The New Cinematic Travel: How Movies and TV Are Redefining European Escapes
There’s something undeniably seductive about the idea of stepping into a movie scene—not just watching it, but living it. Set-jetting, the trend of traveling to destinations featured in films and TV shows, has been around for decades. But what’s happening now feels different. It’s not just about visiting a location; it’s about immersing yourself in a world that’s been carefully curated by Hollywood’s best storytellers. And Europe, with its rich history and cinematic landscapes, is at the heart of this evolution.
Personally, I think what makes this trend so fascinating is how it blends nostalgia, luxury, and a desire for authenticity. It’s not enough to see where The White Lotus was filmed; travelers want to experience it—the wine, the food, the atmosphere. This isn’t just tourism; it’s a form of cultural consumption, a way to connect with stories that have shaped our collective imagination.
Sicily: Where Cinema and Terroir Collide
Sicily’s cinematic identity is inseparable from its wine culture, and The White Lotus Season 2 didn’t just capitalize on this—it elevated it. What many people don’t realize is that Sicily’s wine country isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing testament to the island’s volcanic soil and centuries-old traditions. The nerello mascalese and carricante wines from Etna’s slopes are unlike anything else in Europe, and tasting them feels like uncovering a secret.
Staying at Monaci delle Terre Nere, a converted monastery turned wine estate, is more than a luxury experience—it’s a lesson in sustainability and history. The fact that the kitchen relies entirely on what’s harvested that day is a reminder of how disconnected most of us are from our food. If you take a step back and think about it, this is what travel should be: a reconnection with the land and its stories.
Venice: Art as the Ultimate Destination
Venice has always been a city of spectacle, but the Venice Biennale takes it to another level. What this really suggests is that art isn’t just something you see—it’s something you experience. The Giardini pavilions and Arsenale exhibitions are intellectually demanding, but it’s the collateral shows in deconsecrated churches and palazzos that truly captivate. They’re intimate, unexpected, and often more revealing than the main event.
The St. Regis Venice is the perfect base for this kind of exploration. Its butler service isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity in a city where logistics can be a nightmare. And dining at Airelles Venezia’s ABC Kitchen? It’s a masterclass in how food can complement art. From my perspective, Venice in 2026 isn’t just a destination—it’s a statement about the enduring power of creativity.
Slovenia: The Culinary Underground
Slovenia is the underdog of European travel, and that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. Ljubljana’s walkability and architectural charm are just the beginning. Jaz by Ana Ros is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why food matters. No tasting menus, no pretension—just shared plates and a menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh. It’s a rebellion against the Michelin-starred rigidity of Hisa Franko, and it works beautifully.
But the real star is David Lesar’s BioSing in the Ribnica Valley. Aging salami by the lunar phases? It sounds esoteric, but when you taste it, you understand. This isn’t just food; it’s a philosophy. What this really suggests is that the best culinary experiences aren’t about innovation—they’re about reverence for tradition.
Puglia: Agritourism Reimagined
Puglia has managed to stay authentic despite its rise in popularity, and Tenuta Negroamaro is the epitome of this balance. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a way of life. The private plunge pools and red-soil gardens are luxurious, but the real draw is the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing from the estate. This is agritourism at its finest—a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability.
What many people don’t realize is that Puglia’s appeal lies in its quietude. The southern end of the region, Salento, moves at a slower pace, and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. It’s a place to breathe, to reconnect, and to appreciate the simplicity of good food and good company.
Amsterdam: Architecture as Art
Amsterdam’s Nine Streets have always been picturesque, but Rosewood Amsterdam turns them into a living gallery. The hotel’s art curation is nothing short of brilliant, pairing contemporary works with Dutch masters. It’s not just decoration; it’s a dialogue between past and present. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it challenges the way we think about hospitality. A hotel isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a cultural institution.
The guided art walks and rotating exhibitions in The Gallery are a testament to this. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the future of travel: immersive, educational, and deeply personal.
Belgrade: The Unsung Hero
Belgrade is the kind of city that rewards curiosity. Its architectural layers—medieval, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Socialist modernist—tell a story of resilience and reinvention. The Bristol Belgrade, with its Art Nouveau facade and Michelin Key, is more than a hotel; it’s a time capsule. The Library, with its fireplace and books, is the perfect place to reflect on a city that refuses to be defined by its past.
What this really suggests is that off-the-beaten-path destinations aren’t just about avoiding crowds—they’re about discovering stories that haven’t been told a thousand times. Belgrade’s spirit, as Ralph Fiennes noted, is its greatest asset.
Scotland: Whisky and Beyond
Scotland’s Highlands have always been cinematic, but Skyfall and The Traitors have given them a new kind of fame. The Balvenie distillery and Hendrick’s Gin Palace offer two very different experiences, but both are about craftsmanship and storytelling. What many people don’t realize is that whisky isn’t just a drink; it’s a culture. The private room at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, with its archive bottles and invitation-only access, is a reminder of how deeply this culture runs.
Edinburgh’s Gleneagles Townhouse and One Hundred Princes Street are perfect examples of how Scotland balances tradition and modernity. They’re not just places to stay; they’re gateways to a way of life.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
What’s happening in these destinations isn’t just a trend—it’s a shift in how we travel. Set-jetting 2026 is about more than visiting a location; it’s about engaging with the stories, cultures, and traditions that make those places unique. It’s a rejection of superficial tourism in favor of something deeper, more meaningful.
In my opinion, this is the future of travel. It’s not about seeing everything; it’s about experiencing something. And as someone who’s spent years exploring the world, I can tell you: that’s the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Final Thought:
If you take a step back and think about it, set-jetting is a reflection of our desire to connect—with stories, with places, and with each other. It’s a reminder that travel, at its best, is about more than just seeing the world. It’s about understanding it. And in 2026, Europe’s cinematic escapes offer the perfect stage for that journey.
