We don’t know about you, but we can’t get enough of reality TV. Between the genre’s over-the-top characters, quirky hijinks and heart-racing moments, nothing quite hits the spot like curling up after a long day and getting lost in a world that feels so close, yet so far away. And, in the spirit of far, far away, the fantastic settings this category of television often take place in are another thing to love about it, adding another layer of escapism as viewers find themselves whisked away to tropical beaches, touring multi-million-dollar homes, wandering European castles and suddenly caring more than they ever have before about mouthwatering dishes prepared from a hell-themed kitchen.
If you find yourself daydreaming about visiting the places featured on reality TV, you won’t want to miss your chance to plan a trip to one of these four beautiful destinations.
The Traitors - Scottish Highlands
An ornate castle, rolling green hills, delightfully dreary weather … Scotland acts as a cozy backdrop for “The Traitors,” Peacock’s hit murder mystery reality series that recently wrapped on its third season. Boasting an array of both beloved and “love-to-hate-them” characters, viewers are certain to recognize members of the show’s all-star cast as faces that previously appeared on uber popular programs like “Survivor,” “The Real Housewives,” “Vanderpump Rules,” “Selling Sunset,” “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” “The Bachelor” and more. Those who’ve tuned in can attest that the show’s constant twists and turns paired with its ongoing storyline — which is expertly narrated by quirky, yet charismatic host, Alan Cummings — has a way of drawing you in. It also has a way of making you want to visit the Scottish Highlands, like yesterday.
Luckily, whether they self-identify as a “traitor” or a “faithful,” viewers will be excited to learn they can spend the night at Ardross Castle IRL — if they have the cash, that is, as according to an article from NBC, it costs around $60,000 per night. However, if they don’t feel like spending more than the average year’s salary on nightly accommodations, they’ll find a journey to the Scottish Highlands is still worth the trek, and visitors cite Culloden Battlefield, the equally moody Eilean Donan and Urquhart Castles, Steall Waterfall and Loch Ness (!!) as some of the region’s best attractions.
Survivor - Fiji
“Survivors ready? Go ahead and book a flight to Fiji!” Is what I would say if I was Jeff Probst giving you a pep talk to take the first step towards visiting the famed filming location of CBS’ long-running strategy-based reality show, “Survivor.” That’s right, fans who can’t get enough of watching players outwit, outlast and outplay each other can visit one of the very places where many of the series’ most memorable moments and epic blindsides went down when they book a tour of Mana Island. Located off the western shores of mainland Fiji, “Survivor” filmed its 15 most-recent seasons in the area, and the cast and crew are rumored to hole up at Mana Island Resort & Spa - Fiji each year from June to early July.
And while the show’s filming window is limited, that’s good news for travelers, as visitors can explore the island via a variety of local tour offerings, many of which have special “Survivor” itineraries that are perfect for devoted viewers. From catching a glimpse of well-loved challenge sites and props to encountering familiar scenery like tribe camps and recognizable beaches, visitors will find it’s hard to resist daydreaming about donning a Buff and being named the show’s next “Sole Survivor.”
Bachelor in Paradise - Costa Rica
Between contestants from the Golden Bachelor/ette hitting the sand, Hannah Brown joining the ranks as a bartender and filming at a brand-new resort, there are lots of changes in store for the 2025 rendition of mega-popular TV series “Bachelor in Paradise.” But the surprises don’t stop there, as this year, the show has decided to swap the sunny shores of Mexico for a yet-to-be-revealed locale in tropical Costa Rica, marking the program’s first foray into Central America.
And while we can’t spill the filming location tea, we do agree with Jesse Palmer and ABC that Costa Rica makes for a fabulous backdrop for a memorable escape — who knows, you might even fall in love. Those hoping to check a visit to the Land of Pura Vida off their travel wish list won’t want to miss popular spots like Playa Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
Hell’s Kitchen - Foxwoods Resort Casino
Did you know there are seven Hell’s Kitchen restaurants? That’s right, while fans of the show by the same name are probably most familiar with the chain’s Las Vegas location, Hell’s Kitchen comprises seven eateries across the U.S. including in Atlantic City, Miami, Washington, D.C., Lake Tahoe and Southern California. And, in an unexpected twist, the show’s 23rd season introduced viewers to Gordan Ramsay’s newest Hell’s Kitchen restaurant as participants put their cooking skills to the test from within Foxwoods Resort Casino, an iconic property in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Despite the new backdrop, contestants of the cut-throat cooking competition prepared familiar “Hell’s Kitchen” eats like Beef Wellington, halibut, risotto and more, all while enduring scalding critiques from the celebrity chef himself — proving that it is indeed the people, not the place, that makes somewhere feel like home.
In addition to checking out Foxwoods Resort Casino — and snagging a reservation at Hell’s Kitchen — visitors to Mashantucket can peruse nearby attractions like Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, The Breakers, Mystic Aquarium, the Lizzie Borden House and more.
About the Author
comments