Pop Culture-Inspired Vacations

Apple Vacationer November 4, 2026

From favorite books and beloved movies to binge-worthy shows and unforgettable music, pop culture has inspired vacations for generations. Today, “set jetting” gives travelers another reason to turn the stories they love into travel memories they can share.

Whether you’re fans of Harry Potter heading off to the United Kingdom in search of familiar sights from the wizarding world or taking a walk in Clooney’s steps on the Las Vegas Strip, Apple Vacations will help you plan a unique, memorable vacation for you and yours.

Dive Into Pop Culture in the Caribbean & Mexico

Jamaica

The most famous franchise associated with the island is Bond, James Bond¹. Author Ian Fleming wrote all 14 of the Bond novels at GoldenEye, his former Jamaica estate. Fans can visit several sites from multiple films across the island². Book an all-inclusive resort on the turquoise waters of Montego Bay as a home base, order yourself a martini, and let the adventure begin.

Puerto Rico

With breathtaking landscapes, colorful historic architecture, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder there have been so many movies filmed in Puerto Rico. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Fast Five are just a few of the films shot here. The iconic Caribe Hilton has been a hotspot for celebrities since it opened in 1949, and it even appears in films like The Rum Diary, 22 Jump Street, and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie².

Puerto Vallarta

The 1964 adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, is what put this once-sleepy west coast town on the map⁴. Today, Puerto Vallarta pairs its Hollywood history with beautiful beaches, lively entertainment, and resorts made for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Discover Film & Literary Destinations in Europe

The United Kingdom

Whether you visit Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey⁵ to pay tribute to some of the greatest literary voices of all time or you’d rather see numerous Harry Potter locales⁶, the U.K. is packed with opportunities to incorporate pop culture into your trip.

As one of the most active cultural destinations in the world, shows and movies filmed in London also include Love Actually, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, the Paddington series, Ted Lasso, The Crown, and Downton Abbey.

Paris

Paris has inspired artists of all kinds for centuries. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of beloved characters and celebrities. To list the number of movies, shows, and books written or set in the “City of Light” would be overwhelming. Some films shot here include Amélie, Before Sunset, An American In Paris, Funny Face, The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, and Les Misérables, among so many more⁷. All Paris is missing is you.

Italy

Italy is a place where history, art, and vibrant culture come together. Movies filmed in Italy have captured our hearts for generations. Put yourself in Audrey Hepburn’s elegant shoes by seeing where Roman Holiday was filmed. Other iconic movies made in Italy include Letters to Juliet, Under the Tuscan Sun, Tea With Mussolini, and To Rome With Love⁸.

Visit Famous Filming Locations & Inspiring Literary Settings Across the U.S.

California

California is a must-see for pop culture lovers. L.A. has something for dreamers of all types. Aside from the many studios here, these are a few of the eclectic sights you’ll want to check out:

Frank and Musso Grill, which appeared in Ocean’s Eleven and Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood
Griffith Observatory from Rebel Without a Cause and LaLa Land
The Bradbury Building, a downtown architectural wonder that’s been hosting film shoots since the golden age⁹

Las Vegas

Like California, the abundant sunshine in Nevada and the bright lights of Vegas make exceptional settings for storytellers. Three popular movies filmed in Las Vegas include Casino, Ocean’s Eleven, and The Hangover. Though places come and go in this city, you can still see the fountains at Bellagio and the resort casino’s stunning interior, Caesar’s Palace, and the oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, Atomic Liquors¹⁰.

Hawaii

Hawaii has been one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops for a century. If the family is restless after all that glorious beach time, explore the diverse filming locations across the islands. Movies filmed in Hawaii include Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, South Pacific, Point Break, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 50 First Dates, and so much more¹¹.

Florida

With a rich literary and film history, southern Florida will linger in your imagination long after you’ve returned home. Ernest Hemingway made his home in Key West for many years. You can still visit the home he shared with Martha Gellhorn and even catch a glimpse of descendants of his famous six-toed cats¹². Miami is a must-see, and Ocean Drive has been in films like Scarface and The Birdcage¹³.

Plan Your Pop Culture Getaway With Apple Vacations

Whether you're following a favorite character, visiting an iconic filming location, or discovering the places that inspired a beloved book, the best part is experiencing it together. With Apple Vacations’ Exclusive Perks and Amstar DMC experiences, you can go charter fishing off the coast of Key West like Papa Hemingway or stroll through London to see how your favorite poets and authors lived. Your story starts in the opening score, in the sweeping shots, and in the pages of the icons we love. Start planning your next story with Apple Vacations.

FAQ

What is "set jetting" and why has it become such a popular way to plan a vacation?

Set jetting is the practice of curating an itinerary around destinations seen in popular culture, particularly those from television and film. In the age of streaming and social media, it has become a popular way to travel because of the emotional connection created through storytelling and community.

What's the best way to plan a vacation around a favorite movie, show, or book?

Create a realistic list of places connected to the films, shows, or books your family loves. Booking your trip with Apple Vacations makes it easy with Amstar DMC services available to assist with excursions and transportation.

Are pop culture-themed vacations a good fit for families or special-occasion trips?

If you love a film, series, or books as a family, it’s an excellent way to make lasting memories. Seeing the places that inspired your favorite stories and brought them to life adds a new layer of appreciation for the interests you share with loved ones.

Can you visit real filming locations while staying at an all-inclusive resort?

You can easily visit real filming locations while staying at an all-inclusive resort. Just keep in mind excursions like this will not be included in the cost, so budget accordingly.

Which destinations combine filming or literary history with all-inclusive resort options?

Many destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, U.S., and Europe offer some of the easiest ways to pair pop culture sightseeing with an all-inclusive resort stay. Destinations such as Jamaica and Puerto Vallarta combine famous filming locations with beaches, resorts, dining, and excursions, making it easy to add a pop culture-inspired adventure to your getaway. Browse our all-inclusive vacations deals page for more details.

Sources: