Ever dreamt of walking through the exact spots your favourite movie characters did? That’s the magic of the rising travel trend, set jetting.
It may sound like an old concept — and honestly, it is. From millennials who dream of singing Mamma Mia! soundtracks on their Greece trip, avid Potterheads fulfilling their wizard and witch fantasies in England, to dinosaur fans finding the best replicas of Jurassic World, everyone has dreamed of channelling their ‘main character energy’ and reliving their favourite movies and shows, even if just for a vacation.
But why is set jetting getting traction now? And why should avid travellers indulge on some reel-to-real vacations?
Read more: Where was this filmed? 10 Movie islands you can visit
It’s simple: this phenomenon involves travelling to locations where famous movies and TV shows were filmed, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the cinematic worlds they love.
First coined in 2008, the term ‘set jetting’ started to gain traction again in 2022. In Expedia’s 2023 travel trends report, the travel group found that among 20,000 respondents across 14 countries, 30 per cent of travellers say that TV shows and movies have influenced their travel plans, even more so than Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Set jetting has gained popularity for several reasons, but the major uptick is due to the two-year isolation brought by the pandemic, during which people spent their days endlessly bingeing popular shows and films.
Simon Hudson, a tourism professor at the University of South Carolina, shared with Travel Weekly, “A film or TV show can present millions of viewers with substantial information about a destination, create a first-time image or alter an existing image in a relatively short period of time.”
The alluring part of it is it offers an immersive experience that allows fans to step into the shoes of their favourite characters and relive iconic moments. But it also provides a unique and engaging way to explore new destinations.
Hudson said to Travel Weekly, “A benefit of the set-jetting phenomenon is that it attracts a wide demographic of tourists [who are] drawn to a range of locations, including heritage buildings, small villages or the countryside.”
The excitement of visiting a real-world location that doubles as a fictional setting can be irresistible, blending the magic of storytelling with the thrill of travel — an absolute steal for any type of traveller with a favourite show or movie.
New Zealand’s Middle-earth
New Zealand’s stunning landscapes have brought the fantastical world of Middle-earth to life in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Lucky for fantasy fans, they can immerse in a ton of activities that highlight the film. Visit Hobbiton in Matamata, explore the majestic fjords of Milford Sound, and traverse the volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park, known as Mordor in the films. The landscapes are awe-striking in its own, but having that connection with the classic fantasy films put a heartwarming touch and nostalgia for tourists and film buffs.
To explore more of New Zealand, visit newzealand.com
Memphis’ musical streets
For those who idolise the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis, Tennessee, is a pilgrimage site. The city features prominently in biographical films about Elvis Presley, with Graceland serving as the ultimate destination. Like New Zealand’s LOTR sites, Memphis has its own Elvis tourist spots where visitors can tour the legendary mansion, walk through the Elvis Presley Car Museum, and experience Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded some of his earliest hits.
Beyond Elvis, the city is also known for being a site for popular movies like The Firm, The Rainmaker, and Oscar-winning movie Walk The Line, which follows the music legend Johnny Cash including scenes at the historic Sun Studios, located in downtown Memphis.
For more information on the destination, please visit here: memphistravel.com
Jordan’s ancient civilizations
Most notably recognized as the set for the classic film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Jordan has been the backdrop of numerous historical fiction films. The ancient city of Petra gained worldwide fame after appearing in the movie in 1989, more specifically because of a scene where Indiana Jones finds the Holy Grail. But really, the destination is a magnificent feat on its own, with its intricate rock-cut architecture and rich history. No wonder it’s one of the seven wonders of the world.
Once you get to Jordan, don’t just stop at the infamous ancient city. Travellers can also explore Wadi Rum, the otherworldly desert landscape featured in the extraordinary journey in Lawrence of Arabia (1962), the Mars-like set in The Martian (2015), the deserted backdrop of the live action remake of Disney-classic Aladdin (2019), and the otherworldly terrain of sci-fi movie Dune (2021).
For other tourist destinations in Jordan, visit visitjordan.com.
Hawaii’s unique terrains
Hawaii might be known for its lush islands and pristine beaches, but for fans of Jurassic Park, the island is the land of the dinosaurs. Dino fans can visit Kualoa Ranch on Oahu and the island of Kauai, where many scenes from the franchise were filmed.
Like Jordan, the adventurer Indiana Jones has also visited the islands, as director Steven Spielberg chose Kauai to film the blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). It’s also home to other adventure movies like Jumanji: The Next Level (2017) and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Disney’s hit franchise Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) featuring Johnny Depp in his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow.
For more things to do in Hawaii, visit gohawaii.com
Tahiti’s tropical paradise
Tahiti, with its crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches, has been featured in several romantic and adventure films. The island’s stunning vistas provide the perfect setting for movies like comedy classic Couples Retreat, featuring A-list celebrities like Jason Bateman and Vince Vaughn, and the Academy Award-nominated Walt Disney sensation Moana and its eagerly awaited sequel Moana 2, slated for release later this year. Visitors can explore the lush interior of the island, relax on its pristine beaches, and experience the vibrant Polynesian culture that has captivated filmmakers and audiences alike.
If you’re looking to indulge in a reel-to-real experience, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, famously featured in Couples Retreat, invites travellers to indulge in unparalleled luxury where you can stay in the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia, explore the resort’s Lagoonarium, relax with spa treatments, and enjoy exquisite fine dining. But honestly, even without the affiliations to the films and shows, Tahiti offers a paradise escape that brings dreamiest travel itineraries to life.
For more dreamy escapes to Tahiti, visit tahititourisme.nz
Set jetting is more than just visiting a location; it’s about experiencing the magic of the movies in real life. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure that transcends the screen.