Set-jetting has surged from niche hobby to mainstream travel phenomenon in 2026, with 53% of travelers now planning trips specifically to visit film locations and TV show settings, while 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers actively choose destinations based on what they’ve watched on screen—transforming TV tourism into an $8 billion industry reshaping global travel patterns. This explosive growth in screen tourism reflects how streaming platforms, social media sharing, and immersive storytelling have blurred lines between fictional narratives and real places, making movie locations pilgrimage sites where fans experience their favorite stories firsthand rather than passively consuming entertainment. The set-jetting trend in 2026 is driven by blockbuster releases like Avatar: Fire & Ash (New Zealand), live-action Moana (Samoa and Hawaii), Wuthering Heights (Yorkshire), and hit TV series continuations inspiring massive tourism surges to film locations ranging from Croatian coastal towns to Italian Renaissance cities. This comprehensive set-jetting guide reveals the top movie locations and TV tourism destinations for 2026, provides practical planning strategies for visiting film locations, explains how to balance screen tourism with authentic local experiences, and offers tips for photographing movie locations without contributing to overtourism—helping you transform screen inspiration into memorable travel while respecting communities hosting these iconic settings.
Understanding Set-Jetting: The Screen Tourism Phenomenon
What Is Set-Jetting and Why It Matters in 2026
Set-Jetting Definition:
Set-jetting refers to traveling specifically to visit film locations and TV show settings featured on screen—from major Hollywood movie locations to streaming series filming spots, theme park film locations, and even music video settings. Unlike traditional tourism where destinations inspire media (documentaries about Paris, travel shows about Tokyo), screen tourism reverses this relationship: fictional narratives inspire destination choice, with travelers seeking to walk streets, visit buildings, and experience landscapes they’ve seen in movies and TV shows.
The Psychology of Screen Tourism:
Set-jetting taps into powerful emotional connections formed through storytelling:
- Parasocial relationships: Viewers develop genuine emotional attachments to fictional characters and their environments
- Nostalgia and escapism: Visiting film locations allows temporary immersion in beloved fictional worlds
- Social currency: Set-jetting provides Instagram-worthy content demonstrating cultural literacy and adventurous spirit
- Meaning-making: Connecting physical places to fictional narratives adds layers of significance to travel experiences
- Community belonging: Fellow fans at movie locations create instant social connections through shared references
The Economic Impact of TV Tourism:
Screen tourism drives massive economic benefits to film locations:
- Richmond, UK (Ted Lasso): 160% increase in searches after Season 2, doubling by Season 3
- Bath, UK (Bridgerton): $1.9 million economic boost; city added e-bike fleet specifically for TV tourism visitors
- Sicily (The White Lotus): 300% booking increase after Seasons 1-2
- New Zealand (Lord of the Rings/Hobbit): Screen tourism accounts for 8-9% of international visitors annually
The projected $8 billion global screen tourism market in 2026 demonstrates how film locations and TV show settings have become legitimate economic development strategies for regions.
Top Set-Jetting Destinations for 2026
Based on Major Film & TV Releases
1. Yorkshire, UK: Wuthering Heights & Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Why Yorkshire Dominates 2026 Set-Jetting:
The Yorkshire Dales provides stunning film locations for two major 2026 releases—the Emily Brontë classic adaptation Wuthering Heights and the final Downton Abbey theatrical film. This rugged northern England landscape of windswept moors, dramatic valleys, stone walls, and isolated farmhouses perfectly captures Gothic romance and aristocratic English heritage that define these properties.
