10 Rising Hollywood Stars & the Travel Destinations That Inspire Them
Have you ever wondered which destinations are connected to the journeys, films, and careers of today’s rising Hollywood stars?
From historic European cities and dramatic desert landscapes to tropical beaches, creative neighbourhoods, and famous filming locations, young Hollywood stars often experience fascinating destinations through their work and travels. Their journeys can also inspire us to discover new places in our own way.
You don’t need a celebrity-sized budget to enjoy these destinations. What matters is finding a travel style that matches your interests—whether you love food, history, nature, beaches, art, movies, or simply exploring a new city on foot.
Here are 10 rising Hollywood stars and the travel destinations connected to their journeys, along with travel inspiration and practical ideas you can use for your own adventures.
1. Florence Pugh – Italy & Hungary
Florence Pugh has built an international film career through movies such as Little Women, Oppenheimer, and Dune: Part Two. Her connection with Italy is particularly interesting because Dune: Part Two used the Brion Cemetery in Asolo as a filming location for scenes connected with the Emperor’s world. Budapest, Hungary, was also an important production base for the film. (Condé Nast Traveller)
These destinations offer very different travel experiences. Italy combines historic architecture, food, art, and scenic landscapes, while Budapest is known for its architecture, river views, thermal baths, and lively cultural atmosphere.
Travel Style: Cultural Explorer + Food Lover
If Florence Pugh’s European film journey inspires you, consider:
- Exploring historic Italian towns
- Visiting museums and architectural landmarks
- Trying regional food
- Walking along the Danube in Budapest
- Exploring Budapest’s historic neighbourhoods
Travel Tip: Don’t rush through every major attraction. Give yourself time to explore smaller streets, local cafés, viewpoints, and neighbourhoods.
2. Austin Butler – Jordan & Abu Dhabi
Austin Butler became strongly associated with dramatic desert landscapes through his role in Dune: Part Two.
The production spent more than a month in Jordan and more than a month in Abu Dhabi. The locations were chosen for their very different desert environments: Jordan provided rocky landscapes and canyons, while Abu Dhabi supplied the film’s enormous sand dunes. (Condé Nast Traveller)
Travel Style: Desert Explorer
For travellers who love wide-open landscapes and dramatic scenery, both destinations offer memorable experiences.
In Jordan, Wadi Rum is known for its sandstone mountains, rock formations, and desert scenery. Abu Dhabi offers expansive dunes and a very different Arabian desert environment.
Travel Tip: Desert destinations can involve strong sun and heat. Plan outdoor activities around suitable times of day, carry enough water, and follow local guidance.
3. Jenna Ortega – Romania & New Zealand
Jenna Ortega has strong professional connections with both Romania and New Zealand.
She moved to Romania for more than six months while filming the first season of Wednesday. Before that, she was in New Zealand filming Ti West’s X. During an interview with Netflix Tudum, Ortega also discussed being in New Zealand while working on X and later recalled spending time there with co-star Emma Myers. (Netflix)
Travel Style: Nature Seeker + History Lover
Romania can appeal to travellers interested in:
- Historic towns
- Castles
- Medieval architecture
- Local food
- Mountain scenery
New Zealand offers a very different experience, with dramatic coastlines, mountains, forests, and outdoor landscapes.
Travel Tip: Instead of trying to cover an entire country, choose one region and explore it slowly. This gives you more time to appreciate local culture and scenery.
4. Timothée Chalamet – Jordan, France & European Film Cities
Timothée Chalamet’s international career connects him with destinations through both filmmaking and his French heritage.
Jordan was one of the major locations used for Dune: Part Two, while Chalamet also has a personal connection with France through his family background and time spent there. (Condé Nast Traveller)
His international film career has also brought him into the world of major European film events, making cities such as Paris and Venice natural sources of travel inspiration for movie and culture lovers.
Travel Style: Art + Culture Explorer
A Chalamet-inspired travel style could include:
- Historic neighborhoods
- Art museums
- Independent cafés
- European architecture
- Film and cultural events
- Local food experiences
Travel Tip: In Paris or Venice, leave some time for unplanned exploration. A quiet neighbourhood walk can sometimes become more memorable than checking off another famous landmark.
5. Rachel Zegler – London & New York City
Rachel Zegler’s career connects two major theatre and entertainment cities: London and New York.
