Set-jetting takes center stage at these screen-inspired destinations for 2026
In 2026, destinations around the world are expected to see a boon to visitors thanks to some of the biggest new television shows and movies hitting screens this year and next.
In its annual Unpack '26 report that tracks trends in the travel industry, Expedia Group revealed that 81% of millennial and Gen Z travelers plan their trips inspired by shows and movies, making the "set-jetting" phenomenon a potential $8 billion industry in the U.S. alone.
With over half of travelers saying their desire to take a set-jetting trip has increased, the report highlights several destinations featured in recent and upcoming productions. Expedia also outlined places to stay and activities to book to get an experience fit for the screens.
Peloponnese, Greece
Inspired by: "The Odyssey," which premieres on July 17, 2026.
Suggested stays: Nido, Mar-Bella Collection; W Costa Navarino; and Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa
The most epic of the 2026 releases is easily the star-studded adaptation of "The Odyssey," directed and produced by Christopher Nolan. In addition to playing celebrity spotting while watching the movie, viewers can also expect to be captivated by the stunning views of the Peloponnese region in Greece, where the majority of the film takes place. The Unpack report suggests olive oil tasting, scuba diving, hiking and more for travelers looking to create their own Grecian odyssey.
Palawan, Philippines
Inspired by: "The Last Resort," which is expected to premiere in February 2026.
Suggested stays: Cauyan Island Resort, Pangulasian Island Resort and Lihim Resorts
Next year's hottest romantic comedy is expected to draw travelers to the southeastern Philippines island of Palawan. The tropical paradise was the filming location for "The Last Resort," as well as the inspiration for the story itself, which includes a woman traveling to the island and falling in love — with the beauty of the region and a love interest. Expedia suggests booking a catamaran cruise and hidden lagoon tour as well as enjoying the beaches of El Nido.
Yorkshire, U.K.
Inspired by: "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," which premiered on Sept. 12, 2025, and "Wuthering Heights," which premieres on Feb. 13, 2026.
Suggested stays: Esseborne Manor Hotel (where the "Downtown Abbey" cast stayed), the Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club, Simonstone Hall (where the "Wuthering Heights" cast stayed) and The Old Registry Haworth
Yorkshire has a double whammy of productions shining a spotlight on it. Longtime "Downton Abbey" fans can bring to life their early 1900s manor home day dreams by visiting the North England town on a trip that celebrates the conclusion of the TV series with Highclere Castle tours and Cotswolds countryside drives. The region should see more visitors next year once director Emerald Fennell's adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" premieres in February. Fans can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum or take a scenic train ride through the Dales.
Hawaii and Samoa, Polynesia
Inspired by: The new live action "Moana," which premieres July 10, 2026
Suggested stays: Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, The Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii and Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
"Moana" is the latest Disney character to get a live-action adaptation on the big screens, and once the new film releases this summer, Expedia predicts both Hawaii and Samoa to be hot destinations. Hawaiian shores and luscious greenery has been seen on screens plenty, so visitors can also catch Jurassic Park tours while on island too.
Paris
Inspired by: "Emily in Paris," which premieres on Dec. 18, 2025
Suggested stays: Hotel Plaza Athénée, Le Meurice and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
"Emily in Paris" has captivated Francophiles since its first season that released in 2020, but with the newest season dropping as an early Christmas present this year, Expedia expects travelers to pack their chicest bags and head to the City of Light. Suggested activities include a croissant baking class and an unofficial Emily in Paris tour that takes fans through filming locations in the city.
Dalmatian Coast, New Orleans and Barcelona
Inspired by: "People We Meet on Vacation," which premieres on Jan. 9, 2026
Suggested stays: Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans and Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Another Netflix title, "People We Meet on Vacation" is sure to inspire wanderlust in all who tune in. The movie, based on the bestselling novel of the same name, was filmed at a handful of destinations that the characters travel to. To bring the movie — or book — alive, Expedia suggests taking a classic car across the coast of Croatia, hopping aboard a riverboat jazz cruise in New Orleans or joining a food tour in Barcelona.
