With Toy Story 5, Deadpool and Wolverine, and House of the Dragon all lighting up feeds this week, it is worth talking about a travel trend that keeps gaining steam: planning trips around the films and shows you love. The industry has a name for it now, set-jetting, and done thoughtfully it can turn a familiar destination into something far richer than a standard sightseeing checklist.
What set-jetting actually is
Set-jetting simply means choosing a destination because of a movie or series filmed there. It has exploded as streaming has made global audiences fall in love with specific landscapes and cities. A sweeping fantasy vista or a beloved animated setting can send thousands of travelers toward a place they might never have considered otherwise, which reshapes local tourism in real ways.
Why it makes for great trips
The appeal runs deeper than a photo op. Visiting a place you have an emotional connection to through a story adds a layer of meaning to the trip. You are not just seeing a pretty coastline, you are standing somewhere that meant something to you on screen. That personal resonance often makes these trips more memorable than a generic tour.
Doing your research first
The magic depends on preparation. Many iconic locations are combinations of several real places, sets, or digital effects, so knowing what is actually visitable saves disappointment. A little research into which scenes were shot where, and whether the site is accessible to the public, turns a vague wish into a workable itinerary.
Respecting real places and people
This is the part too many set-jetters forget. Many filming locations are real towns, private homes, or fragile natural sites where people live and work. A surge of visitors can strain small communities and delicate landscapes. Travel with respect: follow local rules, support local businesses, tread lightly on natural sites, and remember that a backdrop to you is someone’s home to them.
Timing and crowds
Popular filming locations can get swamped, especially right after a big release. Visiting in shoulder season, early in the day, or a little after the initial hype fades means smaller crowds and a better experience. It is also usually kinder to the local area, which absorbs tourism more comfortably when it is spread out rather than concentrated.
Building a broader itinerary
The smartest approach treats the filming location as an anchor rather than the entire trip. Build a fuller itinerary around it: the local food, history, and everyday attractions that make a destination worth the airfare on its own. That way the trip stands up even if the specific site turns out to be underwhelming in person. Our San Diego weekend guide is a good example of building a rich trip around one draw.
Theme parks and official experiences
For some franchises, the best experience is not the filming location at all but an official theme park or attraction built around the story. These are designed for visitors, which means they handle crowds well and deliver the immersion reliably. For families especially, an official experience can beat chasing a real-world location that was never built for tourism.
Making it meaningful, not just a checklist
The trap with any themed travel is turning it into a race to tick boxes and grab photos. The trips that stay with you are the ones where the story is a doorway into a genuine place, not a substitute for experiencing it. Let the film be the reason you came, then let the destination itself be the reason you are glad you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is set-jetting?
It is planning travel around the locations of movies or shows you love, choosing a destination because of its connection to a story on screen.
Are filming locations always visitable?
Not always. Many are combinations of several sites, sets, or digital effects. Research ahead to confirm which places are real and open to the public.
When is the best time to visit a popular location?
Shoulder season, early mornings, or after the initial post-release hype fades. You will find smaller crowds and a better experience.
How do I travel responsibly to these places?
Follow local rules, support local businesses, tread carefully on natural sites, and respect that many locations are real homes and communities.
Should I build my whole trip around one location?
Better to treat it as an anchor and build a fuller itinerary around local food, history, and attractions so the trip stands on its own.
Is a theme park a good alternative?
For many franchises, yes. Official attractions are built for visitors, handle crowds well, and deliver reliable immersion, which suits families especially.
