Set-Jetting: Turning Pop Culture Into Real Vacations with Michele Schwartz

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie and thought, “I wish I could go there”? This week on Theme Parks & Passports, Heidi and Melissa are joined by Michele Schwartz, founder of Makin' Memories Travel and host of Jet Setting with Me, to explore the growing travel trend known as set-jetting. From Bridgerton and Emily in Paris to Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, and Sex and the City, Michele shares how travelers are turning their favorite stories into immersive vacation experiences. The conversation dives into fandom travel, filming locations, destination inspiration, Disney's influence on immersive storytelling, and how Michele designs unforgettable trips that help travelers step directly into the worlds they love most.Key TakeawaysWhat Is Set-Jetting - a growing trend where travel is inspired by favorite TV shows, movies, and books. Michele explains how travelers are seeking immersive experiences that bring beloved stories to life.Turning Fandom Into Real-World Travel - From Bridgerton and Emily in Paris to Gilmore Girls and Harry Potter, the conversation explores how travel advisors can recreate the feeling of a show through destinations, experiences, history, food, and culture—not just filming locations.The Power of Immersive Travel - Whether it's Disney, Universal, or a custom set-jetting itinerary, the episode dives into why travelers crave deeper connections to the stories they love and how immersive experiences create unforgettable memories.Resources:Makin’ Memories Travel - https://makinmemoriestravel.co Jet Setting with Me Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/28PzD4PcxLHlNWCjD3i19v Follow Michele On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jetsettingwithmichele/ Connect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports(01:36) Meet Michele Schwartz and the world of set-jetting(03:07) From Disney cast member to travel entrepreneur(09:23) Starting a travel business during the pandemic(13:11) What is set-jetting and why it's trending(17:00) The first Sex and the City-inspired group trip(20:55) Planning a Gilmore Girls vacation experience(25:42) Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, and immersive fandom travel(39:34) How Disney and Universal pioneered immersive storytelling(45:13) Would You Rather: Carry-on packing vs. checked bagsMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s