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Top 7 Pop Culture Destinations to Visit
Calling all movie buffs, tv aficionados or music video lovers – it’s time to visit your favourite on-screen destination! Pop culture has had a huge impact on travel and tourism around the globe, influencing where we travel and the sites we see. There’s even a term for someone who travels to a place just because they’ve seen it in a film, tv show or music video – a ‘set-jetter’.
From The Odyssey to K-pop and everything in between, here are 7 places to ‘set-jet’ to for your pop culture fix.
1. The Odyssey, Peloponnese
A quiet and rugged Mediterranean peninsula is now the cinematic landscape of Christopher Nolan's anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey. From visiting historic sites such as the archaeological Lion Gate, Nestor's Cave, Voidokilia Beach and Methoni Castle, travellers keen to visit during moderate temperatures can book their itinerary in spring or autumn. Find out what inspired Homer to write the memorable line "There is no finer, greener sight than a man's own country."
GETTING THERE
2. PokéPark KANTO, Japan
Japan is the birthplace of some of the most famous and beloved icons of pop culture – Godzilla, Pokemon, Super Mario, Hello Kitty and the many creations of Studio Ghibli. Opened in 2026, PokéPark KANTO is the first permanent, outdoor theme park dedicated to the yellow and black character. Located in Tokyo's Tama Hills, visitors get immersed in the world of Pokémon including a park filled with Pokéstops, the Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town, where Pokémon and trainers forge new friendships.
GETTING THERE
3. Hobbiton, Matamata
Not all those who wander are lost, and as far as pop-culture pilgrimages go, a journey to Middle-earth is a quest that many a brave traveller will take. The tourism impact of The Lord of the Rings films has been huge and continues to this day - around 18% of all visitors to New Zealand say it is the reason they came to the country. Make like Frodo and travel to Matamata in New Zealand to explore Hobbiton, the movie set home of the hobbits.
GETTING THERE
4. Seoul, Korea
First there was PSY's Gangnam Style, and now a new generation of K-pop Demon Hunters fans has South Korea in the spotlight. Music and dance have long been at the heart of pop culture. The musical urban fantasy-based animation references the mythology and K-pop culture inspired by Korean heritage. The catchy, high energy music from the global movie phenomena has again propelled K-pop and the vibrancy of Seoul onto the world stage.
GETTING THERE
5. The Beverly Hills Hotel, U.S.A.
Come on Barbie, let's go travel! Find yourself in a Barbie world when you stay at hotels this glamorous. The Beverly Hills Hotel has been a legendary icon, synonymous with luxury and glamour since 1912. In the heart of one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighbourhoods, this pink palace has played host to countless celebrities from around the world. Who knows, perhaps Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie herself, has even stayed in this Barbie-esque paradise.
The Beverly Hills Hotel is not only a place to rest your head, but also a destination to experience the glamorous Barbie lifestyle. Dine gourmet at the Polo Lounge, relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand under the pink umbrellas, or even unwind with a blissful spa experience.
GETTING THERE
6. Alnwick Castle, England
What kind of muggle are you if you don’t want to visit the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? The magic of Harry Potter continues to draw people to Alnwick Castle in the United Kingdom despite the castle only appearing in the first two films. But don’t worry – there is little chance of you seeing he who will not be named.
GETTING THERE
7. Australia Zoo & Bluey, Australia
Closer to home, the set-jetter sites in Australia are fairly diverse (and that’s before we even look at any of the country’s ‘big’ attractions). In fact, it was reported that 230,000 travellers came to Australia because of movies and tv shows depicting Australia. Top of the pop culture experiences for many British visitors was a visit to Ramsay Street, home of the long running tv series Neighbours. A selfie with one of the actors is the cherry on top.
For American visitors, Bindi and Robert each winning the tv dance competition, Dancing with the Stars, gave Australia Zoo a more globally recognised destination for travellers to possibly get up close and personal with a pop culture icon or two – the Irwins or a crocodile! Crikey! For young parents, nothing can beat seeing the locations from the much-loved children’s TV show, Bluey, "for real life". It won’t even cost any dollar bucks, mate. From iconic Brisbane locations like South Bank, New Farm Park and The Glasshouse Mountains to local favourites like Ashgrove library, the nearby Chinese restaurant and the Chipmunks play centre, you can see all your favourite Bluey locations in Brisbane. Just watch out for the bin chickens!