With new trends taking over the travel space, TV shows are among the biggest sources of inspiration for holidaymakers. Here, we take a look at the most popular shows that are fueling all those holiday dreams
Carrie Bradshaw walking through the streets of New York City in her sky-high stilettos inspired a taste for luxury labels among many. But her influence – and that of the show – extends far beyond fashion. The second outing of the hit 90s show, And Just Like That, has spurred a new love for New York City among fans of the show. But it's just one of the many destinations that is attracting increased interest, thanks to its on-screen, picture-perfect portrayal. Holidays inspired by our favourite TV shows are on the rise and here to stay! And so we bring you the travel community's current favourite destinations inspired by the small screen.
Emily in Paris
Paris hardly needed a TV show to inspire travellers, but the city of lights has seen a massive rise in interest following the hit Netflix series, Emily in Paris, which recently released its third season.
The show follows Emily, an upbeat marketing executive navigating her work and complicated love life in one of the most romantic cities in the world, and takes viewers through some of the most iconic locations in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower and Pont Alexandre III bridge to Rue des Fossés-Saint-Jacques and the legendary Palais Garnier Opera House.
Jumping in on the opportunity, Netflix also launched free guided walking tours in the French capital, taking fans on a journey through key locations featured in the show.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
In this award-winning CNN series, Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the country's rich traditions. Across two seasons, the Hollywood actor travels to 14 different regions while uncovering the best-kept culinary secrets while discovering his own heritage. In season one, Tucci took viewers on an immersive journey through their screens to discover how pizza making found its origins in Naples, why pasta in Milan so different from the rest of the country and how Sicilian soil produces extraordinary varieties of common crops, giving local specialities a distinct flavour.
Season two, which just wrapped up, tells the story of the country in eight intriguing chapters. We journey from the picturesque canals of Venice, which boasts a fascinating food culture due to its waterside environment, to Umbria's fertile lands and then to Puglia to explore its famous olive oil, cheeses and durum wheat to produce the finest quality pasta. Tucci also makes a pitstop in London to learn about the influence of Italian cuisine on the British food scene.
Bridgerton & The Crown
Internet searches for filming locations of Bridgerton and The Crown went up significantly after the release of the latest seasons of the show. Although set in different eras, both capture the essence of Great Britain, with the former showcasing the old-world charm of the English countryside and the latter highlighting its majestic castles that are home to the British Royal Family.
Bridgerton fans will love taking in the picturesque promenades while walking through Bath and Surrey, where most of the series has been filmed. While, for fans of The Crown, there are close to 3,000 regal estates to discover all around England. Many of these estates, including Burghley House, Belvoir Castle and Knebworth House, have been used as filming locations for several other shows, too, while others have been turned into tourist sites, inviting visitors to learn more about the history of aristocratic families through displays highlighted inside these grand palaces and the adjoining landscaped gardens.
The White Lotus
The White Lotus became an instant hit not only for its twisted storyline that combines comedy and drama but also for the serene holiday setting that fuelled many travel dreams. With two seasons out, the show has us following an all-star cast of vacationers in some of the most picturesque locales.
Season one of the show was filmed in Hawaii, and we see the cast navigate their tropical adventures through the island of Maui, with most scenes set on the serene sands of Wailea Beach.
In season two, we see an all-new cast fly halfway across the world to Sicily to discover this Italian island's many charms, from the rugged coast to the architectural wonders and quaint cobbled streets. Featured in the show are the cities of Palermo and Noto, which are engulfed by the cerulean waters of the Ionian Sea. In one of the early episodes, we also get a glimpse of the Castello Degli Schiavi near the town of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, which gained worldwide fame after it first featured in The Godfather movies.
Game of Thrones
One of the most popular TV shows of all time, Game of Thrones was filmed in 25 different locations around Northern Ireland. From Castle Ward to the Inch Abbey, the scenic coasts, historic castles and breathtaking scenery of the country have lent the perfect backdrop to this fantasy drama television series. One of the most popular locations for an Insta-worthy travel photograph, walking through the Dark Hedges (pictured above) has become a must for any GoT fan, as the trees lining the path have grown to form a natural canopy and an atmospheric tunnel.
Further in Croatia, Dubrovnik was the main filming location for King's Landing, the capital of the fictional Seven Kingdoms. The Croatian city's Old Town has become popular among visitors who can explore the show's heritage-steeped sets by embarking on a walking tour. Heading to the outskirts of the city, travellers can explore West Harbour, Fort Lovrijenac, Gradac Park and Ploče Gate, or even take a ferry to the lush Lokrum island which doubles as the city of Qarth on the show.
Comments