Set Jetting: How TV Shows Are Influencing Travel Destinations

There is a special kind of magic that comes alive when a story leaps off the screen and plants a seed in our wanderlust-filled souls. That magic is called set jetting, a term that encapsulates the growing phenomenon of travelers who visit the real-life locations where their favorite TV shows and movies were filmed. These destinations transform from mere backdrops into immersive, living experiences that invite us to step into the scenes that once made us laugh, cry, or dream.

As a cultural explorer who’s chased stories across continents, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the silver screen has reshaped the way we discover the world. TV shows today don’t just entertain; they serve as vibrant gateways to new cultures, hidden alleys, and breathtaking landscapes that beckon us to experience life beyond our device screens.

The Allure of Real Stories Behind Fictional Worlds

When I first stumbled upon the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, it was almost impossible to separate the city from its starring role as King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.” Every narrow alleyway, every ancient wall vibrated with nostalgia and the thrill of the show’s epic tales. There was an electric sensation walking through places where dragons were imagined to soar, where fierce battles unfolded, and where stories of power and passion were born.

The beauty of set jetting isn’t simply visiting a tourist site; it’s delving deep into a unique cultural tapestry woven into the narrative’s heart. Dubrovnik isn’t just a medieval city; it becomes a character itself, enriched by centuries of history and culture, made immortal by television’s lens. The lines between fiction and reality blur as travelers bring imaginary worlds to life with every footstep.

From Screen to Streets: Destinations Reclaimed

The ripple effect of popular TV shows reaches far beyond fan enthusiasm. Destinations previously overlooked are suddenly thrust into the global spotlight, sparking new economies, fresh tourism opportunities, and heartfelt preservation efforts.

Consider the soaring popularity of Iceland, whose raw, untamed landscapes became the haunting backdrop for shows like “Game of Thrones” and “The Witcher.” More than just a scenic wilderness, Iceland’s geothermal springs, volcanic mountains, and ice-capped fjords have become pilgrimages for wanderers enchanted by mystical narratives. I remember soaking in natural hot springs as the mist danced around me, imagining the fierce ice warriors that might have once tread here.

Closer to home, the sweeping vineyards and charming villages highlighted in shows like “Emily in Paris” and “Bridgerton” have led to waves of travelers seeking that perfect mix of romance, charm, and elegance. It’s not just the visuals—they crave the essence of these locations, the tastes, the streets, the smells, and that elusive ambiance that breathes life into the fiction.

How Set Jetting Shapes Our Travel Desires

There’s a profound emotional connection that blossomed in the intimate moments we share with TV characters and narratives. When a show captures a slice of life—whether it’s the gritty streets of Berlin in “Dark” or the sun-drenched plazas of Seville in “Money Heist”—it ignites new desires within us to experience those moments ourselves.

Watching these series often feels like an invitation, a silent whisper from the screen beckoning us to step into those scenes, to wander the streets where stories unfolded, and to find a part of ourselves along the way. That impulse to travel is no longer about ticking boxes or selfies; it’s about re-living emotions, connecting with art and culture in ways that resonate deeply.

A Personal Journey Into Set Jetting

One of my most memorable adventures was in Kyoto, Japan, inspired by the delicate visuals of “Midnight Diner.” This beautiful series illuminated the quiet charm of tucked-away eateries and the soul of everyday encounters. Walking the peaceful streets that the show lovingly portrayed, I felt like I was sharing a bowl of ramen with the characters, tasting the warmth of human connection that transcends language.

Every travel story contains a thread of personal discovery, and set jetting has added a new dimension to these narratives—blending imagination with reality, fiction with culture, and leading me to places I might never have imagined visiting otherwise.

The Future of Set Jetting

As streaming platforms bring diverse stories from every corner of the globe directly to our screens, the allure of set jetting will only grow. We’re in an era where the world’s most remote villages and iconic cities alike can become stars in cinematic tales, drawing us in with new perspectives and fresh adventures.

For travelers and storytellers alike, this means a richer, more immersive journey—one where the past, present, and imagined worlds collide to expand our horizons. It’s an invitation to walk where stories were born and to become part of the ongoing legend of place.

“Set jetting isn’t just a travel trend—it’s a celebration of the stories that shape us and the places that inspire our dreams.”

Marco Santiago