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Updated Mar 06, 2025The Best Set-Jetting Destinations From Our Favorite Films and TV Shows
Ready, Set, Jet
Dune: Courtesy of Warner Brother; The White Lotus: Courtesy of and available to stream on Max; Emily in Paris, Wednesday: Courtesy of Netflix; All other images: Getty Images
by Jen Murphy
Updated Nov 30, 2023
What's more satisfying than sinking into your couch and binging your favorite TV series or movie trilogy? Bringing the plots to life during a romantic getaway. Visiting the filming locations of blockbusters like The White Lotus and Mamma Mia! has become so popular, this 2024 travel trend even has a name: set-jetting.
These days, it's easier than ever to follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters and even stay in the same dreamy hotels glorified on screen. According to a recent study, nearly 40 percent of global travelers have booked trips to destinations they've seen in films or TV shows. Whether you want to set foot in the world of your favorite show or crave a honeymoon with Hollywood glamour and action, these destinations deliver.
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Set Jetting Destinations in this Article:
- The White Lotus Filming Location: Sicily, Italy
- Wednesday Filming Location: Bucharest, Romania
- Emily in Paris Filming Location: Paris, France
- Jurassic Park Filming Location: Kauai, Hawaii
- Dune Filming Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Big Little Lies Filming Location: Monterey, California
- Mamma Mia! Filming Location: Greece
- Lord of the Rings Filming Location: New Zealand
- Game of Thrones Filming Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Yellowstone Filming Location: Montana
- Lost in Translation Filming Location: Tokyo, Japan
- More Popular Set-Jetting Locations
The White Lotus Filming Location: Sicily, Italy
Why go: The largest island in the Mediterranean dazzles visitors with its contrast of azure waters and rocky volcanic coastlines. The food is so good that Sicilians refer to their island as "God's kitchen."
Best time to travel: Crowds thin out and temperatures grow comfortably cool in September and October. These months also coincide with the vendemmia, or wine harvest.
Where to stay: A dramatic cliffside perch with a backdrop of Mount Etna and antique-lined interiors full of original frescoes helped San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Property win out as The White Lotus hotel for the second season of the HBO hit series. Before it became a glamorous hotel, the building—one of the oldest in the town of Taormina—was a convent. (Yes, monks once slept in the rooms where those scandalous scenes were filmed.) Meticulously restored, the 111-room property is a gem with exquisitely manicured gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. From $2,100.
Recreate the moment: The White Lotus' sun-soaked beach scenes were filmed on the soft sands of Cefalù, a northern coastal town located
about a 2.5-hour drive from the rocky shores of Taormina.
Wednesday Filming Location: Bucharest, Romania
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Why go: It's fitting that the country that inspired vampire lore was chosen as the filming location for Wednesday, Netflix's hit spin-off of The Addams Family. In addition to moody, Gothic backdrops, you'll find a remarkable mix of architectural styles and some of Europe's best museums.
Best time to go: The parks are at their greenest and full of blooms in spring.
Where to stay: Located on the city's oldest and prettiest street, Calea Victoriei, the 424-room Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is within walking distance of main attractions like the National Museum of Art, Cișmigiu Gardens and the café-filled Old Town. From $110.
Recreate the moment: Transport yourself to Wednesday's botany class by visiting the Bucharest Botanical Gardens. Home to 10,000 plant specimens, the gardens were a stand-in for the fictional Nevermore Academy's greenhouse.
Emily in Paris Filming Location: Paris, France
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Why go: Romantic strolls along the River Seine. Meals in old-school brasseries. Leisurely days spent wandering museums, parks or boutique-filled neighborhoods. When it comes to honeymoon destinations, Paris still lives up to its reputation as the city of love.
Best time to go: The city's legendary gardens put on their best show in spring. The winter months are always festive, with Christmas markets and decorated storefronts, and the chilly weather is a great excuse to cozy up in a wine bar or spend all day in a gallery.
Where to stay: The quintessential Parisian hotel, Le Bristol strikes just the right balance of Old World luxury (polished marble and Louis XV furnishings) and modern day amenities (a spa by La Prairie and an indoor pool with views of the Eiffel Tower). From $2,630.
Recreate the moment: Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, is featured in the first episode of season three. Reservations are a must to experience the multicourse menu. Arrive early and head to the summit to toast the City of Lights from the champagne bar set at 900-plus feet.
Jurassic Park Filming Location: Kauai, Hawaii
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Why go: The aloha spirit is contagious and the island's untamed natural beauty—pristine beaches, towering cliffs that tumble to the sea, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls— feels frozen in time.
Best time to go: Avoid the rainy winter months. Take advantage of the shoulder months—April, May, August and September—when there are fewer crowds and better deals.