Essential Yorkshire Set-Jetting Experiences:
Wuthering Heights Movie Locations:
- Yorkshire Moors atmospheric hiking where much filming occurred
- Historic farmhouses and estates standing in for Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights
- Haworth village (Brontë Parsonage Museum) connecting literary history to film adaptation
- Recommended stays: Stone House Hotel, Middleton Lodge, The Lister Arms, or countryside Airbnb cottages
Downton Abbey TV Tourism Sites:
- Highclere Castle (actual Downton Abbey exterior/interiors)—advance booking essential
- Bampton village (fictional “Downton” village scenes)
- Yorkshire locations used for additional outdoor filming
- Themed afternoon teas at historic Yorkshire hotels capitalizing on screen tourism
Getting There:
- Train from London King’s Cross to York (2 hours), then local transport to Dales
- Car rental recommended for accessing remote film locations
- Consider guided Downton Abbey tours from York or Leeds
Best Time: April-September (harsh winters limit moor access)
2. Tuscany & Rome, Italy: The Trailer and European Romance
Why Italy Leads Set-Jetting in 2026:
Italy features prominently across multiple 2026 set-jetting properties. The Trailer (starring Jay Kelly) filmed throughout Tuscany’s rolling hills and cypress-lined roads, while various romantic productions showcase Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and Venice’s Grand Canal. Italy’s inherent cinematic quality—dramatic landscapes, architectural grandeur, golden light—makes it perpetually popular for film locations.
Tuscany Film Location Highlights:
- Val d’Orcia’s rolling hills and medieval hilltop towns
- Florence Renaissance architecture and Arno River settings
- Siena’s Piazza del Campo and Gothic architecture
- Chianti wine country vineyards and estates
- Traditional agriturismo stays immersing visitors in pastoral settings that make Tuscany irresistible for screen tourism
Rome Movie Locations:
- Spanish Steps (featured in countless romantic films)
- Piazza Navona’s café-lined elegance
- Ostia Antica ancient ruins
- Trastevere neighborhood’s charming streets
- Le Train Bleu restaurant and luxury hotel interiors
- Grand Canal luxury hotel settings
- Iconic bridge and waterway scenes
- Early morning exploration essential (avoid overwhelming tourist crowds)
- Walking tours connecting multiple movie locations in compact historic center
Set-Jetting Tips for Italy:
- Rome demands time—don’t rush film location visits
- Book accommodation in neighborhoods near your priority screen tourism sites
- Combine movie locations with authentic Italian experiences (markets, cooking classes, local restaurants)
- Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for manageable crowds
3. New Zealand: Avatar: Fire & Ash
Wellington & Beyond for Epic Set-Jetting:
New Zealand’s third Avatar installment continues James Cameron’s decade-long relationship with New Zealand film locations, building on the massive screen tourism infrastructure created by The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and previous Avatar films. Wellington serves as production hub while locations throughout North and South Islands provide alien landscapes that somehow feel more real than CGI.
Avatar Film Location Experiences:
Wellington TV Tourism:
- Weta Workshop tours showing movie magic behind Avatar creatures, prosthetics, props
- Movie museum experiences with original film location artifacts
- Wellington’s filmmaking heritage tours
Wider New Zealand Set-Jetting:
- Fiordland’s dramatic fjords (Pandora water landscapes)
- Rotorua geothermal areas (alien ecosystem inspiration)
- South Island’s dramatic mountains and glaciers
- Organized Avatar and LOTR multi-location tours combining screen tourism with adventure activities
New Zealand Set-Jetting Practicalities:
- Distances substantial—plan minimum 10-14 days
- Self-drive campervan popular for accessing remote film locations
- Weather variable—pack layers
- Book accommodation and tours 2-3 months ahead (high demand from screen tourism)
4. Oahu, Hawaii: Moana Live-Action
Family-Friendly Set-Jetting Paradise:
Disney’s live-action Moana filmed extensively in Oahu, transforming the Hawaiian island into accessible family set-jetting destination combining movie locations with beach relaxation, snorkeling, and Polynesian cultural immersion.
Oahu Film Location Activities:
Honolulu & Surrounding Areas:
- Sunset boat cruises along filming coastlines
- Snorkeling adventures in turquoise waters featured on screen
- Movie site tours specifically designed for set-jetting families
- Polynesian Cultural Center experiencing authentic traditions inspiring the film
Recommended Set-Jetting Stays:
- Ritz-Carlton Oahu Bay (luxury option with ocean views)
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (family-friendly, central location)
- Various vacation rentals in North Shore for more budget-friendly screen tourism
Why Oahu Works for Beginner Set-Jetters:
- English-speaking, US state (easy logistics)
- Combines movie locations with conventional beach vacation activities
- Safe, family-friendly destination
- Excellent infrastructure and diverse accommodation options
- Year-round pleasant weather for TV tourism visits
5. Croatia: Dalmatian Coast for People We Meet on Vacation
Emerging Set-Jetting Hotspot:
The Dalmatian Coast provides film locations for romantic adaptation People We Meet on Vacation, continuing Croatia’s screen tourism boom that began with Game of Thrones (Dubrovnik as King’s Landing). Croatia combines Mediterranean beauty with Eastern European affordability, making it attractive for budget-conscious set-jetters.
