Couch surfing instead of set jetting?
Stroll through Montmartre like "Emily in Paris" or vacation as luxuriously as the protagonists of "White Lotus" in Sicily. The travel trend of "set-jetting," that is, consciously planning trips based on the filming locations (sets) of famous movies and TV series, shows no signs of slowing down.
Overtourism through set-jetting?
Two very well-known examples of the phenomenon Set-Jetting They come from Scotland and Croatia: In Scotland, the “Hogwarts Express” takes many “Harry Potter” fans through the Highlands. The train is actually called Jacobite Stream Train and has been operating on the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig since the 1890s.
“Game of Thrones” fans are making pilgrimages to Dubrovnik in Croatia. The famous King's Landing scenes from the fantasy series were largely filmed there. Lovrijenac Castle This led to a veritable tourism boom. Even Dubrovnik's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was threatened because of it. overtourism already at risk. Measures have now been taken to somewhat curb tourism.
From 2026 onwards, reservations for the city walls will likely be mandatory, and the restriction of cruise ships to two per day is already in place. Further measures include controlling the number of vacation rentals and banning wheeled suitcases in the historic old town. Tourists are also being urged to behave respectfully, and fines are threatened for non-compliance.
Five colorful and warm travel films for winter
According to a survey by travel providers Expedia and FeWo-direkt, 51 percent of German respondents stated that they had already researched or booked a trip to a location they knew from a film or TV series. TUI There's a whole map with over 555 European locations from 65 popular TV series. To counteract over-tourism, we've selected five travel films that will whisk you away from your couch and into the world – completely without traffic jams or security checks.
Dirty Dancing (1987):
The 1960s at an American holiday resort
This film This is arguably THE summer classic. Seventeen-year-old Frances Houseman, nicknamed "Baby," spends her 1963 summer vacation, as she does every year, with her parents and sister Lisa at a resort in upstate New York. There she meets the charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle and falls in love with him. The rest is history. There's some "dirty" dancing, stealing, lying, and reconciliation. In this coming-of-age comedy, Baby learns what it means to be an adult. The shots of the lake and the surrounding woods make you long for summer camp and even bingo.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007):
A colorful train journey through India
The Darjeeling Limited It's about three brothers who couldn't be more different. After their father's death, they travel together by train through India to find their mother. The journey is fraught with disagreements and adventurous situations that the three must overcome. As a viewer, you're immersed in the colors and landscapes of India and accompany these unique characters on their journey of self-discovery – and of each other. The brothers are played by Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman. The film is by Wes Anderson, whose iconic set design we've already discussed. Article have written.
Wild (2014):
An emotional journey through North America
Reese Witherspoon plays the lead role of Cheryl Strayed in the film WildThe film is based on the true story of a woman who, after a life crisis – the death of her mother, a divorce, and a heroin addiction – embarks on a 1.600-kilometer hike along the Pacific Crest Trail (a roughly 4265-kilometer long-distance hiking trail in western North America). “Hero’s Journey” It is, quite literally, the heroine's journey to herself. Besides being burdened with too much luggage, she must contend with cold, harsh weather, hunger, and her own inner demons. The spectacular natural landscape, however, is not only menacing but also breathtakingly beautiful and untamed!
Two families on a world trip (2019):
Two incredible adventures
A beautiful documentary about two families who travel the world independently with their six children. Driven by a thirst for adventure and a search for a "new" meaning in life, they leave everything behind and set out in search of answers. Traveling through foreign countries and cultures, they feel freer than ever before, but also lose all the security and stability their former home offered. Yet they encounter so many people, countries, experiences, and new things – impressive and moving!
A Real Pain (2024):
A journey into Poland's past
And Real Pain It's a tragicomic journey. David and Benji Kaplan recently lost their grandmother. The Polish woman had fled to the USA to escape the horrors of World War II. To pay their respects, the two cousins fly to Poland to take part in a guided tour that will take them to the most important Jewish memorial sites. The trip not only gives them the opportunity to process their grief but also allows them to reconnect as cousins. It's not a lighthearted travel film, but a truly touching story. Kieran Culkin even won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2025 for his intense performance. And speaking of great actors – "Baby Houseman" from "Dirty Dancing" also appears. Jennifer Grey is convincing in the role of fellow traveler Marcia.
Conclusion
Films and series are, of course, a great source of inspiration for travel. But some places—amplified by social media—become absolutely overrun because they've served as backdrops for major series or films. And how enjoyable is a vacation when everything is overcrowded and overpriced? Certainly, other cities in Croatia are beautiful, and instead of Paris or Sicily, one could choose the picturesque Annecy or the cinematic beauty of... Brands look at.
© Photos: unsplash / Jakob Owens
Geraldine Voss
Geraldine works as a freelance writer for Good Travel and has just completed training as a sustainability manager. After twenty exciting years in film, she now devotes herself full-time to her other passions - travel, food and design.
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