What is Set-Jetting and Why Is It Trending in Travel?
Set-Jetting in the USA is a growing travel trend where fans visit real-life filming locations from their favorite movies and TV shows. Instead of traditional tourist spots like museums or theme parks, you’re building your itinerary around iconic scenes from Hollywood blockbusters and binge-worthy Netflix originals.
Why Is Set-Jetting So Popular?
- You get to relive movie magic in person
- It offers unique, immersive experiences
- It’s highly shareable on Instagram and TikTok
- Perfect for experiential travel seekers
Table of Contents
Set-Jetting Definition (for Google snippets):
Set-jetting is a form of travel where people visit real-world filming locations of movies and TV shows they love.
Top Set-Jetting Filming Locations You Can Visit in the U.S.
These U.S. destinations are more than just scenic they’re cinematic icons. Here are the top places where the big screen meets your travel bucket list:
1. 📍 New York City, NY – Sitcom Central
Seen in: Friends, Gossip Girl, Spider-Man, Home Alone 2
NYC is practically a celebrity itself. Snap a pic outside Monica’s apartment in Greenwich Village, or walk the steps of the Met like you’re Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl.
2. 📍 Albuquerque, NM – Breaking Bad Territory
Seen in: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul
Explore the real-world haunts of Walter White:
| Iconic Spot | Real Address |
|---|---|
| The Car Wash | 9516 Snow Heights Cir NE |
| Los Pollos Hermanos | 4257 Isleta Blvd SW |
| Saul Goodman’s Office | 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE |
3. 📍 Savannah, GA – Where Forrest Gump Sat
Seen in: Forrest Gump, The Garden of Good and Evil
Pose on that bench at Chippewa Square and quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates…” while soaking in Southern charm.
4. 📍 Astoria, OR – Goonies Never Say Die
Seen in: The Goonies
Walk the same Oregon coast trails the Goonies did. Visit the Goonies house (view from a distance), and enjoy the retro film vibes in every corner of town.
5. 📍 Chicago, IL – Ferris Bueller’s Playground
Seen in: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, Transformers
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, stand outside Wrigley Field, and recreate Ferris’s dance in downtown Chicago.
Why the Set-Jetting Travel Trend Is Taking Off
Keyword Target: Set-jetting trend
With binge-watching now a daily habit, fans are hungry for real-world connections to fictional worlds. Set-jetting is exploding thanks to:
- 📺 The rise of global streaming platforms
- 📱 FOMO fueled by Instagram and TikTok
- ✈️ A desire for story-driven travel experiences
Even tourism boards now offer themed movie tours to attract fans. You’re not just visiting—you’re living the storyline.
How to Plan a Set-Jetting Trip (Without the Hollywood Budget)
Planning a movie-themed vacation? Here’s your simple set-jetting travel guide:
🎯 Step-by-Step Set-Jetting Itinerary:
- Choose a fandom or film genre – Think Marvel, Harry Potter, rom-coms, or thrillers.
- Research filming locations – Use IMDb, Google, and fan forums.
- Map it out – Use Google Maps to create your travel route.
- Book experiences – Many destinations offer guided filming location tours.
- Theme your outfits – Want to wear a cloak in Hogwarts (aka Universal Studios)? Go for it.
📝 Pro Tip: Save locations in Google Maps with “favorites” and include notes for exact scenes shot there.
Set-Jetting FAQs: Your Questions Answered
❓ What is set-jetting in travel?
Set-jetting is when you travel to destinations featured in movies or TV shows.
❓ Is set-jetting expensive?
Not always! You can explore locations within your state or go big with cross-country or international travel.
❓ Do movie sets look the same in real life?
Some do (like Breaking Bad), while others are dressed up for the screen.
❓ Can I visit active filming sets?
Usually no, but studio tours at places like Universal Studios or Warner Bros. let you experience real sets.
❓ Best U.S. cities for set-jetting?
New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Albuquerque, Chicago, San Francisco, and Savannah top the list.
Final Take: Lights, Camera, Travel!
Ditch boring itineraries—set-jetting turns travel into storytelling. Whether you’re solo, with your partner, or traveling with friends, these trips create memories that go beyond the screen.
Ready to turn your screen-time into real-time?
🎒 Pack your bags, charge your camera, and cue the music—it’s time to jet-set the set way!
Bonus: Set-Jetting Photo Ideas for Your Trip
- You in costume at a filming spot
- A side-by-side of movie still vs. real location
- Recreating iconic movie scenes
Official Studio Tours (for Set Visits):
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood:
https://www.wbstudiotour.com - Universal Studios Hollywood – Studio Tour Info:
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com
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