Skip to main content

Four TV-inspired Travel Destinations Worth Hopping a Flight for

The most binge-worthy TV shows feature some of the world’s most jaw-dropping backdrops.

Many are real-world destinations that have inspired a new level of obsession where fans are no longer content to simply watch at home. They now need to fully immerse themselves in their favorite fantasy world. Here are four of the best television-inspired travel destinations worth hopping a plane for.

Related:

Recommended Videos

Westworld (Utah)

dead horse state park
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The $40,000 daily admission fee to Westworld is a bit steep for most mortal men. But the real-world locations featured on the hit show can be easily visited with a quick flight to Utah. Dead Horse Point State Park — arguably the most beautiful in the entire state — features prominently throughout the show. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to the park visitor center just outside Moab. Meander along the 1.5-mile East Rim Trail to iconic Dead Horse Point, perched 2,000 feet over a gooseneck turn in the Colorado River. It’s simultaneously one of the easiest and most spectacular hikes in the United States.

Good to know: The view at sunset — overlooking the stunning buttes and pinnacles of Canyonlands National Park — is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world.

Game of Thrones (Ireland / Northern Ireland)

Generic-Northern-Ireland-Giants-Causeway-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With impossibly green hills, hundreds of preserved, centuries-old castles, and a picture-perfect air of fantasy-meets-reality, the whole of Ireland is a fitting landscape for HBO’s Game of Thrones. Ballintoy Harbour, a cave system in Cushendun, and Giant’s Causeway (a World Heritage Site) are among the featured destinations. The country has become such a hotspot for so-called “Thronies” (yes, that’s a thing) that large-scale GoT Exhibitions are held in Belfast each year.

Good to know: The aptly named Game of Thrones Tours provides niche tours to some of the show’s most breathtaking — and hard to reach destinations — including the “real” Westeros, the Iron Islands, and Winterfell.

Breaking Bad (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sure, Breaking Bad may have ended. But, the show left an indelible mark on Albuquerque that the city will likely never escape from. Taking a themed tour, shopping for Walter White-inspired “Let’s Cook!” chef’s aprons, and a stop at the candy store that provided the famous, ultra-pure “blue meth” — they’re all de rigueur experiences for fans of the show. Kitschy? Sure. But, until Vince Gilligan delivers a sixth season, these are the only things we have left to cling to.

Good to know: The woman who lives in the real life White residence still occasionally has pizzas tossed onto her roof by rabid (and clearly asocial) fans.

Lost (Oahu, Hawaii)

Kualoa Ranch - Oahu Hawaii - Glidecam & DJI Phantom

Like Breaking Bad, Lost may have ended years ago, but The Island lives on in many fan’s minds. Oahu’s famous Kualoa Ranch served as the backdrop for many of the series’ most memorable scenes, including a few of the Dharma Initiative stations, many of the stream and water-crossing scenes, and a golf course as well. The massive property can be toured via the Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot” Tour. Countless additional scenes were filmed throughout the island in other well-known locations such as Mānoa Falls Trail, Waialua Sugar Mill, and even Diamond Head.

Good to know: Once filming wrapped, many of the actors chose to continue living on the island.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Fly high in style with the best travel accessories for long flights in 2024
Modern air travel can really suck, but with the right gear, it doesn't have to
Passengers walking through an airport.

Without a doubt, taking a flight is still the most convenient mode of transportation, but let's be honest, modern air travel kind of sucks. Thanks largely to the pandemic, it's only gotten worse in the last three years. On the list of humanity’s favorite pastimes, flying ranks just above listening to babies cry and just below eating a partially frozen chicken sandwich. Unfortunately, many flights feature both.

However, flying can be much less terrible if you're prepared with the right gear. If you’re fortunate enough to sit in first class, you're probably sitting comfy with a pre-flight bourbon, back rubs, and a complimentary amenity kit. For the rest of us plebs, however, we need to make our own. So recline your seat the full inch, put that tray table down, and check out this list of the best air travel accessories to pack for your next long flight.

Read more
These are the travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money – CLEAR, Global Entry, and more
Not all travel programs are created equal
Traveler pulling a rollaboard suitcase outside an airport, sun shining directly into the camera.

From Netflix and smartphone apps to food delivery services, everyone is vying for your subscription dollars these days. Most aren’t worth the expense, in our opinion. There are a few, however, that make legitimate sense — and cents — for travelers. If you're planning to travel in the upcoming year, here are the best travel memberships and subscription services that are worth the money in 2024.

TSA PreCheck
Let’s start with the most obvious travel membership: TSA PreCheck. Even for U.S.-based travelers who only fly a handful of times per year, the recurring cost is worth the time and money. A five-year membership costs $78 (less than $16 annually). It’s guaranteed to save you hours at the airport because PreCheck passengers needn’t remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Read more
38 amazing travel gifts for the nomad in your life
Gifts for travelers and digital nomads
Travel Journal on map wrapping paper

Are you Christmas shopping for someone in your life who loves to travel? Travel gifts should be practical, portable and enhance the receiver’s overall travel experience. Whether you're purchasing a gift for a frequent business traveler or for a young adult with a sense of wanderlust, there are many products you simply can't go wrong with.
We've put together an incredible list of 36 gifts spanning many different price ranges. So whether you want to splurge on a luxurious find or need simple, affordable travel stocking stuffers, we've got an option for your traveling loved one.

Read more