6 minute read
Travel Trends: Set Jetting
By Robin O'Neal Smith Associate Editor https://RobinOnealSmith.com
Have you ever watched a movie and thought , “I’d love to visit the place where that was filmed?” I know I did.
As a teen, when I saw the movie Blue Lagoon, I wanted to visit that place. I never imagined that visiting the sets of movies and TV shows would become a travel trend with a name.
What Is Set Jetting?
Set-jetting, also known as film tourism, is the practice of traveling to destinations featured in films or TV series. For example, set-jetting involves visiting the castles featured in the Harry Potter movies or touring the locations where Hallmark movies are filmed.
The trend began to gain momentum last year and is predicted to continue beyond 2024. Set-jetting is driving tourism growth and boosting local economies. According to Expedia’s 2023 travel trends report, two-thirds of global travelers have considered Set-Jetting, and 39 percent have booked trips to destinations they have seen in films or TV.
Karolina Turowska of photoAiD reported according to their survey of 1,000 Americans, 78% are likely or very likely to opt for TV or Movie-themed trips.
Gaining In Popularity
Why is this so popular now?
Binge-watching of shows and movies became popular during the pandemic years. This provided inspiration to explore travel differently.
During a recent trip to Clearwater Beach, I visited Dunedin, Florida, where the Hallmark movie A Taste of Love was filmed. We visited several locations where filming occurred.
When I was in Torrance, California, last fall, I visited the home where Buffy the Vampire Slayer was filmed and Torrance High School, which was the site of multiple movies and TV shows.
Last month, I learned about East Point, Georgia, where multiple TV shows and movies were filmed.
Popular Set-Jetting Locations
Destinations are now promoting “Set-Jetting” destinations as tourist attractions.
Let’s look at popular destinations you might consider for your next extended weekend getaway.
Resort at Paws up
Yellowstone seasons 4 and 5 were filmed close by the Resort at Paws Up. It is a family-owned working cattle ranch and resort located on 37,000 acres in Greenough, Montana. Many guests feel like they are on the set when they visit.
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Following the treasure hunt of a group of teenagers played by well-known actors such as Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes, Outer Banks is one of the most streamed Netflix original TV shows and wrapped filming in the picturesque seaside village of Southport, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands in December 2023. The Brunswick Islands attract travelers to the temperate barrier islands and quaint coastal towns, and it is also known for its delicious seafood.
Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills has been a backdrop for feature films and television shows since its inception. The city debuted ‘Happy Trails’ last year, making it easy for visitors to traverse the famed 90210. Happy Trail stops include:
● Urth Caffé - Take a page from Vince Chase’s book and grab an Entourage-inspired lunch at Urth Caffe.
● Beverly Hills City Hall & Civic Center - Follow in Axel Foley’s footsteps and admire the Spanish Renaissance-inspired architecture at Beverly Hills City Hall & Civic Center, seen in Beverly Hills Cop and other classics.
● Edelweiss Chocolates - Indulge in chocolate like Lucy and Ethel with an afternoon treat at Edelweiss Chocolates, home to their famed chocolate conveyor belt scene.
● Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel - Sip on THEBlvd Lounge’s movie-inspired ‘Feeling Pretty’ cocktail at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel – most recognized as the hotel in the film starring Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman
● Electric Fountain - Channel your inner Cher, and check out the Electric Fountain glowing under the night sky, as seen in Clueless.
Oceanside, California
Oceanside, California, is a popular destination for set jetters. Several movies were filmed here, including the original Top Gun, Bring It On, and Purple Hearts on Netflix. TV shows filmed here include The Bachelorette, Animal Kingdom on TNT, and Hayley’s On It (an animated Disney Show)
Georgia State Parks
As Georgia takes over the film industry and is touted as the “Hollywood of the South,” its diverse natural beauty proves to be the star of the show. From the mountains to the swamps and the coast, Georgia State Parks’ natural resources provide the perfect backdrop for some of our favorite television shows and films.
“A Walk in the Woods,” starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson, had scenes of the Appalachian Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls State Park.
“Trouble with the Curve” starring Justin Timberlake, Clint Eastwood, and Amy Adams had a scene in Netflix series: “Cobra Kai” starring Ralph Macchio filmed their training scenes at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge.
The television series The Walking Dead used Sweetwater Creek State Park in Georgia as the perfect backdrop for its gruesome zombies.
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
This 1869 Victorian Castle resort known as Mohonk Mountain House is situated just 90 minutes north of New York City and surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest. It is a prime location in Upload, the sci-fi comedy TV series on Amazon Prime.
Additionally, Mohonk was recently featured in season five of SHOWTIME’s TV series, Billions. The resort was also the location of the 1994 film The Road to Wellville, which stars Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Broderick.
These are just a few of the hundreds of destinations in the United States that are helping to make “Set-Jetting” a top travel trend.
