Set-jetting: visiting the filming locations of popular series
PolinaSet-jetting is a new word in a traveler's vocabulary. If before we chose a resort by the number of stars of the hotel or the cleanliness of the beach, now we go to where our favorite characters suffered, loved, and plotted intrigues.
Film tourism is no longer just for geeks. Now it's a way to see the world through the prism of beautiful cinematography. We've gathered the main locations from series that "blew up" screens last year and tell you how to get there.
Thailand: Following the Footsteps of "The White Lotus" (Season 3)
The third season of the satirical drama moved from Italy to Asia, and Thailand immediately topped tourist search queries. The show's creators promised a theme of "death, Eastern religion, and spirituality," but for us, it's primarily about incredible landscapes.
Where it was filmed: main locations are the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, as well as chaotic and beautiful Bangkok. Luxurious villas nestled in the jungle, Buddhist temples, and golden sunsets over the Andaman Sea – these are the backdrops for the new season.
Why go: to catch that very "zen," but with a glass of champagne. Thailand in the series is shown as a place of contrasts: luxury spa resorts coexist with wild nature.
- Logistics: the easiest way to find yourself in the tropics is to buy tickets to Bangkok on Kupi.com or Phuket. From there, you can reach Koh Samui by domestic flight or ferry, enjoying the sea breeze.
Ireland: The Gothic Tale of "Wednesday" (Season 2)
If in the first season the gloomy Addams family roamed Romanian castles, in the second season the film crew moved to the Emerald Isle. Ireland, with its evergreen hills, gray cliffs, and ancient estates, perfectly fit Tim Burton's aesthetic.
Where it was filmed: County Wicklow. This place is called the "Garden of Ireland." Here you'll find dense forests, waterfalls, and Victorian-era estates that easily pass for Nevermore Academy.
Why go: for an atmosphere of mystery. Ireland is not just pubs and Guinness. It's fogs, majestic cliffs, and haunted castles.
- Logistics: you need to look for flights to Dublin. From the capital to County Wicklow, you can drive in just an hour. This is an ideal option for a road trip.
Vancouver, Canada: Post-Apocalypse in "The Last of Us" (Season 2)
The continuation of Ellie and Joel's story was filmed in British Columbia. Instead of ruined cities, wild, untamed nature comes to the forefront here. Dense coniferous forests, foggy mountains, and the cold Pacific coast create that melancholic picture.
Where it was filmed: the surroundings of Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Stanley Park, suspension bridges, and deep canyons.
Why go: this is an ideal option for those who are tired of people and want to feel the power of nature. Here you can wander through the forests where survival scenes were filmed and realize that in reality, these places look even more breathtaking than on screen.
South Korea: Survival Game "Squid Game" (Season 2)
The series that made the whole world wear green tracksuits is back. And with it, the fashion for Seoul has returned. The second season shows us even more urban landscapes of the Korean capital, neon lights, and contrasts between poor neighborhoods and futuristic skyscrapers.
Where it was filmed: Seoul and its surroundings. Gangnam districts (yes, that Gangnam), Itaewon, and modern transport hubs.
Why go: to feel the rhythm of one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. Try the street food the characters ate (but without the deadly games!), see Joseon dynasty palaces against the backdrop of glass skyscrapers, and stock up on Korean cosmetics.
- Logistics: direct flights or connections will help you quickly get to Asia. Simply buy tickets to Seoul on Kupi.com.
Great Britain: The Intrigues of "Bridgerton" (New Seasons)
Costume dramas are holding their ground. Great Britain continues to welcome thousands of tourists dreaming of feeling like dukes and duchesses. Ancient estates, English parks, and the streets of Bath are classics of set-jetting.
Where it was filmed: Bath, London (Greenwich), country palaces like Hampton Court.
Why go: for the "old money aesthetic" and history. Stroll along cobblestone streets, have 5 o'clock tea, and take photos against the backdrop of Georgian-style buildings. It's a real journey through time.
Spain and Portugal: The Flame of "House of the Dragon" (Season 3)
While Westeros is engulfed in the fires of civil war, we can enjoy the real medieval backdrops where the prequel to "Game of Thrones" is filmed. The show's creators adore the Iberian Peninsula for its preserved architecture, which requires no computer graphics.
Where it was filmed:
- Spain: the city of Cáceres in the Extremadura region. Its narrow stone streets and fortress walls are King's Landing.
- Portugal: Monsanto village. A unique place where houses are built right among giant boulders. In the series, this is Dragonstone.
Why go: to feel like a Targaryen, but without the risk of being burned by a dragon. Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage site and looks as if time stopped there 500 years ago. And Monsanto is called "the most Portuguese village of Portugal" – the views there are simply cosmic.
- Logistics: it's most convenient to fly to the Spanish capital. If you buy tickets to Madrid on Kupi.com in advance with a layover in Istanbul, you can get from there to Cáceres by train or rental car in 3-4 hours. This is a great idea for a Spanish vacation.
Italy: Roman Holiday "Emily in Paris" (Season 5)
In the finale of the last season, Emily Cooper swapped her beret for sunglasses and a croissant for gelato. The plot moves to the Eternal City, and this means a new wave of love for Italy awaits us. Rome will become the main backdrop for the heroine's complicated romantic relationships.
Where it was filmed: the historic center of Rome: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the streets of Trastevere, and luxurious hotels with views of the Colosseum.
Why go: to retrace Audrey Hepburn's steps, but with a modern twist. Drink espresso, ride a Vespa, and look for love (or at least delicious pizza). Rome is an open-air museum that never goes out of style, and after the season's release, there will be even more tourists.
- Logistics: you can currently get to Italy with a layover in Istanbul or Yerevan. Look for tickets to Rome or Milan to arrange a real "dolce vita" for yourself.
Tenerife: New Lands of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" (Season 3)
The most expensive series in history continues to change locations. If the first season was filmed in New Zealand, the production of the sequel moved closer to Europe – to Great Britain and the Canary Islands. It was Tenerife, with its volcanic landscapes, that became the basis for the harsh lands of Middle-earth.
Where it was filmed: Teide National Park. Frozen lava, bizarre rocks, and Martian deserts at the foot of the volcano are ideal for creating fantasy worlds.
Why go: Tenerife is an island of eternal spring. Not only Tolkien fans come here, but also lovers of surfing, hiking, and black sand beaches. You can see the filming locations by simply renting a car and driving up to the volcano above the clouds.
- Logistics: the Canaries are Spanish territory, but they are located off the coast of Africa. You'll have to fly with a layover, but it's worth it. Ocean, volcano, and epic views are guaranteed.
Tips for the Aspiring Set-Jetter
- Don't trust the editing. In movies, characters can walk out of a hotel in Paris and be on a beach in Nice a second later. In reality, there are 5 hours by train between these points. Check geolocation in advance.
- Respect the locals. If filming took place in a residential building (like Carrie Bradshaw's apartment in New York), remember that real people live there. Don't make noise or try to force your way in.
- Look for alternatives. If the main location is overcrowded with tourists, find a neighboring street or a similar beach. The atmosphere will be the same, but there will be fewer people in the shot.
