In 2025, travel is taking its cues from the screen. Forget souvenir shops and sightseeing buses—this year’s biggest trend is cinematic storytelling. It’s called set-jetting, and it’s the elevated art of traveling to the real-life locations where your favourite shows and films were shot. But at Now Boarding, it’s not about basic photo ops or tourist traps. We curate immersive, detail-obsessed itineraries that let you travel like the main character—without the crowds, clichés, or chaos.
Here are five iconic set-jetting destinations trending in 2025, and how to explore each with access, style, and substance.
Paris, France — Emily in Paris
Skip the macarons-on-a-stick and overhyped selfie spots. The real magic of Paris lives in the quiet corners and golden light—like the soft morning glow spilling into Gabriel’s bistro, or the twinkling view from Emily’s balcony in the 5th arrondissement. This isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of flirty fashion shows along the Seine, Champagne-fueled rooftop parties, and impromptu Vespa rides through cobblestone streets. With Now Boarding, your itinerary skips the tourist traps in favour of moments that feel cinematic, stylish, and effortlessly Parisian.
Where to Stay:
- Cheval Blanc Paris for ultra-modern opulence with river views
- Hôtel Grand Powers for Belle Époque elegance near the Golden Triangle
Now Boarding Signature Extra: A private fitting at an under-the-radar atelier and a reservation at that rooftop restaurant—secured before you even land.
Thailand — The White Lotus, Season 3
Season 3 of The White Lotus takes place across Thailand—from the hedonistic islands of the Andaman Sea to the spiritual quietude of Chiang Mai. Think candlelit rituals on remote beaches, languid poolside gossip under frangipani trees, and luxe-but-toxic dynamics unfolding inside gilded resorts. But while the HBO characters spiral in paradise, you’ll ascend. We’ll take you beyond the lens—into jungle-wrapped retreats, island-hopping escapes, and sacred spaces far removed from the drama. This is the Thailand the cameras only hint at.
Where to Stay:
- Four Seasons Koh Samui for tropical seclusion
- The Siam, Bangkok for bold design and heritage charm
Now Boarding Signature Extra: A longtail boat arrival, a custom wellness immersion, and a post-flight massage that resets your body and spirit.
Kyoto, Japan — Shōgun
The rich traditions and quiet reverence of Kyoto make it the perfect counterbalance to fast-paced modern life—and Shōgun captures that contrast with cinematic grace. Whether it’s the fog-draped walkways of Kiyomizu-dera or the silent tension inside a candlelit teahouse, every frame invites stillness and presence. Your Kyoto escape unfolds like a carefully composed scene: private moments in bamboo groves, the rustle of silk in a traditional ryokan, a slow tea ceremony where nothing is rushed. This is set-jetting at its most soulful—rooted in ritual, refined by design.
Where to Stay:
- Aman Kyoto for serene luxury surrounded by forest
- Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel for riverside elegance in Arashiyama
Now Boarding Signature Extra: Private tea ceremony, early-access temple visits, and a floral arranging session with a master of ikebana.
Bath, England — Bridgerton
For fans of slow mornings, sweeping staircases, and expertly served afternoon tea, Bath delivers in full Regency splendor. This is the backdrop to Daphne’s debut, Penelope’s whispered secrets, and Queen Charlotte’s opulent promenade scenes. The honey-hued Georgian terraces and grand drawing rooms are more than historic—they’re iconic. Set-jetting here is about stepping into the world of courtship and carriages, but elevated for modern luxury. Imagine dressing for a formal garden dinner, retreating to a countryside spa estate, and saying yes to just one more scone, because why not?
Where to Stay:
- The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for a front-row seat to Georgian grandeur
- Lucknam Park Hotel for countryside charm just beyond the city
Now Boarding Signature Extra: A custom Bridgerton-inspired itinerary, complete with a masked ball experience, horse-drawn carriage ride, and English rose garden tour.
Wadi Rum & Petra, Jordan — Dune: Part II & Indiana Jones
Red-sand deserts, rose-carved cliffs, and ancient ruins—Jordan is a cinematic dreamscape. Wadi Rum stood in for Arrakis in Dune: Part II, with sweeping dune shots, wind-rattled tents, and silent, powerful scenes of Paul Atreides stepping into his destiny. And Petra? It’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade territory—literally. The iconic Treasury façade is the entrance to the Holy Grail’s resting place. For true set-jetters, this is the ultimate destination: sunrise camel treks through “movie set” landscapes, candlelit paths through Petra by night, and a sense of myth woven into every step.
Where to Stay:
- Memories Aicha Luxury Camp for otherworldly stargazing
- Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea for restorative luxury on the lowest point on Earth
Now Boarding Signature Extra: Sunrise ballooning over Wadi Rum, candlelit Petra with a private archaeologist, and a day trip to the Dead Sea curated to your ideal pace.
Ready to Step Into the Scene?
Set-jetting isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about inhabiting them—turning your vacation into a living, breathing scene where you play the lead. We chose these five destinations not just for their cinematic fame, but for the mood, emotion, and magic they evoke.
Paris captures the sparkle of everyday indulgence, just like Emily in Paris. Thailand offers sensual mysticism and lush escapism, as seen in The White Lotus. Kyoto reflects the quiet power and precision of Shōgun. Bath brings regency romance to life with Bridgerton’s signature elegance. And Jordan delivers raw, otherworldly beauty worthy of Dune and Indiana Jones alike.
Each location invites you into a different narrative—curated with intention, layered in luxury, and designed around you. Let’s craft your cinematic itinerary, scene by scene. Start your custom set-jetting escape with Now Boarding.