TV show filming locations 2025: top 5 holiday destinations to visit

Have you ever watched a show and thought, “I want to be there!”? Welcome to the world of set-jetting—a thrilling trend where travel meets television, letting you step directly into the captivating worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies. Imagine wandering through the very streets, beaches, and deserts that made those stories come to life. In 2025, why not trade the couch for a plane ticket and make your cinematic dreams a reality? From shimmering tropical islands to ancient cities, let’s explore the top travel destinations in Asia and the Middle East that offer unforgettable adventures and the chance to live out your favorite scenes. Here are some of the best TV show filming locations 2025 has in store.

1. The Maldives – Where Romance and Luxury Converge

When you think of paradise, think Maldives—a place where crystal-clear lagoons meet lavish overwater villas. It’s the perfect setting for romantic getaways and cinematic magic. This tropical haven has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, from Bollywood hits to K-dramas, thanks to its unparalleled beauty. Remember the Hallmark movie “Love in the Maldives”? The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, with its mesmerizing underwater restaurant, starred in that story.

And for the Star Wars fans, parts of Laamu Atoll, including Gan and Baresdhoo Islands, stood in for the distant planet Scarif in Rogue One: A Wars Story. Whether you crave romance or an adventure in nature, the Maldives invites you to experience its cinematic wonder firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Want to live the movie magic? Stay at one of the iconic Maldives resorts featured in your favorite films. Or, go all out with a private island-hopping tour to uncover hidden filming gems.

2. Seoul, South Korea – The Heart of K-Dramas

Seoul is a city that feels like it’s pulled straight from the screen, especially for fans of addictive K-dramas. From Squid Game to Crash Landing on You, Seoul is where drama, love, and thrill converge in stunning backdrops. Iconic shows like Goblin and Extraordinary Attorney Woo have made this vibrant city a must-visit for anyone captivated by the world of K-dramas. As you walk the bustling streets and quiet parks, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from your favorite K-drama.

The neon lights of Seoul and its blend of modern and traditional elements create the perfect stage for unforgettable stories. Don’t miss Seongapdo Island, rumored to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Squid Game sequel!

Set-Jetter Tip: Dive deeper into the world of K-dramas with a guided K-drama tour, exploring the filming locations that made these shows famous. Perhaps you’ll even discover some hidden gems along the way.

3. Dubai, UAE – A Playground of Luxury and Futuristic Thrills

Looking for a destination that’s equal parts luxury and adventure? Dubai delivers it all. This dazzling city, with its towering skyscrapers and glittering lights, serves as the backdrop for everything from reality shows like Dubai Bling to action-packed blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Known for its futuristic skyline and dramatic desert landscapes, Dubai offers a setting that’s as dynamic as the stories it hosts.

Movie buffs will recognize the city’s ethereal beauty from Star Trek Beyond and Dune, where Dubai’s skyline and sprawling desert created a truly otherworldly feel. It’s the perfect place for fans of sci-fi and grand cinematic spectacle.

Set-Jetter Tip: Go beyond the glitz and glam with a VIP city tour. This will blend Dubai’s ultra-modern wonders with its hidden historic gems—giving you the full picture of this captivating metropolis.

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Where History and Mystery Meet

The allure of Istanbul lies in its ability to transport you to another time and place. The city, with its rich Ottoman history and breathtaking architecture, has served as the perfect backdrop for historical dramas like Diriliş: Ertuğrul, where the streets and palaces come alive with centuries of stories. With its global fan base, this Turkish period drama has sparked a deep fascination with Istanbul’s majestic landmarks like the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia.

And it’s not just period dramas—spy thrillers and fantasy adventures, such as Netflix series: The Protector, have also made excellent use of the city’s Grand Bazaar for high-stakes, nail-biting scenes. Istanbul’s seamless blend of old-world charm and modern energy ensures there’s something for everyone.

Set-Jetter Tip: Enhance your journey through time with a historical drama tour guided by a local expert. You’ll be able to bring Ottoman-era locations to life in a way you’ll never forget.

5. Wadi Rum, Jordan – A Sci-Fi Dream Come True

For those seeking the thrill of a desert adventure, Wadi Rum in Jordan offers a destination like no other. With its stunning red sands and towering rock formations, this surreal landscape has featured in iconic sci-fi films like Dune and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The red desert landscapes of Wadi Rum have even doubled as the majestic setting for Aladdin. The dramatic scenery makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world—a real-life “Mars on Earth”.

For adventure travelers, the sweeping dunes and rugged terrain are a playground of epic proportions. It’s the ultimate destination for those wanting to experience the thrill of sci-fi landscapes firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Book a night under the stars in a desert bubble tent to experience this cinematic desert in all its glory—creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Set-Jetter Tips to Maximize Your Adventure

As you plan your set-jetting adventures, follow these expert tips to make the most of your journey:

Plan Ahead: Research filming locations before you go. Time your visit to catch each destination in its best light—both literally and figuratively.
Respect Local Cultures: Every location has its own customs and traditions. Embrace the local culture and interact with the destination in a meaningful way.
Capture the Magic: Take a guided filming tour to uncover behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the locations that brought your favorite shows to life.

