Set-Jetting- what a perfect word to describe a movie buff and a wanderlust soul like me! Have you ever skimmed the end credits of your favourite film and felt that rush—“Wait, that amazing shot is right up the road from me (or maybe 7,000 miles away)?” That’s the allure of set-jetting—the art and joy of visiting real-world places immortalized on screen.
I’m a travel blogger at heart, and set-jetting is my favorite kind of wanderlust. I mean just imagine, gate crashing at Chef Gabriel’s restaurant at Paris! Oh my God, suddenly I am Emily from Emily in Paris! There’s something magical about standing where stories came alive: the exact cobblestone, the vantage of a mountain pass, the café terrace where two characters shared their turning point. It’s memory, myth, and map all rolled together, and I’m obsessed.
Why Set-Jetting Feels So Good
First, set-jetting is a personal kind of pilgrimage. When you walk those streets, the film’s story echoes around you. In Matamata, New Zealand—the “Hobbiton” of The Lord of the Rings—the rolling green hills and round-door hobbit holes aren’t just scenery; you can almost hear the pipe-smoke and laughter of Merry and Pippin. That moment when you sip ale (or a fizzy drink dressed up in Hobbitsville clay), you become part of the tale.
Then there’s the thrill of recognition. Say you’re on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome, where Eat Pray Love’s Elizabeth Gilbert walked and wondered. You know exactly where she paused, camera capturing her quiet revelation—and suddenly you feel her awe too.
Set-jetting connects fiction with real emotion. It’s photographic, yes—but more than that, it’s living memory. You can touch that same rail, step into that café, feel the same breeze—and for a heartbeat, your story is tied to the characters’.
My Favorite Set-Jetting Moments
1. Hobbiton, New Zealand
Just as magical as you’d imagine. I traipsed through the verdant, rolling hills with my partner—water bubbling under the “bridge,” little round doors painted in cheerful tones, and even the Green Dragon Inn serving up “Hobbit style” cider. I remember whispering, “I could live here,” and the guide promising a second helping of charm sealed the deal.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia — King’s Landing
Walking through the narrow, ancient streets where Game of Thrones came alive? Unforgettable. The thousand-year-old walls, the sun-bleached stone, the tourists’ hum blending with echoing seagulls. I recount climbing the ramparts, pretending to plot invasion, then stopping for gelato with a view that felt cinematic in its own right.
3. New York City — Breakfast at Tiffany’s
That elegant storefront on 5th Avenue… I sat across the street, clutching a coffee, marveling at how small it seemed in person, how big the myth. Tourists glided by, cameras clicking, as I let Audrey’s clarity—that “nothing very terrible could happen” moment—wrap around me.
Practical Tips for Set-Jetters
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do your research ahead | Find exact addresses—GPS sometimes drifts. I once thought I was at “Rick’s Café” from Casablanca, only to discover the famous bar had moved. |
| Go early or late | Major filming sites can be hot tourist zones. Sunrise or sunset light—and lighter crowds—turns photos from “tour-formal” to “captured-in-secret.” |
| Bring the extras | Pack your camera with a tripod or selfie stick to recreate those iconic poses, whether you’re at Platform 9¾ in London or Central Perk in New York. |
| Support the locals | Many towns embrace set-jetters. I bought a pint at a pub that’s been featured in multiple films—supporting them felt like giving back to the story. |
| Tell your story | Share the magic. Blog, vlog, or keep a journal. I re-read my first Hobbiton entry and felt transported all over again. You’ll thank yourself later. |
Why Set-Jetting Matters to the Travel Industry
Set-jetting is a powerful engine for film location tourism. It breathes new life into often-overlooked places, offering economic boosts and cultural visibility. Post-tourists aren’t there just for sun and selfies—they’re there with pottery mugs, camera in hand, ready to spend—on local guides, on themed tours, on souvenirs, local fares, and accommodations shaped by the story.
Destinations such as Dubrovnik (King’s Landing), New Zealand’s countryside (Hobbiton), and Alnwick Castle in England (Hogwarts) have turned cinematic fame into thriving tourism economies—creating jobs, preserving culture, and enchanting fans worldwide.
And for us bloggers? It’s a golden narrative. Set-jetting blends personal travel narrative with universal stories. We’re not just reviewing hotels or trails; we’re retracing steps of beloved characters—and sharing that emotional resonance with readers.
Parting Thoughts
Set-jetting is more than travel—it’s a bridge between reel and real, between story and soul. You’re not just observing; you’re interacting, imagining, and embedding yourself in those frames. Next time you see a location-based credit roll—take a moment. It might just whisper “go here.”
And trust me—as your fellow traveler with a love for cinematic magic—when you do, you’ll come home with more than photos. You’ll come home with stories.
Read more of my stories- follow me on Global Travel Wire.
