Because it can be highly personalized, pop culture travel is one of the most versatile and special ways to explore the globe. The phenomenon describes the trend of vacationing and basing your wanderlust on film, television shows, books, music, and other forms of media.
Set-jetting and traveling based on BookTok inspiration are among the many ways to fall into the trend and revolve your adventures around the media you consume. Pop culture travel can also be done by going on literary tours, visiting TV and music video-filming locations, or meeting up with fandoms wherever you land.
In addition to being fun and entertaining, the unique approach to travel creates special memories. It can connect you with the authors, artists, and characters you love most.
Top Destinations For Pop Culture Travel
Pop culture travel hotspots span the globe and are spotlighted in our favorite forms of media. The best destinations for you depend on the media you love and consume, regardless of when they were released. Just know that new releases can hike tourism to a destination, which can raise prices.
New York City
NYC is considered one of the greatest cities in the world, partly because it is a premier destination for pop culture travel. The Big Apple is arguably the most epic and enthralling pop culture capital where global music, television, film, theater, and talent get their chance in the spotlight. From the iconic billboards in Times Square and viral retail pop-ups to the shows on Broadway and at Madison Square Garden, nowhere does it quite like NYC.
For set-jetters, visit and explore through the cinematic lens of Marty Supreme or The Devil Wears Prada 2. NYC is also the perfect destination for a tour of filming locations for pop culture mega hits like Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, and Harlem.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire (formally Yorkshire and the Humber) is one of England’s nine regions. Its cities include York, Leeds, and Scarborough, amongst many others. The region is also home to the stunning, scenic Yorkshire Dales countryside, where visitors can transport themselves into scenes from Wuthering Heights, Bridgerton, and Downton Abbey. While in Yorkshire, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to walk local parts of the recently established King Charles III England Coast Path, England’s newest national trail.
Tuscany
This Italian region is long beloved for its food and wine specialties – and it’s a destination travelers can’t get enough of. This year, particularly thanks to the viral book-turned-movie You, Me, and Tuscany, it’s also a romantic hotspot perfect for lovebirds. To feel like you’ve been plopped into your own romcom, wander the beautiful, charming, narrow streets of Pienza. The UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with Renaissance-era architecture to admire and picture-perfect views of Val d’Orcia.
Also, be sure to add cooking classes and wine tastings to your itinerary.
Los Angeles
Home to Hollywood, Los Angeles is no secret as a mega pop culture destination. It’s one of the best places in the world to bump into stars and have random celebrity sightings. Moreover, as a focal point for all things entertainment, visitors have tons of opportunities to sink into the genres and fandoms that fuel them. Going on the sets of major movie hits is a no-brainer you can cross off your bucket list. The same attitude goes for paying a visit to Disneyland, which is less than an hour away by car or public transport.
Of your many set-jetting options, go snap a picture outside The Dunes apartment complex featured in Issa Rae’s HBO series Insecure, and visit the show’s other popular filming spots.
