Set-Jetting: Exploring Destinations Made Famous by Film and TV

There’s a particular thrill to wandering through a place you’ve admired on screen—the cobblestone streets, the hidden cafés, or the majestic landscapes that feel both familiar and untamed. This is set-jetting, an enchanting travel trend where stories leap off film and television and into reality, inviting us to step into scenes that once flickered before our eyes.

For me, set-jetting isn’t just about ticking off locations. It’s a deeply emotional journey, one that bridges the magic of storytelling with tangible moments of awe. From the moment the cameras cut, and the bustling set returns to quiet, these destinations remain whispers of narratives, waiting for us to rediscover them anew.

The Lavish Romance of Italy in “Call Me by Your Name”

Summer in Northern Italy is a sensory embrace—a warmth that kisses the sun-dappled cypresses, the gentle hum of life in tiny villages, and endless days bathed in golden light. When I walked through the olive groves and vibrant town squares featured in Call Me by Your Name, it was as though I was living a quiet cinematic romance of my own.

The film’s palpable intimacy blends effortlessly with the timeless beauty of the Italian countryside. Here, every alley whispers stories untold; every sunset carries a tinge of longing. Set-jetting in places like Crema and Lake Garda opens a door to a world where art, love, and landscape dance in perfect harmony.

Magical Mysteries in New Zealand’s Middle-earth

Few things rival the surreal awe of standing amidst the lush, rolling hills of New Zealand’s Waikato region. This land transformed into the ethereal Middle-earth for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies is more than a set—it’s an entire world wild and alive.

“Set-jetting here felt like stepping through a portal into a legend; it stirred in me an ancient kind of wonder.”

Whether it’s Hobbiton’s cozy hobbit holes or the majestic peaks that guarded Frodo’s journey, each step offers a glimpse into the epic tales of bravery and friendship. The authentic landscapes remain untamed, but visitors can dip into the fantasy with immersive tours, connecting deeply with both nature and story.

Urban Beats and Secrets in New York’s “Sex and the City”

Then there’s the pulse of an iconic city — New York, as seen through the fashion-forward, fiercely independent lenses of Sex and the City. Strolling down Manhattan streets lined with historic brownstones and illuminated by neon dreams, I felt the electric confidence that the show championed.

Visiting the cafés, bars, and boutiques immortalized by Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha is a journey into the heart of urban enchantment, where the city itself becomes a character, full of stories waiting at every corner. To set-jet here is to embrace city living’s infinite possibilities and the promise of reinvention.

The Evocative Charm of Scotland’s “Outlander”

Scotland’s misty highlands and ancient castles come alive in the epic saga of Outlander. More than just a backdrop, the rugged landscapes embody the powerful emotions and timeless histories that the series explores.

Walking the hallowed grounds of castles like Doune, I was enveloped by a palpable sense of history and passion—layers of time that the show beautifully captures. The experience was a potent reminder of how places witnessed stories long before the cameras arrived, adding depth and soul to every frame.

The Allure of Set-Jetting: Why We Do It

Set-jetting taps into something elemental—a desire to relive moments of wonder and to physically inhabit the worlds that have stirred our imaginations. It’s a unique blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and wanderlust.

Each journey leaves an indelible imprint, not simply because I’ve seen these places on screen, but because the visits invite me to weave my own narrative within their continuing stories. The experience opens my senses wider, connecting me to the stories I love and inviting a deeper appreciation of the destination’s authentic spirit.

In a world bursting with stories, set-jetting is a timeless adventure—where fiction seamlessly blends with reality and the heart finds new landscapes to call home.

Marco Santiago