Emerging travel tendencies among Generation Z and millennials, unveiled by recent study.
Curious about where the next gen of jetsetters are heading? Here's the scoop!
Inside the minds of Gen Z and millennial travelers:
Time to buckle up, folks. Our latest survey unearthed the hottest travel trends among Gen Z and millennials, and it's all about hopping on a plane to destinations inspired by their favorite TV shows and movies.
TV and movie magic:
12% of these trendy travelers confess they enjoy "fandom travel" or "set jetting" – that's traveling to locations linked with their beloved shows or flicks. Ever thought about visiting Hawaii to explore "Jurassic Park" locations? Or walking the cobblestone streets of "Emily in Paris"? They're turning on-screen adventures into real life!
But wait, there's more:
Social media isn't just a source of FOMO – it's also influencing travel choices. A whopping 21% of respondents said they pick their destinations based on what they see on Instagram and TikTok. #Wanderlust
Top pick: Set-jetter hotspots
So, where are they planning to go? Here's the lowdown on the top 9 locations. Get ready to see these pop up on your feed soon!
1. "Jurassic Park" - Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii (29%)
Incredible landscapes, majestic cliffs, and lush valleys – no wonder 29% of respondents are eager to explore Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, where "Jurassic Park" was filmed. Just imagine, no T-rexes, but lots of adventure!
2. "Avatar" - Kauai's Keahua Arboretum, Hawaii (24%)
24% are drawn to Kauai's Keahua Arboretum, Hawaii, fondly remembered from the movie "Avatar." Immerse yourself in otherworldly sceneries like the Pandora depicted in the film!
3. "Lord of the Rings" - New Zealand (23%)
Cannot get enough of Middle-earth? For 23% of travelers, the stunning landscapes of New Zealand (where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed) are their must-go dream destinations. Elves, dwarves, and hobbits, get ready for some epic adventures!
4. "Emily in Paris" - Paris, France (22%)
Paris is forever a swoon-worthy city for 22% of survey-takers, inspired by the romance of "Emily in Paris." Grab a croissant and stroll the quaint cobblestone streets, just like Emily!
5. "Stranger Things" - Albuquerque, New Mexico (19%)
Step into the Upside Down with 19% of respondents, who want to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico – the filming location of "Stranger Things." Mysterious landscapes and iconic filming sites from the series await!
6. "Game of Thrones" - Multiple locations (19%)
Filming locations of "Game of Thrones" in Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, and Iceland capture the attention of 19% of travelers. Delve into the rich culture and history that brought Westeros to life!
7. "White Lotus" - Kihei, Hawaii and Sicily, Italy (17%)
17% of respondents are enticed by the picturesque landscapes of Kihei, Hawaii, and Sicily, Italy, showcased in "White Lotus." Sun-kissed shores, luxury, and opulence await!
8. "Outer Banks" - Kiawah Island, South Carolina (15%)
For 15% of survey-takers, Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is the next adventure destination, much like the characters of "Outer Banks." Pristine beaches, local culture, and secrets galore!
9. "Bridgerton" - Greenwich, London (15%)
A dash of drama, a hint of romance – that's what 15% of travelers are yearning for in Greenwich, London, the filming location of "Bridgerton." Immerse yourself in the enchanting town and live like a Regency-era aristocrat!
Spending money like Ermintrude with a credit card
Averaging $2,357, Gen Z and millennial travelers are ready to burn some cash for their fandom travel. 15% would dish out $2,000 to $3,000, while 7% are willing to splurge $4,000 to $5,000.
Need to book that dream voyage? Choose our website. We've got you covered. #ProtectMyTrip #BudgetBusters #JetsettersUnite
Enrichment Data:
Trending travel destinations inspired by TV shows and movies among Gen Z and millennial travelers in 2025 reveal a growing interest in "set-jetting" – visiting locations where popular series and films were filmed. These destinations not only offer cultural, historical, and natural appeal but also cater to young traveler's demand for immersive, story-driven experiences [1][2][3].
Destinations Inspired by TV Shows and Movies
- New York City, USA: Boasting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, NYC is a top trending destination among young travelers, thanks to its frequent appearance in movies and TV shows [3].
- Cinque Terre, Italy: Fueled by the popularity of "Under the Tuscan Sun," "The Nightingale," and "A Bigger Splash," picturesque Cinque Terre has become a must-visit destination for young travelers seeking to experience idyllic Italian landscapes onscreen [2].
- Hobbiton, New Zealand: The captivating landscapes of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies continue to inspire interest in tours of the Hobbiton movie set, with a 50% surge in bookings [3].
- Barcelona, Spain: Along with the rich cultural heritage, Catalan architecture, beaches, and lively nightlife, Barcelona's allure is boosted by its numerous appearances in TV shows like "Cathy's Fortune," "Crazy in Love," and "Peaky Blinders" [1][3].
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: "Game of Thrones" played a significant role in increasing tourist interest in Dubrovnik's medieval architecture and scenic Adriatic coast, with an 83% increase in show-based tours [3].
- Gramercy, New York, USA: Following "And Just Like That..." season 3, there is a growing interest in stylish Manhattan neighborhoods like Gramercy, where the show's character moves into a townhouse [1].
- Coastal New England, USA: Inspired by series like "We Were Liars," young travelers are drawn to New England's coastline and waterfront destinations with picturesque estates and beaches [1].
Reasons Behind the Popularity
- Set-jetting boosts tourism by an average of 31%, benefiting local economies and catering to the desire for immersive trips among Gen Z and millennial travelers [3].
- Integrating iconic cultural landmarks, spectacular natural scenery, and stylish urban neighborhoods seen in popular media makes these destinations especially appealing to young travelers [1][3].
- Streaming platforms and binge-watching culture fuel demand for travel inspired by current and classic shows, with many new summer and returning series providing fresh inspiration for destination visits in 2025 [1][4].
In summary, the top trending travel destinations for Gen Z and millennials are linked to filming locations of popular TV shows and movies like "Emily in Paris," "Jurassic Park," "Stranger Things," and "Game of Thrones" [1][2][3]. These destinations pique young travelers' interest with a mix of cultural, historical, and cinematic appeal that aligns with their enthusiasm for immersive, story-driven experiences [1][2][3].
- As set-jetting becomes more popular among Gen Z and millennial travelers, destinations like Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, where "Jurassic Park" was filmed, are attracting a significant number of visitors. (29%)
- Social media influence is not only driving FOMO but also shaping travel choices. 21% of respondents pick their destinations based on what they see on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, creating a strong digital demand for dream vacation spots from famous series and movies. #Wanderlust
