Survey reveals distinctive travel habits of Generation Z and Millennials
In 2025, a significant trend in travel is being driven by TV shows and movies, known as "set-jetting." According to a recent survey by Expedia, 66% of travelers have been inspired by what they've seen on screen to make their travel decisions, with nearly 30% citing TV shows and films as a major influence for their trips[1][4].
The following list presents the top 9 TV show and movie-inspired travel destinations that are popular among Gen Z and millennials for 2025:
1. **New York City, USA** NYC tops the list due to its iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and scenes from shows like *Friends*, *Sex and the City*, and many popular movies.
2. **Singapore** Showcased in diverse modern dramas and films, Singapore attracts travelers with its futuristic architecture and landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, as well as settings from recent international productions.
3. **Thailand** Inspired by the visually striking tropical settings of *The White Lotus*, Thailand’s beaches and resorts have become a draw for set-jetters seeking luxury and serenity captured on screen.
4. **Paris, France** The charming streets, cafés, and cultural spots featured in *Emily in Paris* have sparked a renewed interest in Paris as a dreamy, youthful travel destination.
5. **Dubrovnik, Croatia** The dramatic cityscape famously portrayed as King’s Landing in *Game of Thrones* has seen an 83% increase in tour-related searches, making it a hotspot for fans.
6. **Hobbiton, New Zealand** The enchanting Hobbiton movie set tours have seen a 50% rise in search interest, driven by the fantasy fandom eager to experience Middle-earth’s iconic landscapes.
7. **Los Angeles, USA** Beyond the classic Hollywood appeal, L.A. remains a favored destination for those inspired by movies and TV filming locations in the entertainment capital.
8. **Las Vegas, USA** Frequently depicted in numerous films and series for its vibrant nightlife and casino culture, Las Vegas continues to attract travelers influenced by its on-screen portrayal.
9. **Leavenworth, Washington, USA** A charming Bavarian-style town seen in various film/TV backgrounds, Leavenworth is gaining traction among travelers, particularly from the Seattle region.
These destinations have collectively benefited from the increased influence of streaming platforms and global productions showcasing stunning and culturally rich locations, turning fictional and cinematic worlds into sought-after real-life vacation spots[1][2][4].
Travelers are encouraged to engage in responsible tourism while set-jetting, acknowledging the environmental and social impacts on local communities[1]. Some additional destinations that have gained popularity among Gen Z and millennial travelers include Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, Kauai's Keahua Arboretum, and locations associated with other popular TV shows and movies.
- The popularity of New York City among Gen Z and millennials for travel is driven by its iconic landmarks, like the Empire State Building and Central Park, as well as fictional locations seen in TV shows such as Friends and Sex and the City.
- Singapore's futuristic architecture and landmarks, including Gardens by the Bay, attract travelers who are inspired by its appearance in diverse modern dramas and films.
- Thailand's beaches and resorts have become a draw for set-jetters because of their visual similarity to the setting in The White Lotus, a popular TV show.
- The charming streets, cafés, and cultural spots featured in Emily in Paris have sparked a renewed interest in Paris as a dreamy, youthful travel destination among Gen Z and millennials.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia, with its dramatic cityscape famously portrayed as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, has witnessed an 83% increase in tour-related searches due to the influence of the TV show.
