Set-Jetting in 2026: How Movies and TV Shows Are Inspiring the Next Generation of Travel

Sometimes, a destination catches your eye because of a guidebook. Other times, it's a single scene from your favourite film or television series that makes you want to pack your bags. In 2026, more travellers are planning holidays inspired by what they've watched, making set-jetting one of the biggest travel trends shaping the industry.

From luxurious resorts featured in hit series to medieval towns seen in fantasy films, cinematic locations are becoming bucket-list destinations. For many travellers, the holiday begins long before booking a flight. It starts with a memorable scene, a breathtaking backdrop, or a story that refuses to leave their mind.

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What Is Set-Jetting?

Set-jetting is the growing trend of travelling to destinations featured in films, television shows, or streaming series. Rather than choosing a destination solely for its landmarks, travellers are seeking places they've already experienced through storytelling.

The trend has accelerated alongside the rise of streaming platforms and social media. Expedia's 2026 Unpack Travel Trends Report found that 53% of travellers say their interest in screen-inspired travel has increased, while 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say films and television influence where they'd like to travel.

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When the Screen Inspires the Journey

Some destinations have become almost inseparable from the stories that brought them into the spotlight.

The breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand continue to attract fans of The Lord of the Rings. Thailand has welcomed renewed global attention following The White Lotus, while South Korea continues to draw visitors inspired by its internationally popular dramas. Even historic cities across the United Kingdom have seen growing interest thanks to period dramas and literary adaptations.

These destinations show that sometimes the most memorable journeys begin with a story rather than a sightseeing list.

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Why Screen Tourism Feels More Personal

A beautiful destination may catch someone's attention, but a compelling story creates an emotional connection. Visiting a filming location allows travellers to reconnect with characters, scenes, and memories that stayed with them long after the credits rolled.

This emotional appeal explains why screen tourism has become much more than a passing trend. Instead of simply checking famous landmarks off a list, travellers are looking for places that already feel familiar because they've experienced them through cinema.

Recent travel reports also show that modern travellers increasingly prioritise experiences over traditional sightseeing, making set-jetting a natural extension of changing travel preferences.

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Beyond the Famous Filming Locations

The best set-jetting experiences don't end with recreating a favourite scene.

Travellers often discover neighbourhood cafés, local markets, museums, walking trails, and cultural traditions that never appeared on screen. A film may introduce someone to a destination, but it's the people, food, and everyday experiences that create lasting memories.

The filming location may inspire the trip, but the destination itself is what makes travellers want to return.

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Travelling Responsibly Still Matters

As filming locations become increasingly popular, some destinations also face the challenges of overtourism. Large visitor numbers can put pressure on local communities, historic sites, and natural environments.

Travelling responsibly helps preserve these places for future visitors. Choosing to travel during shoulder seasons, supporting local businesses, respecting community guidelines, and exploring beyond the busiest attractions can all make a meaningful difference.

Responsible travel ensures that destinations remain just as welcoming for the people who live there as they are for those who come to visit.

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Should You Plan a Set-Jetting Holiday?

If you've ever finished watching a film and thought, "I want to go there," you're already experiencing the appeal of set-jetting.

Whether you're exploring the fantasy landscapes of New Zealand, relaxing at a luxury resort in Thailand, or wandering through historic streets featured in your favourite series, these holidays offer something more than beautiful scenery. They allow you to experience places that already hold a special place in your imagination.

The best part is that every destination has its own story waiting beyond the camera angles.

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Final Thoughts

The best journeys often begin with a story. In 2026, that story might come from your favourite film or television series, inspiring you to discover destinations you may never have considered before.

At ACMA Holidays, we believe every destination has a story worth experiencing. Whether you're following in the footsteps of your favourite characters or discovering a destination for the very first time, we're here to help you plan every step of the journey. From visas and itineraries to unforgettable experiences, we'll help turn your favourite stories into memories you'll create yourself.