Croatian Film Location Highlights:
Dalmatian Coast Set-Jetting:
- Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and limestone streets
- Split’s Diocletian’s Palace and waterfront promenade
- Island-hopping to Hvar, Korčula, Vis (pristine beaches, crystal waters)
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (stunning waterfalls, emerald pools)
Croatia Screen Tourism Advantages:
- 50-60% cheaper than Western Mediterranean (Italy, France)
- Less crowded than traditional tourist destinations
- Stunning natural beauty and well-preserved historic architecture
- Growing infrastructure for TV tourism
- Easy ferry connections between coastal film locations
6. Greece: Peloponnese for The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey filmed throughout Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, bringing Homer’s epic to life in the actual Mediterranean landscapes where ancient Greeks imagined these stories. This represents unique screen tourism opportunity where film locations align with the narrative’s original geographic setting.
- Ancient fortresses and archaeological sites doubling as Odysseus’s world
- Myth-soaked beaches where epic journeys began
- Cinematic coastlines capturing Mediterranean’s timeless beauty
- Nafplio’s Venetian fortress and charming old town
- Mycenae and Epidaurus archaeological sites connecting film to actual ancient Greek civilization
Greece Set-Jetting Season:
- Best: May-June, September-October (avoid July-August crowds and heat)
- Spring wildflowers enhance already stunning landscapes
- Fall offers warm seas with fewer tourists at movie locations
7. Los Angeles: Nobody Wants This Season 2
Los Angeles remains perpetual screen tourism destination, with 2026’s Nobody Wants This Season 2 showcasing iconic LA locations—palm trees, neon lights, Spanish Steps, and timeless spots known worldwide. LA offers unique set-jetting advantage: visiting one city provides access to hundreds of film locations across decades of cinema and TV history.
Nobody Wants This TV Tourism Spots:
- Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign views
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier
- Arts District and Downtown LA
- Classic diners, cafés, and bars featured throughout series
- Walking tours specifically highlighting Season 2 filming locations
Beyond Current Set-Jetting:
- Universal Studios and Warner Bros. studio tours showing movie-making process
- Literally thousands of recognizable movie locations throughout metro area
- Architectural tours of mid-century modern homes featured in countless films
- Food tour visiting restaurants and cafés appearing on screen repeatedly
LA Set-Jetting Logistics:
- Car essential (poor public transit for accessing dispersed film locations)
- Traffic notorious—plan extra time
- Neighborhoods vary dramatically—research safety and parking
- Consider guided tours for first-time screen tourism visitors
Beyond 2026 Blockbusters: Evergreen Set-Jetting Destinations
Classic Film Locations & TV Tourism Sites That Never Fade
1. Richmond & Bath, UK: Ted Lasso & Bridgerton
Even years after initial release, Ted Lasso and Bridgerton continue driving massive screen tourism to Richmond and Bath, proving that beloved series create lasting set-jetting interest.
- Official Ted Lasso Walking Tours visiting Ted’s Local Pub, thinking bench, front door
- Richmond Green and surrounding Georgian architecture
- Crown & Anchor pub (Mae’s workplace)
- 160-320% search increase demonstrates TV tourism’s economic power
- Assembly Rooms (frequent Bridgerton ballroom scenes)
- Bath’s Georgian crescents and squares
- Special Bridgerton-themed afternoon teas at historic hotels
- E-bike fleet added specifically for screen tourism visitors navigating spread-out film locations
- $1.9 million annual economic boost from TV tourism
2. Sicily: The White Lotus
HBO’s Screen Tourism Goldmine:
The White Lotus Season 2 at Taormina’s San Domenico Palace generated 300% booking increase—remarkable considering the show satirizes tourism itself. This demonstrates screen tourism’s power to override even critical narratives about travel industry.
