Set-Jetting: Chase Your Favorite Scenes Around the World

By Becky Wanders

I still remember the first time I stepped onto the cobblestones of Bath and felt like I had walked straight into an episode of Bridgerton. The grand Georgian architecture glowed under the afternoon sun, and for a moment, I half-expected a horse-drawn carriage to clip-clop past me carrying a dashing duke. That, dear wanderers, is the magic of set-jetting—the joyful art of traveling to the real-world spots where your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed.

Set-jetting has officially taken off. According to Expedia’s latest travel trend reports, two-thirds of us are letting what we watch on screen shape where we go next. The global film tourism market hit around $66 billion last year and shows no signs of slowing down. Streaming giants keep pumping out addictive series, social media overflows with perfectly framed fan photos, and suddenly places that once saw steady visitor numbers are welcoming waves of excited travelers clutching printed screenshots from their favorite scenes.

Why now? We’re all craving a bit of escapism after years of screens being our main window to the world. Instead of just binge-watching from the couch, we’re packing bags and stepping into the stories. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge, turning fandom into real-life adventures that make for fantastic content. One viral reel at the right fountain or garden can inspire thousands more to follow in those footsteps.

Bath, England, remains the queen of set-jetting destinations right now thanks to Bridgerton and its lavish spin-offs. Walk along the Royal Crescent and you’re practically in the middle of a ballroom scene. The city’s historic Assembly Rooms hosted glittering dances on screen, while the sweeping parklands surrounding it provided perfect backdrops for stolen glances and romantic promenades.

I wandered the streets early one morning before the crowds arrived. The light hit the honey-colored stone buildings just right, and I could almost hear the string quartet playing. Local tour guides have leaned into the trend with themed walking tours where you learn not just history but which exact window Lady Whistledown might have peered from. Pro tip: visit in shoulder season—spring or autumn—for fewer people and that golden, cinematic light.

Across the pond, fans of The White Lotus have been flocking to the stunning Sicilian locations from season two. Taormina’s cliffside views and the elegant interiors of the San Domenico Palace hotel (which served as the primary filming location) deliver that same mix of beauty and intrigue. You can sip an Aperol spritz on the terrace and imagine the drama unfolding around you. The best part? The food and hospitality are just as memorable in real life.

Downton Abbey enthusiasts still make pilgrimages to Highclere Castle in Hampshire. The grand estate looks even more impressive in person, with its soaring ceilings and perfectly manicured gardens. Special exhibition areas now showcase costumes and props from the series, making it feel part museum, part active film set. Standing in the library where so many pivotal conversations happened felt like touching a piece of television history.

New Zealand continues to draw Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit devotees. The landscapes around Matamata (Hobbiton) and the dramatic mountains of the South Island have become bucket-list stops. There’s something profoundly special about seeing those epic vistas that Peter Jackson made legendary. Hiking trails let you immerse yourself fully—pack good boots and a sense of wonder.

Even closer to home for many, New York City serves as a perennial favorite. From Friends’ iconic Greenwich Village apartment building to the Sex and the City brownstone or the countless Gossip Girl locations, the city rewards the set-jetters who love exploring on foot. A self-guided walking tour armed with a list of addresses turns an ordinary day into a treasure hunt.

What makes set-jetting so appealing is how it blends fandom with genuine discovery. You arrive for the photo op but stay for the local culture, the surprising history, and the connections with fellow fans. In Bath, I ended up chatting with a group from Australia who had planned their entire UK itinerary around Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice sites. Their excitement was contagious.

Practical matters matter when planning your own set-jetting adventure. Start by making a list of must-see locations from your favorite shows—streaming services often share official filming location guides now. Book accommodations early in hotspot towns like Bath, which can fill up quickly during peak season. Consider joining an official tour for deeper insights or going solo with a good map app for more flexibility.

Respect the locals and the sites themselves. Many filming locations are people’s homes or active businesses. Follow photography guidelines, stay on marked paths, and support local businesses. A charming café near a famous spot often makes the perfect place to sit, reflect, and journal about the day’s adventures.

Pack with intention. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable—you’ll likely be walking more than expected. Bring a portable charger for all those photos and videos. And maybe throw in one themed accessory. I once wore a simple empire-waist dress in Bath and felt delightfully in character.

The trend shows no signs of stopping as new series and films continue to showcase beautiful destinations. Upcoming adaptations of beloved books will surely send fresh waves of travelers to quaint villages and grand estates. In an increasingly digital world, there’s something powerfully human about physically standing where fiction came to life.

Set-jetting isn’t just about checking off locations. It’s about chasing that spark of joy when a place exceeds the version you saw on screen. It’s the laughter with new friends over shared fandom, the taste of local food after a long day of exploring, and the quiet satisfaction of adding another chapter to your own travel story.

So whether you’re a devoted Bridgerton fan, a Game of Thrones enthusiast eyeing Northern Ireland’s dramatic coasts, or simply someone who wants to see the world through a more cinematic lens, the time to start planning is now. Your favorite scenes are waiting—just bring your sense of adventure and an open heart.

What will be your first set-jetting destination? Mine might involve a return to Bath or perhaps chasing the latest buzzy series wherever it leads. The world is full of stories, both real and imagined. Sometimes the best trips happen when you let the screen guide you.

Sources

• Expedia Unpack ’26 report on set-jetting trends
• Tourism market analysis showing $66 billion film tourism value
• Official visitor guides for Bath, Highclere Castle, and other featured locations