If your latest TV show binge-watch has left you daydreaming about exotic locales, why not take the plunge and book a trip inspired by your favourite show? From The White Lotus’s sun-drenched resorts to House of the Dragon’s medieval castles, these destinations promise cinematic backdrops, immersive experiences, and just enough drama to keep things interesting – minus the actual life-or-death stakes.
So whether you’re craving The Bear’s Chicago deep-dish or plotting a feudal power move at a Shōgun-inspired ancient Japanese castle, consider this your cue to pack your bags and live out your TV fantasy IRL.
1. Sterling Point: Manitoulin Island, Canada
The hit Prime Video show was set on a fictionalised island off the coast of Ontario, Canada, but there are a few real islands that we’d suggest visiting in the area that definitely inspired the dreamy lifestyle. Manitoulin Island absolutely captures that same magical, lakeside essence with sandy beaches, German rock gardens, waterfalls. It can be reached by car over bridge or by the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory.
2. House of the Dragon: Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd, Wales
The Game of Thrones spin-off was also filmed across multiple European and UK locations, including this dramatic glacial valley located in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) in North Wales. A shallow ribbon lake forms the headwaters of the River Ogwen (and is tied to even more fantasy mythology, as it’s roots lie in Arthurian folklore regarding King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur).
3. The White Lotus: Koh Samui, Thailand
Yes, we’re starting with the obvious. If you binged The White Lotus S3 then your next holiday destination is surely Koh Samui in Thailand – i.e. the location of Thailand’s Four Seasons resort where the show is set. While not all of us might have the funds for a week at this hotel, there are plenty of other, much more affordable, accommodation options around Koh Samui too. And plenty of experiences to add to your itinerary – whether that’s getting caught in a street market water gun fight, or avoiding living out the holiday Tanya McQuoid should have had.
4. Severance: Swiss Alps, Switzerland
So… you’re a goat fan, huh? Then we really think you better go direct to the source of historical goat lore: the Swiss Alps. Here, you’ll be able to channel your inner Lorne (Gwendoline Christie) from the Department of Mammalian Nurturability, head scarf, baby goats and all. But without all the psychological drama and murder mysteries… we hope.
5. Shōgun: Himeji Castle, Japan
For Shōgun fans, a trip to Himeji Castle is your chance at a full-on immersion into feudal Japan, minus the life-or-death power struggles. You can wander the ancient corridors, dramatically plotting imaginary betrayals, while your travel companions question your grasp on reality. And where better to perfect your Lord Toranaga stare into the distance than from the castle walls, contemplating a destiny that, thankfully, does not involve actual war?
6. The Bear: Chicago, USA
Another obvious one, but if you’re a fan of The Bear then you simply must take yourself to Chicago, Illinois for a food-fuelled tour of the city. While The Bear isn’t a real restaurant, it did gain inspiration from the renowned Mr. Beef eatery in Chicago. While we’d recommend a little less screaming, crying and general tomfoolery, it’s your trip and we’re not here to tell you how to do it.
7. Big Little Lies: Monterey, USA
There’s no more apt travel destination for Big Little Lies fans than Monterey, California, home of the iconic Bixby Bridge, misty shorelines, and cliffside mansions that set the scene for the show’s drama. Stroll along Del Monte Beach, where the women of Monterey walked off their tensions, or sip a cappuccino at one of the charming cafés in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town that mirrors the show’s polished yet turbulent energy.
8. Squid Game: Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island off the coast of South Korea served as the serene escape Gi-hun dreams of in the final episode of Squid Game – and fans of the show would be remiss not to add it to their travel bucket list. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes and eerie, fog-laced coastlines, Jeju is idyllic and remote. Whether retracing filming locations or simply embracing the island’s surreal beauty, a trip to Jeju is a chance to step into the world of Squid Game without the risk of elimination.
9. Euphoria: Joshua Tree National Park, USA
If you found yourself particularly obsessed with the Tarantino-inspired scorched earth landscapes of Euphoria‘s third season, then we’d suggest you make your way to Joshua Tree – or any of southern California’s national parks, really. Here, you’ll find cool cabinets set against mountains, where you can rent a convertible, don a Hawaiian button-down and maybe even visit your local strip club.
