AARP Hearing Center
Vacation plans find their muse in a myriad of places. These days, pop culture is elbowing its way into our suitcases.
The American Express Global Travel Trends Report showed last year that 64 percent of respondents were inspired to visit a destination after seeing it in a TV show or movie. There’s even a term for it: set-jetting.
The travel search engine Skyscanner named set-jetting as one of the top travel trends for 2024.
In the spirit of finding travel inspiration on screens large and small, here are a few films and shows that may spark your wanderlust.
The Great British Baking Show
Welford Park Estate, Berkshire, U.K.
The competitive baking show and its familiar white tent are filmed at Welford Park in Berkshire, about 60 miles from London. The house and grounds are private; however, visitors are welcomed at certain times of the year for special events. Welford Park is about 8 miles from Newbury, an idyllic town full of restaurants, shopping, a meandering canal and the Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey. Stay the night at Donnington Grove, a grand manor with a family-friendly feel.
If you can’t make it to Berkshire: Boston celebrates its British roots and has many tasty spots for pastries, cakes, pies and cannolis that would make judge Prue Leith proud.
Lupin
Paris
Set in Paris, Lupin spotlights the city and its famous landmarks every chance it gets, including the Louvre, where the series pilot saw your favorite gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy), stealing a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette. Venture out to Paris’ flea market (Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen) where Diop’s best friend, Benjamin, has his antiques shop. Stay at the new Hotel des Grands Voyageurs where tempting works of art hang on the walls and cozy corners feel just right for planning a heist.
If you can’t make it to Paris: Get your French fix on this side of the pond in the Old Quebec neighborhood of Quebec City, Canada, which is full of French charm.