After her breakthrough in West Side Story, Zegler expanded her career into stage performance. Her performance as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita in London’s West End earned her a 2026 Olivier Award. The production ended its London run in September 2025 and is scheduled to transfer to Broadway in 2027, with Zegler returning to the role. (Playbill)
Travel Style: City Explorer + Theatre Lover
London and New York are excellent destinations for travellers interested in:
- Theater
- Museums
- Architecture
- Live performances
- Creative neighborhoods
- City history
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting London for theatre, explore beyond the West End. Spend some time in nearby neighbourhoods, museums, parks, and historic streets to experience more of the city.
6. Sadie Sink – Atlanta & New York City
Sadie Sink’s career has strong connections with both Atlanta and New York.
Atlanta became an important production base for Stranger Things, while New York has been especially important to Sink’s theatre career. She began on Broadway as a child in Annie and later returned to Broadway in John Proctor Is the Villain in 2025. She departed that production in July 2025 after receiving a Tony nomination for her performance. (Playbill)
Travel Style: Creative City Explorer
For travellers inspired by Sink’s career, both cities offer plenty to explore.
Atlanta:
- BeltLine
- Public art
- Neighborhood cafés
- Parks
- Film and television locations
New York City:
- Broadway
- Museums
- Central Park
- Creative neighborhoods
- Historic theaters
Travel Tip: When exploring a film or theatre city, don’t focus only on celebrity-related locations. Museums, public spaces, local restaurants, and neighbourhoods often provide a better sense of the city’s culture.
7. Regé-Jean Page – Bath & England’s Bridgerton Locations
Regé-Jean Page became internationally known through Bridgerton, making England’s historic architecture an especially interesting part of his career story.
Bath is one of the most recognisable Bridgerton filming destinations. The city has doubled for Regency-era London, with locations including the Royal Crescent, Bath Street, Holburne Museum, Assembly Rooms, and Abbey Green appearing in the series. (Visit Bath)
Travel Style: Historic City Explorer
Bath is ideal for travellers who enjoy:
- Georgian architecture
- Roman history
- Historic streets
- Museums
- Literary connections
- Film and television locations
Travel Tip: Combine Bridgerton locations with Bath’s Roman Baths and other historic attractions. That way, your trip becomes a broader cultural experience rather than only a filming-location tour.
8. Sydney Sweeney – Sicily, Italy
Sydney Sweeney’s connection with Sicily is particularly strong through The White Lotus Season 2.
The season was filmed around Taormina and other parts of Sicily, bringing the island’s landscapes, historic architecture, and Mediterranean atmosphere to a global television audience.
Travel Style: Coastal Explorer + Culture Lover
Sicily offers a combination of:
- Mediterranean beaches
- Historic towns
- Archaeological sites
- Italian food
- Mountain and coastal scenery
- Local culture
Taormina is particularly famous for its Ancient Greek Theatre and panoramic views.
Travel Tip: Sicily is much more than a resort destination. Give yourself time to explore historic towns, local markets, archaeological sites, and regional food.
9. Noah Centineo – Montreal & Vienna
Noah Centineo’s connection with Montreal is especially interesting because he actually spent about six months there while filming The Recruit, from October through March.
In an interview about the production, Centineo talked about exploring Montreal during his free time. He mentioned spending time in the Old Port and Mile End and enjoying the city’s winter festivals and local atmosphere. (Complex)
The series also used Vienna as another international setting.
Travel Style: Local Explorer + Urban Nomad
Montreal and Vienna are both great choices for travellers who enjoy:
- Historic architecture
- Cafés
- Neighborhood exploration
- Museums
- Public spaces
- Local culture
Travel Tip: Follow Centineo’s example by exploring beyond the most famous attractions. Spend some time in neighbourhoods, try local food, and look for seasonal events.
10. Halle Bailey – Maldives & Sardinia
Halle Bailey has one of the clearest documented celebrity-destination connections in this list.
In an interview with Essence, Bailey was asked about her favourite destination and specifically named the Maldives, describing its beaches and scenery and saying she wanted to return. (Essence)
She also has a major professional connection with Sardinia, where locations along the island’s northern coast were used for the 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid. Italia.it highlights filming locations around Aglientu, including Rena Majori and Rena di Matteu. (Italia.it)
Travel Style: Beach Lover + Coastal Explorer
The Maldives is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxing island environment, while Sardinia offers a broader mix of:
- Beaches
- Coastal villages
- Historic towns
- Mediterranean landscapes
- Local food
- Cultural experiences
Travel Tip: If you’re inspired by The Little Mermaid, don’t limit your Sardinia trip to beaches. Explore nearby villages and historic sites to experience more of the island.
What These Rising Stars Can Teach Us About Travel
Looking across these destinations, several travel trends stand out.
1. Filming Locations Can Inspire Real Trips
Movies and TV shows can introduce viewers to places they might never have considered visiting.
Dune: Part Two connects audiences with Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Italy, and Hungary, while Wednesday introduced many viewers to Romania’s cinematic landscapes. (Condé Nast Traveller)
But remember that a filming location is not automatically a tourist attraction. Some locations may be private, restricted, or different from how they appear on screen.
2. Cities Can Be Part of a Star’s Career Journey
London, New York, Atlanta, Montreal, and Bath show how entertainment careers can connect actors with cities in very different ways.
Sometimes the connection comes from filming. Other times it comes from theater, events, or spending months working in a city.
3. Nature Remains a Major Source of Travel Inspiration
Jordan’s deserts, New Zealand’s landscapes, Sicily’s coastline, Sardinia’s beaches, and the Maldives all offer very different nature experiences.
You don’t have to recreate a celebrity’s trip. Simply choose the type of landscape that matches your own interests.
How to Plan a Celebrity-Inspired Trip
You don’t need a Hollywood budget to turn celebrity travel inspiration into your own adventure.
Start With Your Travel Style
Ask yourself what you actually enjoy:
- History: Rome, Bath, Vienna
- Nature: New Zealand, Jordan
- Beach: Maldives, Sardinia
- Food and culture: Italy, France, Montreal
- Film and TV: Bath, Romania, Sicily
- Theatre: London, New York
Research the Real Location
A movie may combine several locations, studios, and visual effects. Check official tourism information before assuming that a scene was filmed exactly where the story takes place.
Explore Beyond the Celebrity Connection
The celebrity should be your starting point—not the entire reason for the trip.
Visit museums, historic sites, local neighbourhoods, markets, parks, and public spaces. This makes the trip more personal and meaningful.
Plan Around Current Information
Opening hours, transportation, event schedules, and access rules can change. Always check current information before your trip.
Celebrity Travel on a Normal Budget
You don’t need expensive hotels, private tours, or luxury experiences to enjoy these destinations.
For example:
- In Bath, walk through historic neighbourhoods and see public filming locations.
- In Montreal, explore neighbourhoods such as Mile End and the Old Port.
- In Budapest, walk along the Danube and explore the city’s historic streets.
- In Rome, combine free public squares with museums and historic landmarks.
- In Sicily, balance famous attractions with local towns and beaches.
- In New York, combine Broadway with parks, museums, and neighbourhood walks.
The goal is not to copy a celebrity’s lifestyle. It’s to find your own version of the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the celebrities’ favourite destinations?
Not necessarily. Most destinations in this article are included because they are connected to the stars through filming, theatre, professional work, family background, or documented travel experiences.
Halle Bailey’s Maldives connection is different because she has specifically described the Maldives as her favourite destination. (Essence)
Can I visit the filming locations?
Many filming locations are accessible to visitors, but not all are public. Some are private properties or working locations. Always check current visitor information and respect local restrictions.
Which destination is best for movie fans?
There isn’t one answer. Bath is excellent for Bridgerton fans, Sicily for The White Lotus viewers, Jordan and Abu Dhabi for Dune fans, and Romania for Wednesday viewers.
Do I need a big budget for a celebrity-inspired trip?
No. Public attractions, walking tours, parks, museums, local neighbourhoods, and public viewpoints can provide memorable experiences without luxury spending.
Final Thoughts
The most interesting thing about celebrity travel isn’t simply discovering where famous actors have been. It’s seeing how movies, careers, culture, and personal experiences connect people with destinations around the world.
Florence Pugh’s European film work, Austin Butler’s desert landscapes, Jenna Ortega’s Romania connection, Rachel Zegler’s theatre journey between London and New York, Sadie Sink’s connection to film and Broadway, and Halle Bailey’s Maldives and Sardinia experiences all show different ways celebrities can inspire travel.
But you don’t need to travel like a Hollywood star.
Choose a destination that matches your interests, your budget, and your own sense of adventure. Watch the movie, learn about the location, explore responsibly, and then create a travel experience that belongs to you.
If you enjoy exploring destinations connected to celebrities across different generations, you can also read our guide to 10 Hollywood Stars and the Destinations Connected to Their Lives and Careers.
And if a movie itself is what inspires your next adventure, our guide to 6 Best Movies About Travelling the World can give you even more ideas.