- San Domenico Palace hotel (where show filmed—expect premium prices)
- Ancient Greek theater with Mt. Etna backdrop
- Corso Umberto’s luxury shopping (featured prominently)
- Beach clubs and coastal settings from memorable scenes
- Day trips to Mt. Etna and surrounding Sicilian towns
3. New Zealand: Lord of the Rings & Hobbit Trilogy
Original Set-Jetting Phenomenon:
Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth films created modern set-jetting template, with New Zealand building entire tourism industry around film locations maintaining Hobbiton village as permanent attraction.
LOTR Screen Tourism Staples:
- Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata)—fully restored and maintained
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Mordor landscapes)
- Queenstown adventure activities with LOTR location backdrop
- Wellington’s Weta Workshop and film museum
4. Scotland: Outlander & Harry Potter
Sustained Film Location Tourism:
- Scottish Highlands (Outlander) generating consistent TV tourism
- Edinburgh (Harry Potter inspiration) and Glenfinnan Viaduct (actual filming location)
- Multiple tour companies built entirely around screen tourism
How to Plan Your Set-Jetting Trip: Practical Strategies
Research and Preparation
Finding Film Locations:
Dedicated Apps and Websites:
- SetJetters App: Database of movie locations with user reviews, photos, exact addresses
- Movie-Locations.com: Comprehensive film location information across thousands of titles
- Atlas of Wonders: Organized by country and production
- Production companies’ official resources: Often publish location guides capitalizing on screen tourism
Social Media Research:
- Instagram location tags at film locations show current conditions, access restrictions, best photo angles
- TikTok set-jetting videos provide quick visual guides
- YouTube location tours preview what to expect
Timing Your Set-Jetting Visit:
Consider These Factors:
- Release date proximity: Immediately after release = maximum excitement but also maximum crowds and prices
- Shoulder season benefits: 3-6 months post-release offers balance between relevance and manageable tourism
- Weather at film locations: Many movie locations shot during optimal weather—visit same season for similar conditions
- Local events: Avoid festival periods unless specifically interested (crowds and high prices)
Booking Accommodation Near Film Locations:
- Stay in neighborhoods where filming occurred (immersive screen tourism experience)
- Properties featured in productions often market this heavily—expect premiums
- Read reviews mentioning movie connections (other set-jetters provide useful insights)
- Alternative: Stay slightly outside tourist centers, day-trip to film locations
Respectful Set-Jetting: Avoiding Overtourism
The Dark Side of Screen Tourism:
Massive visitor surges to film locations create real problems for local communities:
- Residential neighborhoods overwhelmed by set-jetting tourists
- Private property trespassing (people trying to recreate specific scenes)
- Infrastructure strain (parking, bathrooms, waste) in areas not designed for tourism
- Local displacement as businesses shift from residents to TV tourism
- Cultural dilution as authentic character replaced by tourist services
Responsible Set-Jetting Practices:
Respect Private Property:
- Many film locations are private homes or businesses
- Photograph from public areas only
- Never trespass, even for “perfect shot”
- If location is someone’s residence, be minimally intrusive (quiet, quick photos)
Support Local Communities:
- Patronize independent businesses, not just tourist-oriented chains
- Eat at local restaurants beyond those featured in productions
- Learn basic local language phrases
- Hire local guides who provide cultural context beyond screen tourism
Manage Expectations:
- Film locations often disappointing in reality (smaller, less dramatic, surrounded by modern development)
- Movie magic involves specific angles, lighting, CGI enhancement
- Some movie locations completely inaccessible (private estates, dangerous terrain, closed locations)
Spread Tourism Impact:
- Visit multiple sites in region beyond most famous film locations
- Extend stays to less-known but equally worthy destinations nearby
- Travel during off-peak times
- Consider secondary filming locations experiencing less screen tourism pressure
Photographing Film Locations: Getting The Shot
Recreating Screen Moments:
What Works:
- Study original scenes (screenshots on phone for reference)
- Visit during similar time of day (lighting critical to matching screen appearance)
- Similar weather conditions when possible
- Bring props if recreating specific character moments (costumes generally too much unless attending official events)
What to Avoid:
- Blocking public spaces for extended photo sessions
- Disturbing residents or businesses for your shot
- Dangerous positions (climbing fences, standing in roads)
- Expecting empty locations (other set-jetters will be there too)
Photography Courtesy:
- Take turns with other screen tourism visitors
- Help others get their shots (builds community)
- Arrive early (first hour after sunrise often uncrowded)
- Mid-week visits less busy than weekends
Set-Jetting with Depth: Beyond Surface Tourism
Combining Screen Tourism with Cultural Learning
The Risk of Shallow Set-Jetting:
Visiting film locations purely for photos without engaging with actual place, history, or culture reduces travel to superficial checklist—Instagram proof rather than meaningful experience.
