The Rise of Literary and Series-Inspired Travel
Travel trends are evolving, with millions of people—especially younger generations—transforming their love for books and series into real-life itineraries. Once stories served as an escape, now they’re turning into routes for discovering the world.
According to Skyscanner, 74% of travelers have booked or considered booking a trip inspired by literature or series, and hotel bookings with the “Library” filter have increased by 70% year-over-year. This global trend is growing among young travelers seeking meaningful experiences and emotional connections beyond traditional tourism.
Books open doors to the world and bring us closer to new places, cultures, and perspectives. It’s no surprise that reading fuels the desire to travel,” says Rebecca Sinclair, Brand Director of Penguin Books UK, in the Travel Trends 2026 report.
Stranger Things: A Cultural Phenomenon Turned Tourist Destination
A clear example is Stranger Things, the American fantasy series that returned to Netflix this Christmas with three new episodes of its final fifth season, set to conclude on January 1, 2026. Since its debut in 2016, this tale of friendship, mystery, and science fiction has transcended the screen to become a cultural experience—and now, a tourist attraction.
Temporada 5 de Stranger Things
Although the story unfolds in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, filming primarily took place in Jackson, Georgia, USA. The cafes, parks, and schools in the area have become meeting points for travelers eager to relive iconic scenes and feel part of the series’ universe.
Where is Georgia?
Georgia is located in the southeastern United States. It borders Tennessee and North Carolina to the north, South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Florida to the south, and Alabama to the west.
Its strategic location combines mountains in the north (part of the Appalachians), plains, and hills in the center, and coastal and swampy areas in the south, giving it a great geographical and climatic diversity. The state capital is Atlanta, a significant cultural, economic, and cinematic center known for being one of the country’s main audiovisual production hubs.
While Stranger Things is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the magic happens in Georgia, a southern US state known for its green landscapes, tree-lined streets, and traditional architecture. Filming locations around Atlanta and in the city of Jackson, with its old neighborhoods and buildings, evoke the 1980s atmosphere.
Georgia blends rural and urban elements: small communities, local cafes, and wide roads surrounded by forests, adding authenticity to the series. Its natural environment and nostalgic aesthetic make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore the settings where fiction comes alive.
Literature and Stranger Things
The phenomenon extends beyond tourism. The narrative universe of Stranger Things has grown with official books that expand the story, such as “Worlds Upside Down,” a behind-the-scenes guide, or novels centered on characters like Nancy Wheeler and Eddie Munson.
For many fans, reading these titles before visiting Georgia adds deeper meaning to the trip, linking reading, nostalgia, and adventure.
Younger generations, who grew up with Netflix and digital platforms, find this type of experience a way to connect culturally. Traveling to the locations where their favorite series were filmed becomes a way to live the story firsthand, sharing every step on social media and strengthening a collective identity.