Where to stay: The eco driven 1 Hotels brand recently opened a 252-room resort on a dreamy patch of beachfront overlooking Hanalei Bay. A popular surf break with easy access to excellent hiking trails, the property is also conveniently located to the nearby shops and restaurants of Hanalei town. On the site, there's an adults-only pool with jade-pleated mountain views, a serious spa and a creative, plant-forward restaurant. From $1,600.
Recreate the moment: Island Helicopters' Jurassic Falls tour allows guests to experience the 1993 film's early scene when the main characters arrive to the lush, waterfall-covered fictional Isla Nublar by chopper. The 75-minute tour lands at a spot where guests can walk through the jungle to the base of the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls. $808 for two people.
Dune Filming Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
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Why go: To experience the UNESCO World Heritage–listed, Martian-looking landscape of canyons and rose-hued sand that served as the setting for Dune's desert planet of Arrakis, minus the sandworms.
Best time to go: Avoid the searing heat and visit in spring or fall.
Where to stay: Get a taste of Bedouin life at SunCity Camp. This glamping experience set amidst Wadi Rum's towering sandstone peaks features comfy tents and geodesic domes; traditional meals like zarb, a Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are cooked underground; and unreal stargazing. Bedouin tents from $180 and domes from $330.
Recreate the moment: Trek through the desert like the fictional main character Paul Atreides on a tour with Experience Jordan. Active couples can tackle a private four-day trek through "the Valley of the Moon" that includes up to six hours of walking per day and overnights in tented camps. Private Jeep tours are also available. $3,200 for two people.
Big Little Lies Filming Location: Monterey, California
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Why go: This charming fishing port is home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and can easily be tacked on to a road trip along California's Pacific Coast Highway.
Best time to go: Humpback, blue whale and orca season is from April to mid-December.
Where to stay: Set right on the plaza near Old Fisherman's Wharf, Portola Hotel & Spa is a short drive to main attractions like the restaurants of Cannery Row and Del Monte Beach (Jane's favorite jogging beach on the show). Many of the 379 coastal-inspired rooms have harbor views, and the property has every imaginable amenity, including an on-site brewery, wine lounge, spa, and outdoor pool and jacuzzi. From $379.
Recreate the moment: In real life, Blue Blues Café—Madeline, Celeste and Jane's go-to hangout—is Paluca Trattoria, a family-run restaurant located at the end of the historic wharf.
Mamma Mia! Filming Location: Greece
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Why go: Island-hopping doesn't get any better than on the Aegean Sea. Greece has about 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own distinct character, from the blue-and-white houses of Santorini to the golden-sand beaches of Skiathos and the historic ruins of Crete.
Best time to go: The high season (mid-June to mid-September) offers more ferry routes and flight and dining options. The weather is still nice in May, June and September.
Where to stay: The film's fictional setting of Kalokairi is actually Skopelos, one of the 24 islands in the Sporades archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of mainland Greece. Adrina Resort & Spa spills down from a green hillside to a private rocky beach and is within walking distance of the beaches of Panormos, Milia and Kastani. The resort's beach taverna is one of the best on the island. Be sure to order the signature kakavia (fish soup). From $165.
Recreate the moment: If you're willing to climb 200 or so steps, you can visit the Agios Ioannis chapel, the venue for Sophie's wedding ceremony. The site is perched on a rocky hill near the town of Glossa on the north coast of Skopelos.
Lord of the Rings Filming Location: New Zealand
Why go: You don't have to be a Tolkien fanatic to appreciate this adventure mecca's diverse mix of natural wonders, from snow-capped
peaks and glacier-carved fjords to sparkling lakes and fairy-tale-worthy kauri forests.
Best time to go: Flip-flopped seasons mean you can get your summer fix from December through March, when days are long and sunny, and temps are perfect for outdoor pursuits.
Where to stay: Set on 2,500 acres of trail-laced native old-growth forest, 13-room Treetops Lodge & Estate is a nature-lovers paradise in Rotorua, on the North Island. It's also an hour's drive from Hobbiton, the sheep farm turned Shire setting for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. $500.
Recreate the moment: A tour of Hobbiton's 12-acre set includes stops at Hobbit Holes and the Green Dragon Inn, a favorite watering hole
of characters Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee (from $110 for two people; Hobbiton Tours). Kaitoke Regional Park, the Elven city of Rivendell, where the Fellowship forms, is a 50-minute drive north of Wellington and is full of native tree-lined trails.
Game of Thrones Filming Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Why go: This magnificent walled city overlooking the Adriatic Sea was a central filming location for King's Landing. Its cobbled stone streets are lined with chic wine bars, quirky museums (one devoted to Love Stories) and historic palaces.
Best time to go: Sun worshippers will love the buzzy summer vibe but will battle peak-season crowds. September and October cool off and quiet down.
Where to stay: The cast and crew hunkered down at the 158-room Hotel Excelsior, whose storied guests have included Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor. You can't beat the sweeping views of Old Town and the glimmering Adriatic Sea. Sunset spritzes on the terrace of the piano bar are the perfect way to start your evening. From $706.