Deeper Set-Jetting Approach:
Before Your Trip:
- Research location history beyond its screen appearance
- Understand why production chose this setting (architectural, cultural, historical significance)
- Learn about local culture, customs, current issues facing community
- Read local authors, watch local films (not just Hollywood productions)
During Your Visit:
- Spend time in film locations beyond quick photos
- Talk to residents about their perspective on screen tourism impact
- Visit museums, historical sites, cultural institutions near movie locations
- Attend local events unrelated to tourism
- Take walking tours led by residents (not just “movie tours”)
After Your Visit:
- Share content highlighting local culture beyond film connections
- Support local businesses and artisans by purchasing directly
- Write reviews praising aspects beyond screen tourism
- Follow local news and cultural organizations from destinations
- Return if possible, building deeper relationship with place
When Set-Jetting Goes Wrong: Realistic Expectations
Common Set-Jetting Disappointments:
- Location is tiny/unremarkable: Screen magic made it appear grander
- Heavy tourist saturation: Ruins immersive experience
- Completely changed: Filming was years ago; development altered location
- Inaccessible: Private property, closed to public, dangerous to reach
- Expensive: Tourism inflation makes everything overpriced
- Inauthentic: Entire area now exists only for screen tourism (lost original character)
Managing Disappointment:
- Research recent visitor experiences before going
- Plan multiple film locations (not entire trip based on single site)
- Appreciate location’s intrinsic value beyond screen connection
- Focus on overall destination quality, not just movie tourism aspect
The Future of Set-Jetting: Where Screen Tourism Goes Next
Emerging Trends in Film Location Tourism
Virtual and Augmented Reality:
- AR apps overlaying film scenes onto actual locations
- Virtual tours of inaccessible film locations
- Behind-the-scenes content triggered by physical location visits
Sustainable Screen Tourism:
- Productions designing tourism infrastructure from outset
- Revenue-sharing models with local communities
- Limits on visitor numbers to protect film locations
- Required cultural orientation before accessing movie locations
Hyper-Localization:
- Secondary filming locations becoming attractions (not just primary settings)
- Background locations from wide shots receiving tourism interest
- Entire regions marketing themselves as “film country”
Set-Jetting as Official Economic Strategy:
- Governments actively courting productions with tourism potential in mind
- Purpose-built film location tourism infrastructure
- Training locals as specialized screen tourism guides
- Integration of TV tourism into destination marketing organizations
Conclusion: Making Set-Jetting Meaningful
Set-jetting in 2026 offers unprecedented opportunities to connect with beloved stories through physical presence at film locations and TV show settings—transforming passive viewing into active adventure. Screen tourism has proven sustainable when managed thoughtfully, generating billions in economic activity for destinations while satisfying travelers’ desires to touch fictional worlds that moved them emotionally.
The best set-jetting experiences balance fan enthusiasm with cultural respect, photographic ambitions with local sensitivity, and movie location visits with genuine destination exploration. When you stand where your favorite character stood, you’re not just recreating scenes—you’re discovering the real places, real cultures, and real communities that made those fictional moments possible.
Key set-jetting principles:
- Research thoroughly: Know what to expect at film locations
- Respect communities: Screen tourism should benefit, not burden, residents
- Go deeper: Engage with destinations beyond surface-level movie connections
- Support locals: Ensure TV tourism dollars benefit actual communities
- Manage expectations: Film locations may differ from screen appearance
- Share responsibly: Promote sustainable screen tourism practices
Done right, set-jetting transforms entertainment consumption into cultural education, armchair traveling into embodied adventure, and fictional narratives into real-world connections—making 2026 the perfect year to turn screen inspiration into life-changing journeys.