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The tourism industry has evolved over the decades, catering to a wide variety of people, budgets and interests. One of the most popular travel trends is set-jetting, or visiting film and television locations. I love going on these trips. I get to step into the worlds of my favorite films and shows and experience what my favorite characters did.

Here is a list of iconic filming locations from my favorite media and my experiences with them.

1. Covington, Georgia

Vampire Diaries is one of the most popular supernatural teen drama shows on CW. I watched it when I was a teenager and I vowed to visit their set. I wanted to see the heart of Mystic Falls. My set jetting journey started here, at Covington, Georgia. The whole trip had been a blast.

I visited Mystic Grill, which was featured prominently in the series. The restaurant even had a poster signed by the actors. The Covington Clock Tower was picturesque, especially with its vibrant orange bricks adding to its charm. I also toured the Covington Welcome Center, which houses a Mystic Falls sign and other memorabilia.

2. New York City

New York City is the ultimate set-jetting destination for women, especially film and television lovers. It is the film set for many iconic media, including Sex and the City, When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Eloise at the Plaza. I made a movie map of all the must-see locations, so I could travel between sites seamlessly.

During the trip, I discovered that the popular show F.R.I.E.N.D.S was actually filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in California. I still enjoyed a cup of coffee at a coffee shop near Central Park.

3. Albertina Museum, Vienna

Albertina Museum doubles as a cultural landmark in Vienna and a famous scene in the film Before Sunrise. The protagonists, Jessie and Celine, hang out on the museum rooftop balcony, across the stunning view of the Vienna State Opera House. I took set-jetting tourism to the next level by visiting all the locations they explored, from Zollamtssteg Bridge to the Cemetery of the Nameless. It was actually more tiring and time-consuming than the film suggests, but it was all worth it.

Instead of visiting these places in a day, as in the film, I spread them out over days. The museum alone was half a day’s worth of the trip. Albertina Museum is the largest modern art museum in Central Europe, housing exhibitions by artists such as Monet and Picasso. It’s best to visit during the off-season to fully explore the places without large crowds.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tourism for Dubrovnik skyrocketed following the iconic Game of Thrones series. The city served as the backdrop for King’s Landing. Notable locations include Fort Lovrijenac, which served as the location for the fantasy world’s seat of monarchy, and the City Walls as its fortress.

As a fan of the series, I immediately booked a flight there after it ended. I booked a guided walking tour for more insights into the city and behind-the-scenes stories from filming to enrich the experience. It was surreal to just walk around and appreciate its beautiful limestone streets. Besides the filming locations, I explored St. Blaise Church, Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace for in-depth historical and cultural experiences.

5. Naples, Italy

I embarked on a culinary adventure just like Elizabeth, the protagonist of Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts. The first part of the movie immerses audiences in the vibrant streets of Naples. It features many food scenes that perfectly capture the essence of Italian cuisine.

I am proud to say I got to taste an authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the same location shared in the movie. It was absolutely delicious. I would go back there in a heartbeat. Aside from pizza, I tried dishes like Sfogliatella, Babà al Rum, Spaghetti alle Vongole and an authentic Italian espresso. I also joined local cooking classes and took a day trip to Pompeii.

6. Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris feature numerous homages to Paris. The movie starts in Monet’s Garden, the site where the famous Claude Monet painted his waterlilies. Other locations shown in the film include Left Bank shops, Hotel Le Bristol, Restaurant Polidor, Musée de l’Orangerie, among others.

My favorite location in the film was the Shakespeare and Company bookshop. As a book lover, I’ve wanted to visit this place. I love that it was also featured in Before Sunrise’s sequel, Before Sunset. It was founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beach and became a beloved gathering place for writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was reopened in 1951 by American poet George Whitman. Of course, I bought one of their tote bags and a handful of books as souvenirs!

Aside from these locations, I also made sure to visit other locations in Paris like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. I ate a lot of baguettes and croissants from different patisseries.

7. Skopelos and Skiathos, Greece

There’s another reason to visit the Greek Islands aside from their turquoise waters, lush landscapes and vibrant sunsets. Skopelos and Skiathos are the setting for Mamma Mia!

With over 60 beaches, Skiathos offered plenty of time in the sun. There were numerous restaurants, bars and shops to explore on the island. On the other hand, Skopelos is known for its pebble beaches. It was more laid-back, which I loved. I toured the wedding venue in the film, the chapel of Agios Ioannis. The vacation wasn’t complete without listening to ABBA exclusively.

Embark on Your Cinematic Adventure Today

Set jetting tourism is one of the most fun ways to travel. I got to explore new places while revisiting stories I loved. Each location had something different to offer, from priceless museums to delicious pizza and pastries. There’s a whole world of film locations to explore. I can’t wait to add more to my list!