Wellington, New Zealand
Inspired by: "Avatar: Fire and Ash," which premieres Dec. 19, 2025
Suggested stays: Ohtel Wellington, Sofitel Wellington and The Intrepid Hotel
New Zealand has been captured in a few fictional fandoms already, and the Avatar empire is just the latest. The new movie's live action shots were filmed in tandem with the previous title, "The Way of Water," between 2017 and 2020, in New Zealand. Expedia's recommended activities include getting to know the food and wildlife of the region and indulging in some "Lord of the Rings" tours as well.
Hawaii, Italy, and Thailand
Inspired by: "The White Lotus," which premiered its season three Feb. 16, 2025
Suggested stays: San Domenico Palace, Taormina; Four Seasons Maui at Wailea; and Rosewood Phuket
"The White Lotus" will always reign supreme when it comes to set jetting. Tourists can get their own luxury experience by visiting any of the real Four Seasons locations where the first three seasons were filmed in Hawaii, Italy and Thailand, respectively. Some of the unique, as-seen-on-TV experiences Expedia recommends is catching a Muay Thai boxing match in Thailand and a semi-private dolphin watch tour in Maui.
Tuscany, Italy
Inspired by: "Jay Kelly," which premiered on Nov. 14, 2025
Suggested stays: Monteverdi Tuscany, La Bandita Townhouse Hotel and ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE
Directed by Noah Baumbach, Jay Kelly is predicted to continue to inspire trips to Tuscany in 2026. The movie stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler and takes place across Italy and other European destinations. Expedia's report finds that travelers can make their own movie star moments with wine tastings and spa treatments across the region.
Los Angeles
Inspired by: "Nobody Wants This," which premiered its season two on Oct. 23, 2025.
Suggested stays: The Garland or 1 Hotel West Hollywood
Los Angeles is not quite an understated travel destination, but the fan-favorite Netflix show, "Nobody Wants This," starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, might be sparking a renewed interest in the California city. Playing off the flirty romance of the TV show, Expedia's report suggested a romantic helicopter tour at sunset or a peek behind the cameras with a Warner Bros. Studio Tour to create a trip to Los Angeles worthy of the show.
Quit Your Job and Move Abroad With These 10 Gigs That Will Let You Live Anywhere
Quia Bethea
SAN FRANCISCO — While the San Francisco hotel market is expected to benefit from hosting the Super Bowl next February, forecasts are conservative compared to when the city hosted the event 10 years ago, which highlights the market’s struggles post-COVID, according to analysis from CoStar.
San Francisco last hosted the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in 2016 and saw a significant lift in hotel performance with a reported 30% increase in RevPAR ($198), occupancy hitting 81%, and ADR climbing to $244.36. Those numbers jumped even higher over the weekend of the game in occupancy (82%), ADR ($453) and RevPAR ($370).
While San Francisco hotels are expected to deliver strong results in February, the week of the game, the forecasts have been more muted this year. Room rates are projected to rise 37% year-over-year, which would fuel a 47% RevPAR increase. That increase would translate to an ADR of $293.69 and RevPAR of $192.81 for the month. While those numbers would be beneficial, they would reflect a 19% decrease in occupancy and a 3% decrease in RevPAR compared to 2016, while ADR would increase by 20%.
San Francisco has struggled as a market post-COVID. Still, there have been many signs of optimism this year that the hotel market is starting to rebound after bottoming out last year, as illustrated by a JLL study earlier this year. The study showed that the rebound was driven by improved convention center performance, a resurgence of international demand and big upcoming events. The burgeoning AI sector in the city also has many experts and investors optimistic about the city’s hospitality future.
The CoStar analysis said San Francisco has seen a strong rebound this year and is leading the top 25 U.S. markets through October year-to-date with impressive gains in occupancy (+4.9%), ADR (+5.9%) and RevPAR (+11.3%).
The analysis says supply can also play a key role in occupancy projections. For example, New Orleans, last year’s Super Bowl host city, saw a 51% RevPAR increase YOY and a nearly 96% actualized occupancy on game night, resulting in an ADR of $810. San Francisco has a supply roughly 20% larger than New Orleans (and a more spread-out area), which can make demand benefits harder to concentrate.
Comments
Post a Comment