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

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking islands and luxurious resorts, has taken a bold step to enhance its global tourism reach through an exciting new partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Announced by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives), this multi-year agreement designates the Maldives as the official tourist destination partner of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, covering both the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership aims to showcase the Maldives to a vast international audience, thereby driving a surge in high-value tourism to the island nation.

A Global Stage for the Maldives

Liverpool FC engages an audience of over 205 million followers globally, giving Visit Maldives an unparalleled platform to attract potential travelers. By leveraging the club’s influential reach, the Maldives plans to draw an additional 100,000 tourists in 2025, generating over $100 million for the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, on April 2nd, during a high-profile match against Everton, the Maldives will unveil the partnership, with branding prominently displayed on LED boards at Anfield Stadium, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide see it.

This strategic alliance extends beyond brand visibility at LFC matches. Visit Maldives will place billboards across Europe, targeting affluent travelers in key markets, and secure coverage in LFC’s official publications and digital platforms. With LFC’s TV audience exceeding 211 million per season and 53 million followers on social and digital channels, the Maldives positions itself as a top destination for luxury travelers and football fans alike.

Exclusive Experiences and Sports Tourism

Moreover, this partnership offers the Maldives unique opportunities, including the creation of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, further boosting sports tourism. The academy will attract aspiring athletes and football fans, blending their love for the sport with the beauty of the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. In addition, additional fan zones, appearances by LFC legends, and interactive digital campaigns will further engage audiences and drive travel interest.

As a part of this effort, Visit Maldives will incorporate these activations into their global events, fairs, and roadshows, building a cohesive branding presence that emphasizes the Maldives as a luxury destination. The partnership will reach over 397 million people per season, with an expected media value of over $17 million annually, thus delivering a significant return on investment.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond tourism, this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to sustainability. Both LFC and the Maldives commit to protecting the environment, with LFC’s “The Red Way” program promoting sustainability in sports, while Visit Maldives champions ocean conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Since the Maldives faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change, this collaboration highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the island nation’s unique ecosystem.

Ben Latty, LFC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual goals of sustainability and unforgettable experiences in this partnership. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expresses pride in aligning with Liverpool FC, noting that the collaboration will bring the Maldives closer to millions of passionate football fans and offer them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Forging a New Era in Global Tourism

This partnership between Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism marketing strategy. Not only does it strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury destination, but it also connects with global football fans, inviting them to experience the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Ultimately, by combining world-class tourism with the passion of football, the Maldives aims to capture the hearts of millions, inspiring them to choose the Maldives for their next unforgettable adventure.

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025