Set-Jetting Guide 2025: 20 Best Filming Locations from Hit TV Shows & Movies

What is Set-Jetting?

Set-jetting is the travel trend of visiting destinations because they appeared in your favorite TV shows or movies. Coined by New York Post journalist Gretchen Kelly in 2008, this phenomenon has exploded in 2025 as streaming platforms and binge-watching culture make fictional locations feel like places we already know.

According to Expedia's 2024 study, 66% of travelers worldwide now consider visiting a place because they saw it on screen, and 39% actually book those trips. The economic impact is staggering: Taormina, Sicily saw a €2 million hospitality boost and 300% Google search spike after The White Lotus Season 2 filmed there.

Insider Set-Jetting Tips

Finding Exact Locations

• IMDb Filming Locations: Every show/movie page has a "Filming Locations" section with addresses
• Atlas of Wonders: Comprehensive maps with GPS coordinates for major productions
• Fan Wikis: Game of Thrones Wiki, LOTR locations wiki have detailed guides
• Google Lens: Screenshot a scene, use Google Lens to identify the landmark
• Reddit & Fan Forums: Fans share exact spots, access tips, and updated closure info

What to Expect vs Reality

• CGI alterations: Many locations are enhanced digitally - don't expect identical visuals
• Set dressing removed: Props, signs, decorations are gone after filming wraps
• Composite locations: One scene may use 3 real places edited together
• Seasonal differences: Show filmed in summer, you visit in winter - looks different
• Access changes: Private properties may close to visitors, natural sites get permits required

Show-Specific Location Guides

The White Lotus (All Seasons)

Season 1 - Maui, Hawaii: Four Seasons Resort Wailea ($800-2000/night), Wailea Beach, Haleakalā National Park crater scenes. The resort saw 386% increase in booking inquiries after the show. Book whale watching tours (December-April) featured in opening credits.

Season 2 - Taormina, Sicily: San Domenico Palace ($600-1500/night), Isola Bella beach, Taormina Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto shopping street. The town documented €2M tourism boost. Visit in shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct) to avoid crowds.

Season 3 - Bangkok & Phuket, Thailand: Anantara Layan Phuket ($400-1000/night), Four Seasons Bangkok, Wat Arun temple, Railay Beach, Bangkok floating markets. Thailand offered producers $4.4M in incentives knowing tourism value would exceed $100M. Releases February 2025 - expect massive crowds by summer.

Game of Thrones Ultimate Tour

Croatia: Dubrovnik Old Town (King's Landing), Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), Lokrum Island. City now limits daily visitors to 4,000. Book official GOT walking tours ($50-75), visit at 7am for crowd-free photos.

Northern Ireland: Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands), Cushendun Caves. Rent a car for self-guided tour - public transport limited. Dark Hedges best at sunrise.

Iceland: Þingvellir National Park (beyond the Wall), Dimmuborgir lava fields, Höfn glacier scenes. Combine with Northern Lights trip (Sept-April). Book glacier hikes with local guides.

Spain: Royal Alcázar Seville (Dorne palace), Osuna bullring, Castle of Almodóvar del Río. Less crowded than Croatia, better value, authentic tapas scene.

Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit - New Zealand

North Island: Hobbiton (Matamata) - fully restored Shire with 44 hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn (serves ale & food). Book tickets weeks in advance ($89 NZD). Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike (Mount Doom) - challenging 19km day hike.

South Island: Mount Sunday (Edoras) - accessible by 4WD or helicopter tour. Fiordland (Fangorn Forest, Misty Mountains) - take boat tour of Milford Sound. Queenstown (various scenes) - adventure capital, base for multiple locations.

Insider tip: Red Carpet Tours runs official LOTR location tours with guides who worked on the films ($200-300/day, worth every penny for behind-the-scenes stories).