If you’ve dreamed of crunching down the driveway of Downton Abbey, munching croissants in Emily’s Paris, or lunching in The White Lotus hotel in Sicily, then you’re not alone.
By Kerry Parnell
So many people are being inspired to travel to destinations they’ve seen on their TV screens, it’s become a phenomenon. Set-jetting, as it’s been dubbed, is the travel trend of the moment. According to research by Expedia, nearly 30% of travellers say TV shows and movies are having more influence on their travel plans, than previously.
Why not: I see it as the ultimate escapism and an excuse to have fun. Whether that’s striding through New York in your Manolos, like Carrie and co in Sex and the City, or hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, like One Day’s Dexter and Emma, it’s a great way to bring a trip to life – even if it’s make-believe.
And you can tailor it to your taste, which makes set-jetting even more delicious. I’m not afraid to admit Netflix’s Emily in Paris is my guilty pleasure and when I was in the city recently, I may or may not have looked up some of Emily’s locales. OK, I did. And you know what? It made me love Paris even more.
Here’s three set-jetting ideas to start your engines…
Entry level: The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were famously shot in New Zealand and the new TV series part there and part in the UK. Visitors still flock to Hobbiton – the movie set in Matamata, North Island, to enjoy a tour of the tiny homes, followed by a second breakfast. And if you want more Middle Earth, newzealand.com has a huge array of itineraries.
Stay: Rydges Rotorua is around 45 minutes from Hobbiton, rooms from NZ$150, rydges.com
Play: Visit Hobbiton, NZ$120, hobbitontours.com. For more, newzealand.com
Getting there: Air New Zealand flies in to Rotorua with a stop in Auckland.
Mid range: Bridgerton in Bath
As well as Romans and Jane Austen, tourists are now visiting Britain’s historic Bath because of Bridgerton. Much of it was filmed there – the Royal Crescent stands in for Mayfair and the Featheringtons’ home, Lady Danbury’s house is the Holburne Museum and Abbey Deli the Modiste dress shop. (The Bridgerton family home is the English Heritage Ranger’s House, in London.)
Stay: If you want to feel like you’re in Bridgerton, check into the grand, heritage, The Gainsborough Bath Spa. Rooms from £265, thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Play: Take a Bridgerton walking tour, £17, britmovietours.com For more, visitbath.co.uk
Getting there: Bath is 80 minutes from London’s Paddington by train, or a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Luxe: Emily in Paris
If you’re going to go all-out, then it has to be France. While Emily in Paris may be pure fantasy, it certainly showcases the stunning city at its best. See Emily’s apartment in Place de l'Estrapade, 5th Arrondissement, plus nearby bakery La Boulangerie Moderne; dine in the Eiffel Tower’s double-Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant and shop for designer clothes at Samaritaine.
Stay: Five-star Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal is right opposite “Agence Savoir” and has Emily in Paris packages. Rooms from €423, grandhoteldupalaisroyal.com
Play: Indulge in an Emily in Paris Tour, €32. For more, parisjetaime.com
