Welcome to 2025, where travel is less about packing light and more about packing in the fun. Two trends are stealing the show in the hospitality world: set-jetting and all-inclusive vacations. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re reshaping how we plan our getaways. So, grab your imaginary movie clapperboard or your stretchy buffet pants, and let’s dive into what makes these trends the talk of the travel town.
What Is Set-Jetting, and Why Are We Obsessed?
If you’ve ever watched a movie and thought, “I need to visit that place,” you’re already halfway to being a set-jetter. Set-jetting is the trend of traveling to destinations featured in films, TV shows, or even video games. In 2025, it’s not just about visiting Paris because Emily in Paris made it look chic. It’s about chasing the exact café where Emily spilled her croissant or the bridge where she had her latest romantic meltdown.
This trend exploded thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO. Shows like The White Lotus have turned hotels into bucket-list destinations. Remember that stunning Sicilian resort in Season 2? Hotels like the San Domenico Palace in Taormina saw bookings skyrocket after the show aired. According to a 2024 report by Expedia, 30% of travelers were inspired to visit a destination after seeing it on screen. By 2025, this number is expected to climb as new blockbusters and binge-worthy series hit our screens.
Why do we love it? Set-jetting is like stepping into a story. You’re not just visiting a place; you’re living a scene. Imagine wandering the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, pretending you’re in Game of Thrones (just don’t expect any dragons). Or booking a stay at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, the exterior of The Shining’s Overlook Hotel—because who doesn’t want to channel their inner Jack Nicholson (minus the axe, please)?
Hotels are cashing in on this trend by offering movie-themed packages. Think Harry Potter-inspired stays at castles in the UK or Star Wars-themed desert camps in Jordan’s Wadi Rum. Some hotels even host screenings or themed tours, complete with props or lookalike actors. It’s immersive, it’s fun, and it’s a little nerdy—in the best way possible.
But let’s be real: set-jetting isn’t always glamorous. You might book a quaint Italian villa expecting Under the Tuscan Sun vibes, only to find it’s a two-hour drive from the nearest gelato shop. Pro tip: Research the actual filming locations, not just the fictional ones. And maybe don’t expect to bump into Timothée Chalamet in every vineyard.
All-Inclusive Resorts: Pay Once, Party Forever
Now, let’s talk about the ultimate stress-buster: all-inclusive vacations. In 2025, all-inclusive resorts are having a glow-up. Forget the outdated image of soggy buffets and watered-down cocktails. Today’s all-inclusive experiences are like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with better food and no plot twists involving lost luggage.
The appeal is simple: pay one price, and everything’s covered—meals, drinks, activities, and sometimes even spa treatments. It’s the vacation equivalent of a buffet where you don’t have to whisper, “Did I get my money’s worth?” while piling your plate with shrimp. In 2025, travelers are craving convenience, and all-inclusives deliver. A 2024 study by Statista showed that 65% of travelers preferred vacations with predictable costs, and all-inclusives fit the bill perfectly.
What’s new for 2025? Resorts are going beyond the basics. Think gourmet dining with Michelin-starred chefs, wellness retreats with yoga on the beach, and adventure packages that include zip-lining or scuba diving. Family-friendly resorts are stepping up too, with kids’ clubs that feel like mini theme parks and teen lounges with VR gaming. Adults-only options are also booming, offering quiet pools, craft cocktail bars, and no one screaming “Marco Polo!” every five seconds.
Destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and even Maldives are leading the charge, but all-inclusives are popping up in unexpected places like Greece and Costa Rica. Some resorts are even incorporating sustainability, with farm-to-table dining and eco-friendly activities like coral reef restoration. It’s like vacationing with a side of saving the planet—talk about a win-win.
Here’s a funny thought: all-inclusives are so comprehensive now that you might forget how to pay for anything. Imagine trying to tip the bartender, only to realize it’s already included. Awkwardly shoves wallet back in pocket.
Why These Trends Are Here to Stay
Both set-jetting and all-inclusives tap into what travelers want in 2025: experiences and ease. Set-jetting lets you live out your pop culture fantasies, whether you’re reenacting La La Land in Los Angeles or sipping espresso in Rome like you’re in Eat Pray Love. All-inclusives, on the other hand, take the guesswork out of travel. No surprise bills, no currency converters, just pure relaxation.
Hotels are getting creative to keep up. For set-jetting, some are partnering with studios to offer exclusive experiences, like behind-the-scenes tours or themed suites. For all-inclusives, resorts are focusing on personalization. Want a vegan menu? Done. Prefer a private cabana over a crowded pool? They’ve got you covered. It’s like the hospitality industry read our minds and said, “We’ll make it happen, and we’ll make it fabulous.”
Challenges and Tips for Travelers
Of course, no trend is perfect. Set-jetting can be pricey, especially if you’re chasing a luxury hotel featured in a blockbuster. Popular destinations also get crowded—good luck finding a quiet moment at the Bridgerton-inspired Bath, England. To make the most of it, book early, travel off-season, and use platforms like Expedia or Airbnb to find deals.
All-inclusives have their quirks too. Some resorts skimp on quality to cut costs, so read reviews carefully. Look for resorts with high ratings on food and activities, and check what’s actually included. Nobody wants to find out the “free” snorkeling trip costs extra for the fins. Also, pace yourself at the buffet—those unlimited crab legs aren’t going anywhere.
The Future of Hospitality in 2025
As we look ahead, these trends are set to evolve. Set-jetting will likely expand into virtual reality, where hotels offer VR tours of famous film sets. Imagine “walking” through Hogwarts without leaving your room. All-inclusives will keep pushing boundaries, with AI-driven customization that tailors every detail to your preferences, from room temperature to cocktail strength.
Hotels are also blending these trends. Picture an all-inclusive resort in New Zealand with a Lord of the Rings-themed package, complete with hobbit-inspired meals and guided tours of Middle-earth filming locations. It’s the kind of vacation that makes you say, “I’m never going home.”
Wrapping It Up
In 2025, travel is all about living your best life, whether that means channeling your inner movie star or letting someone else handle the details. Set-jetting turns vacations into cinematic adventures, while all-inclusives make sure you’re too busy enjoying yourself to check your bank account. Both trends are proof that the hospitality industry is listening to what travelers want: fun, immersive experiences with a side of convenience.
So, what’s it gonna be? Will you chase the Barbie movie vibes in a neon-pink Palm Springs hotel, or kick back at an all-inclusive where the only decision is whether to have one more mojito? Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of epic getaways. Just don’t forget your sunscreen—and maybe a map to that fictional café you’re dying to visit.
