From the desolate deserts of Dune to the romantic British scenery of Bridgerton, following the Oscars, we look at the major film and TV shows that will inspire our travels in the year ahead...
If we could only name one booming travel trend, it would have to be set jetting. If you don’t know already, set jetting is when movie and TV show buffs are inspired to visit a destination after watching it on the big (or small) screen.
But this isn’t a new concept. People have ‘screen travelled’ for many years now. The ongoing James Bond film series put locations such as Japan, Jamaica and even Scotland (for travellers from outside the UK) on the map; Harry Potter continues to bewitch fans with its magical movie locations, including the non-existent Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross; and The Beach, a 2000 film staring Leonardo DiCaprio, brought hoards of beach lovers to Thailand's Maya Bay – so much so it had to close for several years in order to restore its natural biodiversity.
But with the rise of streaming platforms churning out hit shows such as Bridgerton, White Lotus and Squid Game year-on-year, and cinemas showcasing epic sequels to blockbuster productions, the demand to step inside the screen by visiting the awe-inspiring filming locations is only growing.
Here’s eight films and TV series we predict to inspire our travels in 2024...
Could the new White Lotus be filmed at Koh Samui's Four Seasons Hotel? (Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts)
Locations: Thailand
When White Lotus first hit our small screens in 2021, viewers were not only glued to the gripping storyline, but also the breathtaking scenery of the island of Maui in Hawaii. Then season two comes along set in Sicily, inspiring travellers to flock to the cultural gem of Taormina. Now, excitement is building for season three, confirmed by HBO to be filmed in Thailand and released in 2025. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced in a statement how thrilled they are to showcase the “Kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes” in the dark comedy drama series. Locations you can expect to see on screen include Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.
Following the trend of the previous series, we predict it to be filmed in an around one of the country’s Four Seasons Hotels. The perfect match? Four Seasons Koh Samui is located on Thailand's second largest island, famous for its palm-forested hills and white sand beaches. Its paradise landscape means its far from off-the-beaten-track territory, but there are still some hidden gems to be found across the island, if you look hard enough. Alternatively, the series could take a different approach and mostly be centred in Bangkok, perhaps filming at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. This would be a stark contrast to the beach locations of the previous series, but it could be interesting to see the storyline surround the capital's bustling streets and array of modern and historic architecture, including Wat Arun temple and The Grand Palace.
The alien-like landscape of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan was used as a backdrop in Dune (Alamy)
Locations: Abu Dhabi and Jordan
Dune, an epic sci-fi film starring actors Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, was released in cinemas in 2021. The story follows the Atreides family as they venture onto their newly inherited planet, Arrakis. Two deserts play starring roles in creating the desolate setting: Jordan’s Wadi Rum and the deserts of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The former is extremely popular with filmmakers, with movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian also shot here, and we can certainly see why. It’s not only home to extraordinary sand dunes but also staggering rock formations and natural arches – such as Burdah Rock Bridge – making it one of the most unique desert environments in the world. Meanwhile, the deserts of Abu Dhabi, known as the Empty Quarter, provide what seems like endless sand dunes. It’s popular with travellers for Bedouin camp and desert safari experiences.
The second part of this box office hit, Dune: Part Two, will be released in March 2024, returning to similar desert landscapes as before, so we expect more travellers to be inspired to plan their Middle Eastern adventure soon.
The UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Benhaddou is anticipated to feature again in Gladiator 2 (Shutterstock)
Locations: Morocco and Malta
More than 20 years after the first Gladiator – starring Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix – landed in cinemas, its long-awaited sequel finally has a release date for November 2024. It may have been two decades, but the backdrop of Gladiator 2 may seem quite familiar once it arrives on our screens at the end of the year, with the cast confirmed to be filming in some of the same locations as before. First up is Ouarzazate in Morocco – just south of the High Atlas Mountains, this rugged landscape has captured many film directors’ imaginations. Specifically used in Gladiator is the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou: this ancient village sits along a former trade route between Marrakech and the Sahara, with striking earthen clay architecture that transports you to a different time.
Sticking with the ‘M’s, another country where Gladiator 2 filming has reportedly taken place is Malta. Although, we’re not sure how recognisable it will look on the big screen, as much of Fort Ricasoli will be dominated by a set-built Roman amphitheatre, much like it was in the first film. We can only hope for a few more glimpses of this picturesque Mediterranean island.
