More travelers are venturing to the filming locations of their favorite shows, even if these places differ significantly from their on-screen portrayals.

The filming of the third season of the Emmy-winning series The White Lotus has concluded, and HBO has just released a teaser revealing new cast members.

In previous seasons, when the show was set in Hawaii and Sicily, searches for these destinations skyrocketed on Expedia by over 300%. Similarly, Richmond in London, featured in Ted Lasso, experienced a 160% increase in searches, while Norway saw a 65% rise after appearing in Succession. If these patterns hold, interest in Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui—filming locations for the new season—may soon soar as well.

This trend, known as "set-jetting," where people visit destinations featured in popular films and TV shows, has been growing steadily in recent years. Its surge in popularity has even led Expedia to list it as one of 2024's top travel trends.

However, many travelers expecting these locations to match their on-screen depictions are often met with a different reality. For instance, sunny Los Angeles often experiences "June gloom," while Amsterdam is increasingly clamping down on party-driven tourism.

One famously idealized city is Paris, which has even been known to induce a psychological condition called "Paris syndrome." This rare phenomenon, which can cause symptoms like heart palpitations and hallucinations, is attributed to cultural shock and disappointment when the city doesn’t meet its romanticized image. While the popularity of Netflix's Emily in Paris has drawn more visitors to Paris, some are disillusioned to find it isn’t always brimming with haute couture and charming singles. Instead, Parisians are often perceived as reserved or even dismissive toward tourists.

"It's still a city," remarked Afua Danso, a singer-songwriter who has lived in both London and Paris. "[It still has] trash bags… [it still has] rats. Honestly, Afua thinks many Parisians are tired of tourists and the overly romanticized view of their city."

Similarly, New York City occupies a grand place in pop culture, but its depiction in shows like And Just Like That can give viewers a skewed perception. While these shows highlight upscale lifestyles and massive apartments, local residents often laugh at the unrealistic portrayal of space relative to characters' jobs.

Taylor DeNapoli is a dancer and event planner and she shared that her first apartment on 30th Street was about the size of her bathroom now. "It had a shared hallway bathroom and shower. The apartments you see on TV are purely made for sets."

Likewise, Italy is frequently depicted as an idyllic haven of scenic towns, delectable cuisine, and beautiful people. Shows like From Scratch and films like Under the Tuscan Sun romanticize the country as a place for love and ambitious renovations. However, the reality is often far less glamorous.

"Italy is gorgeous but also complex and frustrating," explained Kathy McCabe, host of Dream of Italy. "The bureaucracy isn’t just a stereotype—it’s real. Renovating an old villa, as romantic as it may seem in movies, often takes far longer and costs significantly more than expected."

The Newest Travel Trend: Set-Jetting

Video by The Hospitality Mentor

On the other hand, shows like Fleabag, set in London, capture some of the city's more authentic dynamics. The lead character's humor often clashes with the reserved demeanor of Londoners. "London is generally more restrained," said Danso.

Despite the discrepancies between fiction and reality, residents of these cities insist they remain worth visiting. "New York can be flashy and gritty within the span of a single block," said DeNapoli. "That’s its magic... it will always hold a special place in the heart."

While the portrayal of a location on screen may inspire travel plans, it shouldn't define expectations. If anything, such fictionalized depictions often overlook authentic cultural experiences. For instance, guests in the first two seasons of The White Lotus might have gained a richer understanding of Hawaii and Sicily had they interacted with more locals.

As the third season promises its usual blend of drama and wealthy escapism, there’s hope it will also spotlight Bangkok's vibrant night markets or Phuket’s tranquil fishing villages. Immersing oneself in local culture and stepping beyond the expectations shaped by TV may just offer a more meaningful "set-jetting" adventure.