Recreate the moment: Take a 15-minute water taxi ride to Lokrum Island and visit the former Benedictine Monastery featured in season two. Superfans can snap a photo of the original Iron Throne at the island's visitor center.
Yellowstone Filming Location: Montana
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Why go: Big Sky Country's wide open landscapes, ranches and cowboy culture epitomize the romantic notion of the American West, and Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list experience.
Best time to go: Fall is wonderful for horseback riding and hiking. June through September are peak times for fl y fi shing. The park is particularly magical in winter when crowds have thinned and the steaming geothermal features are even more dramatic.
Where to stay: Family-run Chief Joseph Ranch in the small town of Darby doubles as the show's Dutton Ranch. Die-hard fans may rent the cabins that belonged to characters Lee Dutton and Rip Wheeler (from $1,200, Chief Joseph Ranch). If you're fine snapping photos from behind the gate, base yourself nearby at the all-inclusive, adults-only Triple Creek Ranch. From $1,300.
Recreate the moment: Channel your inner John Dutton and join the wranglers of Triple Creek Ranch on a working cattle drive ($600 for
two people).
Lost in Translation Filming Location: Tokyo, Japan
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Why go: Arguably the world's ultimate metropolis, Tokyo ignites the senses with its neon frenzy of skyscrapers, outrageous fashion and unparalleled food scene.
Best time to go: From late March to early April, the city is an explosion of cherry blossoms. Fall's golden hues are equally impressive.
Where to stay: Filmmaker Sofia Coppola wrote the script for her 2003 comedy-drama around the Park Hyatt Tokyo. An oasis of calm in the frenetic Shinjuku district, the elegant 177-room hotel stretches from the 39th to the 52nd floors of a high rise, affording guests sensational views of the skyline and Mount Fuji. From $1,200.
Recreate the moment: The film's main characters, Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) first meet at the Park Hyatt's top floor cocktail lounge, the New York Bar. Bob is in town to film an ad for Japanese whisky brand, Suntory, so do him right and order a Hibiki 17 to sip while enjoying the bar's nightly jazz performance.
More Popular Set-Jetting Locations
The Night Manager Filming Location: Majorca, Spain
You'd be forgiven if you failed to notice the stunning backdrop behind the high-tension drama in this award-winning miniseries. But the majority of the show takes place in ultra-stunning Majorca, Spain—a Mediterranean island stocked with sexy beach resorts, stone-built villages and sheltered coves.
Where to stay: The Sea Club Mediterranean Resort
The Notebook Filming Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Basically, anything out of a Nicholas Sparks movie is honeymoon worthy, but Charleston in particular has an unparalleled amount of charm and romance (we wouldn't expect anything less from Noah and Allie). Much of the city is defined by its rich history, and you can take it all in along the gorgeous cobblestone streets.
Where to stay: The Dewberry
Notting Hill Filming Location: London, England
Yes, there's plenty to do in London and England in general, but if we're going to take a cue from the movie, the quaint Notting Hill neighborhood is what you should set your sights on. You'll find trendy brunch spots, vibrant architecture and an overall bohemian vibe among the antique shops and outdoor marketplaces. Maybe you'll even run into Hugh Grant.
Where to stay: The Laslett
The Italian Job Filming Location: Venice, Italy
The 2003 crime thriller certainly didn't put Venice on the map, but it sure did make those Venetian canals look appealing. Our suggestions? Get lost on a gondola, enjoy the stunning architecture and historical stops (beyond the touristy Piazza San Marco) and eat lots of delicious Italian seafood (hello, branzino).
Where to stay: Hotel Palazzo Stern
The Shining Filming Location: Estes Park, Colorado
The Shining might be (arguably) one of the scariest films of all time, but that shouldn't steer you away from visiting the sublime North Colorado town in which it takes place. Yes, there's plenty to do in Estes Park that doesn't involve the supernatural, like skiing, hiking, scoping out local breweries and shopping in the charming downtown area.
Where to stay: The Stanley Hotel—just go for it.
Bloodline Filming Location: Islamorada, Florida
For those familiar with the popular Netflix show, you know that the dark familial drama is juxtaposed with a stunning, paradisal backdrop. There are tons of reasons to visit Islamorada—whether you're looking for a relaxing beach honeymoon or an island-hopping adventure—especially if you're into any sort of water activity (think: snorkeling, boating and scuba diving).
Where to stay: The Moorings Village
Outlander Filming Location: The Scottish Highlands
Ditch the traditional European getaway for something a little more rugged, inspired by everyone's favorite science fiction drama. The Scottish Highlands are a mountainous region in Northwest Scotland, full of hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and that little old arm of the sea called Loch Ness.
Where to stay: Beach Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Sophie Ross contributed to the reporting of this article.
