Entertainment-Inspired Travel Trends in 2024

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Entertainment is taking the forefront in today’s travel trends.

In 2024, the connection between pop culture and travel is stronger than ever, as tourists increasingly plan their trips around iconic TV shows and movies. Dubbed “set-jetting,” this trend allows fans to experience the locations they’ve seen on screen.

After spending hours immersed in the fictional worlds created by Hollywood or streaming platforms, travelers now seek to step into these settings themselves. Whether it’s the scenic backdrops of Thailand as seen in The White Lotusor the gothic allure of Romania from Wednesday, these destinations are becoming more than just vacation spots—they’re turning into pilgrimages for passionate fans.

Thailand, already a well-loved tourist destination, is seeing an even bigger influx of visitors thanks to the third season of The White Lotus, set to be filmed there. The luxury resort settings of the show, with their opulence and natural beauty, have made travelers eager to experience similar resorts.

This is a continuation of the trend sparked by earlier seasons of the show, which drew visitors to Italy and Hawaii. In a similar vein, Romania is attracting Wednesday fans to its castles and eerie landscapes, offering a mix of historical depth and gothic romance.

Beyond television, movies are also influencing travel choices. Gladiator 2, expected to be released in 2024, is shining a spotlight on Malta, a Mediterranean island with a rich history and dramatic coastlines. Previously used as a filming location for the original Gladiator and Game of Thrones, Malta is set to receive a fresh wave of visitors looking to explore the same rugged terrains where epic battles were fought on screen.

And of course, Paris remains a consistent draw, buoyed by the romanticized version of the city portrayed in Emily in Paris. Travelers are eager to walk the same streets, visit the same cafés, and live out their Parisian dreams, albeit with a more Instagrammable twist.

The beauty of this trend is that it marries fandom with wanderlust. Travelers are no longer just passive consumers of entertainment; they want to actively engage with the worlds they’ve fallen in love with on screen. This type of tourism also benefits less-visited areas, as productions are increasingly filmed in more remote or less obvious locations, drawing attention to spots that otherwise may not have been on tourists’ radars.

For instance, while the major cities in Romania are popular, Wednesday has drawn tourists to smaller towns and villages, seeking the same atmosphere portrayed in the show.

In a time where we crave unique experiences, set-jetting offers travelers the opportunity to escape to their favorite fictional universes, even if just for a short time.

Sources:

  1. 2024 Travel Trends – The Week (theweek.com)
  2. Travel Trends for 2024 – Independent (independent.co.uk)
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