic spots with local experiences—like dining in a hidden tavern rather than just the famed café, or hiking a nearby trail to discover the untamed beauty that inspired the filmmakers.

Document your emotional connection — journal, photograph candid moments, or simply sit in quiet reflection where your favorite characters once stood. Let the narrative sweep you up but bring your own story to the destination.

Set-jetting is, in essence, a pilgrimage for the dreamers, the storytellers, and those who crave to live beyond the boundaries of ordinary travel. It is a tender dance between cinema and reality, one that invites us to be characters in the stories we cherish.

Marco Santiago