Royal Crescent in Bath provides many scene-setting shots in Bridgerton (Shutterstock)
Location: Bath and Greenwich, London
If you've been patiently waiting for third season of Bridgeton, you won’t have to wait much longer, as Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s chapter is expected to arrive on Netflix in May 2024. Aside from the gripping storyline and endearing characters, we’ve also been captivated by the fairytale scenery of what is supposed to be London in 1813. Well, some scenes are filmed in London. The Bridgerton household is actually Ranger’s House on the boundary of Greenwich Park. The Georgian villa is now home to a world-class art collection consisting of more than 700 works.
But the west country is where you’ll find the essence of the Bridgerton universe. Royal Crescent is one of the most elegant streets in Bath, and has been used for a many scene-setting shots across several episodes. The Featherington family home is actually No.1 Royal Crescent, whereas Lady Danbury’s residence is The Holborn Museum – a former hotel turned art museum, with an impressive gallery of paintings, many dating back to the 18th century. There are other Bridgerton filming locations across the country, but Bath is certainly the highlight.
Squid Game is increasing interest in South Korea, especially its capital Seoul (Shutterstock)
Location: South Korea
Can you believe it has been over two years since Squid Game first landed on Netflix? The thriller series had us hooked from the start, as the story follows money-strapped contestants playing children’s games for the chance to win a huge cash prize – but the consequences of losing are deadly. It’s all rather hush-hush on when the second series will be released, but rumour has it will be the tail end of 2024. Although the series doesn’t showcase many of South Korea’s gems, especially inside the game area which was is unsurprisingly set built, it has certainly helped raised the profile of the country. What does get a sneak peak is the Korean capital, Seoul, as its where many of the game contestants live, including lead character Gi-hun. We can only imagine the second series will return here, teasing us with more clips of this buzzy, modern capital and its lesser-visited neighbourhoods, with the N Seoul Tower providing a beacon of light over the city.
Holkham Beach expects to star in Deadpool 3 (Shutterstock)
Location: Norfolk
Ryan Reynolds returns in the third instalment of Deadpool. The superhero film has been a hit with Marvel fanatics, with scenes from the previous films set in places such as Vancouver, British Columbia. We don’t know too many of the locations for the third film, however, a huge buzz has been circulating around Norfolk, particularly Holkham beach, where its reported Deadpool filmed a fight scene. Known as the jewel of the Norfolk coast, Holkham Beach has previously starred in Shakespeare in Love (1998), but its endless sand stretch scattered with marram grass and backed by pine forests, will certainly enchant more visitors to explore this 140km coastline. Packed with plenty of other beaches and wildlife and nature reserves, the Norfolk coast is much lesser-visited than counties in the South of England.
The central Plaza Mayor in Trujillo is a medieval gem (Shutterstock)
Locations: Spain and Wales
The Games of Throne spinoff returns for a second season in 2024. House of the Dragon will once again pull attention to some of Spain’s beautiful heritage cities, also seen in GOT. Cáceres in western Spain was founded by the Romans, with its old town a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. A 30-minute drive from here will take you to yet another filming location. Trujillo is best known for its Castillo, a stone fortress which sits on a hill and dominates the town centre, where the vast central Plaza Mayor stands out as a medieval gem.
It’s not only Spain that will play a starring role. North Wales is also going to be a prominent filming location, with the rugged coastal landscapes of Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Conwy getting quality time in the spotlight.
Newark city's skyline in New Jersey (Alamy)
Location: New Jersey, USA
The sequel to the 2019 hit film Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga and based on the DC Comics character, will hit our cinema screens in October 2024. One of the key locations for filming has been at the Essex County Isolation Hospital in Bellville, New Jersey. This abandoned hospital building, which stands in as Arkham Asylum in Joker: Folie à Deux, is an impressive piece of architecture, and historically took care of patients with infectious diseases. We’re sure fans will be keen to follow in the Joker's footsteps, so while in New Jersey should also explore the highlights of Essex County, including the vibrant city of Newark, home to the Museum of Art and Branch Brook Park: the latter hosts a fantastic Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, far from the eerie locations of the film.
Filming has also reportedly taken place in New York City (where you can find the ‘Joker’ stairs) as well as downtown Los Angeles.
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.