Make Your Set-Jetting Dreams a Reality

Set-jetting means more than just visiting filming locations—it’s about stepping into the worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies and creating your own adventures along the way. From the romantic allure of the Maldives to the high-tech wonders of Dubai, these destinations offer more than just stunning visuals—they offer the chance to live the stories that captured your heart.

So, make 2025 the year you turn your screen fantasies into real-life memories. The world of set-jetting awaits—so what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on your next adventure!

Feature image: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

As of May 1, 2025, Thailand is making a major shift in how foreign visitors arrive in the country. Authorities will replace the familiar paper-based TM6 arrival card, which travelers have filled out for decades, with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This digital transition aims to streamline immigration procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance overall efficiency at entry points, including airports, land, and sea borders.

The new system requires all foreign travelers entering Thailand to complete the TDAC before arrival. Here’s everything you need to know about this change and how it will impact your entry into the Kingdom.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC serves as a digital version of the TM6 arrival form that travelers have traditionally filled out upon arriving in Thailand. Beginning May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, must complete this form electronically before they can enter the country.

Authorities developed the TDAC to simplify the arrival process by collecting necessary travel and personal information in advance. This includes passport details, accommodation information, and a health declaration. This initiative reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration system and improve the visitor experience.

While officials will no longer use the paper TM6 form, they will require the TDAC from everyone—tourists, business travelers, long-term residents, and those entering on a visa exemption. Only passengers transiting through Thailand without clearing immigration or those with a Border Pass for specific land crossings will receive exemptions.

Why the Change?

Thailand is adopting a digital arrival card as part of a broader effort to modernize immigration procedures. The Thai government wants to speed up border processing, strengthen safety protocols, and reduce reliance on paper documentation. Authorities will also use the system to track travelers in case of health concerns or emergencies.

“By using safe, fast, and modern electronic technology, the TDAC replaces the original paper arrival card, offering more convenience for travelers,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura. “The data collected will be beneficial for tourist care and public health.”

When and How to Submit the TDAC

You can submit your TDAC up to three days before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 5, you can submit your TDAC starting May 2. The system will open for submissions on April 28, 2025, so travelers arriving on the launch day can begin completing the form immediately.

To fill out the TDAC, visit the official website at tdac.immigration.go.th. The platform currently operates as a web-based service, with plans for a mobile app in the future. Travelers must provide personal information, including passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation address in Thailand. Additionally, they must complete a brief health declaration confirming they have not experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the past 14 days.

What You Need to Complete the TDAC

Before submitting the TDAC, make sure you have the following information ready:

Passport details (name, nationality, number, date of birth)
Travel details, including your flight number, transportation type, and expected arrival date
Accommodation details in Thailand, such as the hotel or address where you’ll be staying
Recent travel history from the last 14 days
Health declaration confirming your current health status

This process will not replace your visa, but it will help expedite the entry process when you arrive in Thailand. If you’re a long-term resident, you must also select “Thailand” as your country of residence.

Key Steps for Submitting Your TDAC

The submission process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Access the TDAC website: Go to tdac.immigration.go.th.
Fill in personal and travel details: Enter your passport number, visa information (if applicable), arrival date, transport details, and accommodation address.
Complete the health declaration: Confirm whether you’ve had any symptoms related to illness and list the countries you’ve visited in the last two weeks.
Review and submit the form: After completing all sections, review your information carefully. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code to present at immigration upon arrival.
Save or print your confirmation: Store the TDAC confirmation on your phone or print it for easy access at the immigration checkpoint.

You must submit the TDAC at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth arrival. Authorities encourage travelers to complete the form well in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at border control points.

What Happens If You Can’t Submit the TDAC in Advance?

Although travelers are expected to complete the TDAC before travel, some may face technical issues or lack internet access. In such cases, help desks at immigration points will assist with completing the form. However, travelers should only rely on this option in exceptional circumstances. Authorities strongly recommend submitting the TDAC in advance to avoid delays or complications at immigration.

Impact on Thailand’s Tourism Strategy

The TDAC launch supports Thailand’s goal of becoming a “Smart Tourism Destination.” As global travel increases, the Thai government is adopting systems that streamline entry while enhancing safety measures. The digital shift also strengthens public health monitoring by collecting vital health information from incoming travelers.

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has launched a multilingual campaign to raise awareness about the new system. The campaign includes brochures and instructional videos in languages such as English, Chinese, and Korean to ensure travelers understand the new requirements.

The Road Ahead

The TDAC marks one of many steps Thailand is taking to modernize its entry processes. The move aligns with global tourism trends, as countries like Malaysia, South Korea, and Cuba have already digitized their arrival systems. This change aims to reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, and make border procedures smoother for everyone.

For now, travelers should familiarize themselves with the new requirements, especially the TDAC submission process, to ensure a seamless entry into Thailand. As the country continues upgrading its travel infrastructure, one thing remains clear: the future of travel to Thailand is digital.

Featuer Image via: Javon Swaby

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025