With the rise of “set-jetting,” more travelers are journeying to the real-life filming locations of their favorite shows, only to find these destinations can be quite different from the glamorous portrayals on screen.
Recently, HBO wrapped filming for season three of The White Lotus, and fans eagerly noted the new setting in Thailand, particularly locations in Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui.
Past seasons filmed in Hawaii and Sicily sparked surges of over 300% in searches for those locations on Expedia, with similar boosts recorded for other TV destinations, such as Richmond (for Ted Lasso) and Norway (featured in Succession).
Though visiting these iconic locations has become a top travel trend of 2024, per Expedia, travelers are often surprised by the stark contrast between a show’s vision and reality.
Iconic places like Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Paris are shown in a highly polished light on screen.
However, travelers expecting a flawless, Hollywood-style experience may find disappointments, from overcast weather in LA to the gritty reality of bustling urban life.
Paris, for example, frequently inspires romanticized views in films and shows, most notably Netflix’s Emily in Paris. However, the city’s charm isn’t always as idyllic as portrayed.
Paris can even lead to what psychologists call “Paris Syndrome,” a rare reaction of intense disappointment that includes symptoms like dizziness and heart palpitations.
Some visitors are jarred by the contrast between their dream Paris and its day-to-day reality.
Afua Danso, a singer-songwriter and former Paris resident, observes, “Parisians get annoyed with tourists who come with this romantic view of our city. We’re tired of our city, and we’re also tired of you.”
New York City is another destination that looms large in travelers’ imaginations.
Through shows like And Just Like That (the Sex and the City sequel), viewers envision the Big Apple as a place where glitz and glamour meet spacious apartments and chic lifestyles.
But as locals note, the portrayal doesn’t align with the gritty realities of the city, especially when it comes to living space.
Taylor DeNapoli, a dancer and event planner, recalls, “My first apartment was the size of my bathroom now… The apartments you see on TV are made for sets.”
Italy, too, is frequently portrayed as a picturesque paradise filled with romance and charm, showcased in films like Under the Tuscan Sun.
While towns like Florence and Tuscany have an undeniable allure, Kathy McCabe, host of PBS’s Dream of Italy, cautions that reality can fall short of expectations.
“The bureaucracy seems like a stereotype, but it is a real thing,” she says, noting that renovating an Italian villa is far more complex and costly than Hollywood implies.
Despite these differences, many locals still encourage visits.
DeNapoli says, “New York can be glitz and glam on one block and then trash and grunge the next… That’s what makes it so special to me.”
Ultimately, travelers are advised to seek local experiences rather than merely following in the footsteps of fictional characters.
Shows like The White Lotus may feature pristine resorts, but the real value of visiting places like Thailand, Sicily, or Hawaii comes from engaging with local culture and stepping beyond curated views.
For a truly fulfilling travel experience, shedding the fantasy of how a place “should” be can be as rewarding as the journey itself.
Also read: Overcoming The Odds: Luke Evans’ Journey From Jehovah’s Witness To Hollywood Star
