Top Set-Jetting Destinations 2026 — Travel to Your Favorite Films & Shows

Set-jetting — traveling to destinations featured in films and TV shows — has become the defining travel trend of 2026. After *The White Lotus*, *House of the Dragon*, *Emily in Paris*, and *Squid Game* put locations on the global map, travelers are now planning entire trips around the places they've seen on screen. Here are the 10 best set-jetting destinations for 2026, with insider tips on what to see and where to stay.

Why Set-Jetting Is Bigger Than Ever in 2026

The screen-to-travel pipeline

Streaming platforms have become the world’s biggest travel agencies. A single episode can transform a sleepy village into a bucket-list destination overnight. In 2026:

• 74% of travelers say a film or show influenced their destination choice (Expedia)
• Set-jetting content on TikTok has 12 billion views
• Destination marketing now budgets dedicated lines for screen tourism partnerships

The trend shows no signs of slowing. Production companies increasingly partner with tourism boards, creating “location guides” that release alongside new seasons.

What’s new in 2026

This year’s set-jetting trends go beyond simply visiting a filming location. Travelers want: guided tours with behind-the-scenes stories, photo spots that match the exact camera angles, themed accommodations (stay in a replica of the show’s villa), and experiences that blend the fictional world with the real destination.

The 10 Best Set-Jetting Destinations for 2026

1. Koh Samui, Thailand — The White Lotus Season 3

The third season of HBO’s hit series was filmed at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, and the island has seen a 340% increase in booking inquiries. Beyond the resort, Koh Samui offers: jungle waterfalls, coconut palm-fringed beaches, and Buddhist temples. For the full White Lotus experience, book a spa treatment at the resort — non-guests can access the spa and restaurants.

Insider tip: Visit in November-February for the best weather. The cliffside viewpoints along the ring road offer the iconic sunset shots you’ve seen in the trailer.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia — House of the Dragon

Game of Thrones put Dubrovnik on the map. House of the Dragon (2024-2026) has brought renewed attention. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, doubles as King’s Landing. Walk the city walls at sunset, take a kayak tour around the fortress, and visit Lokrum Island where much of Season 2 was filmed.

Stay here: Hotels inside the Old Town walls for the full medieval immersion, but book 6+ months ahead in summer.

3. Paris, France — Emily in Paris Season 5

Emily in Paris remains Netflix’s most powerful tourism engine for France. Season 5 (2026) features new locations including the covered passages of the 9th arrondissement, the Buttes-Chaumont park, and a vineyard in Montmartre. The show’s “Palais de l’Institut” fountain (Place André Malraux) is the new must-photograph spot.

Explore Paris beyond the show’s instagrammable facade with our Paris walking guides. For a deeper trip, our France slow travel guide takes you beyond the capital.

4. Seoul, South Korea — Squid Game Season 2

The release of Squid Game Season 2 (2025-2026) has reignited interest in South Korea. Visitors flock to: the iconic alleyways of Ssangmun-dong (the opening scene location), the island of Namhae for the Green Light Red Light gamesite, and the Alice in Wonderland-inspired cafe in Hongdae.

Beyond the show: Seoul is one of the most walkable cities in Asia. Our best walking cities in Europe guide focuses on Europe, but Seoul deserves a similar treatment.

5. Matera, Italy — The Bible & No Time to Die

Matera’s ancient cave dwellings (Sassi) have been a filming location for decades, but 2026 tourism campaigns are pushing it hard. The city was a European Capital of Culture in 2019 and continues to attract visitors who saw it in No Time to Die (James Bond), The Passion of the Christ, and Netflix’s The Old Guard.

Best experience: Stay in a cave hotel (Sasso Barisano) and take a guided tour of the cave churches with Byzantine frescoes.

6. Queenstown, New Zealand — The Lord of the Rings & House of the Dragon

New Zealand remains the king of screen tourism. Queenstown serves as the gateway to locations from both LOTR and House of the Dragon (many Season 2 scenes were filmed in the South Island). The Remarkables mountain range doubles for the Vale of Arryn.

Download: Our offline maps for travel guide helps you navigate the South Island’s remote filming locations.

7. Cartagena, Colombia — Encanto & Narcos

Disney’s Encanto and Netflix’s Narcos present completely different versions of Colombia, but both showcase the country’s visual richness. Cartagena’s colorful colonial old town, walled city, and vibrant Caribbean culture make it a set-jetting paradise.

Walk here: Cartagena’s old town is pedestrian-friendly. The city walls offer a 3km walking route with ocean views — perfect for the lightweight walking sandals we recommend.

8. Lake Bled, Slovenia — The Crown & Eurovision Song Contest

Lake Bled appeared in The Crown (the royal family vacationed here) and the Netflix film Eurovision. Its picture-perfect island church and cliffside castle draw visitors who want to step into the scene. Slovenia is also one of Europe’s most sustainable travel destinations.

9. Wadi Rum, Jordan — Dune & The Martian

Wadi Rum’s otherworldly red desert has been the backdrop for Mars in The Martian and Arrakis in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). In 2026, overnight “Martian camp” experiences are the hottest ticket — sleep in a bubble tent under the stars.

Gear note: The desert temperature swings from 35°C day to 10°C night. Our universal travel adapter handles the Jordanian plug type (Type C/D/G).

10. Badlands, South Dakota, USA — Killers of the Flower Moon & 1923

Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 have put the American heartland back on travelers’ maps. The Badlands National Park, featured in multiple episodes, offers dramatic landscapes that feel a world away from the coast-centric US travel circuit.

How to Plan a Set-Jetting Trip

Research before you go

Use IMDb’s filming locations section and set-jetting blogs to identify exact spots. Many destinations now offer official “filming location maps” — download them before arrival. Our travel planner templates help you organize logistics.

Time your visit

Filming locations are often off the beaten path, requiring extra travel time. Plan 2-3 hours per filming location plus travel between them. Visit at the same time of day as the scene for comparable lighting (sunrise/sunet shots especially).

Pack for the location

Set-jetting often takes you to extremes — deserts, mountains, historic city centers. Our packing checklist for international trips covers the essentials. The travel packing cubes set helps organise varied climate gear in one bag.

The Future of Screen Tourism

By 2028, experts predict that every major streaming release will include a companion “travel guide” promoting filming locations. The line between screen and reality will continue to blur — and for travelers, that means more inspiration, more immersion, and more reasons to explore.

For more travel inspiration, explore our set-jetting 2026 overview and dream destinations for 2026.