Set jetting is hardly a novel concept. Classics such as Out of Africa lure travellers to the continent with romantic notions of Kenya, James Bond fans make the From Russia With Love pilgrimage to Istanbul’s eerie Basilica Cistern, or backpackers trace Leonardo DiCaprio’s footprints in the sand to Thailand’s not-so-secret beach. But a recent batch of cult series has been garnished with an irresistible sprinkle of wanderlust, where the location is tightly woven into the story and the cinematography gives travel documentaries a run for their money.
Forbes has cited TV shows and films as being responsible for 96 per cent of travel decisions, while Expedia’s research puts streamed films and tv shows in top position for travel inspiration, overriding the influence of social media. What’s more, Rebecca Masri, founder of private members luxury travel app Little Emperors, noticed a surge in Sicily bookings with 2022’s ‘White Lotus Effect’. While it may not be a series, Death on the Nile has seen The Ultimate Travel Company’s luxury Egypt bookings surge by a staggering 40 per cent.
