The start of a new year can be dark and dreary, with abysmal weather. But for those of us who love a good TV binge, it can also bring plenty of opportunity to catch up on shows we've missed, or for film fans, plenty of cold evenings to spend in the cinema being transported to another (perhaps sunnier) world.
As much as we love sinking into the sofa and being whisked away to far-flung destinations through the power of the screen, we’re sometimes left with itchy feet, wishing we could visit the locations ourselves.
If you've ever felt inspired to visit a location you've seen in your favourite TV show or film, you're not alone. Set-jetting is a growing trend in travel — two-thirds of global travellers have considered it, and 39 per cent have booked trips to destinations
they've seen in films or streamed shows, according to Expedia's 2023 travel trends report. This makes TV and film second only to advice from friends and family when it comes to getting holiday inspiration this year.
While visiting a TV or film location isn't a new concept, set-jetting is now really taking off and it's no surprise. The increase in binge-watching during the pandemic years gave us endless inspiration to explore travel in a different way when the world opened up again. Film and TV settings are getting more glamorous, too, giving us wanderlust as we watch the drama unfold.
Is there anyone who watched the recent series of White Lotus without dreaming of a visit to beautiful Sicily? The hit series was shot primarily at the Four Seasons’ San Domenico Palace in Taormina, showing off the glamour of the Italian hilltop town and putting it high on our travel wish list for 2023.
It's not all about beaches, either. According to Expedia, cosmopolitan cities like New York and Paris are welcoming visitors inspired by the screen, perhaps thanks to the adventures of Emily in Paris and Carrie Bradshaw in the new Sex and the City spinoff.
The UK gets an honourable mention too, with a host of historical dramas increasing interest in our many impressive stately homes and royal residences.
Maybe you already have a set-jetting holiday to a place you’ve seen on the screen planned, big or small. But if not, we’ve got some inspiration for you here.