Travel Edition

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🎬 Next stop: Beyond the big screen

Visit these iconic filming locations across the US

Dirt was added to the roads in front of the Fort Worth Stockyards to make them more realistic to the era during filming for “1883.” | Photo by Drew Douglas via Flickr

If you haven’t yet heard of “set-jetting” — a travel trend that’s taking the globe by storm — consider this your introduction.

Set-jetting is traveling to locations because of the iconic TV shows and movies that were filmed there. We’re not just talking about the production sets of LA or NYC; we mean “Jurassic Park” filming locations in Hawaii and iconic “Game of Thrones” spots across Ireland, Iceland, and Croatia.

But there are also plenty of remarkable filming locations across the contiguous 48 states — from classics like “Dirty Dancing” and “The Shining” as well as more recent productions like “Spotlight” and “The Hunger Games.” Cinephiles, take note of the TV shows and movies below + start planning a road trip to their filming locations.

Fort Worth, TX

“1883": This prequel to “Yellowstone” was filmed in and around Fort Worth, including the Fort Worth Stockyards.
“Pure Country”: The Cowtown Coliseum and Billy Bob’s Texas were both featured in this 1992 film starring George Strait.
“My All American”: Visit Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium to feel like the main character of this 2015 sports film.

Here are seven more TV shows and movies that were filmed in Fort Worth. Bonus: The Fort Worth Stockyards have made many film appearances over the years — you can even take a star-studded tour.

KC_The Last Of Us photo 1 — This altered version of KC’s skyline from “The Last of Us” depicts a post-apocalyptic view of the city.
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Photo via “The Last Of Us”

Kansas City, KS-MO

“The Last Of Us”: An altered version of Kansas City’s skyline was featured in this post-apocalyptic HBO show. Some of the buildings you can spot include Jackson County Courthouse (1), One Kansas City Place (2), KCMO City Hall (3), and Oak Tower (4). Psst — if you’re looking for the Richard Bolling Federal Building, it’s actually missing (?).
“American Ninja Warrior”: Union Station was featured in this reality TV show’s seventh (2015) and ninth (2017) seasons.
“Kansas City”: Union Station was also a filming location for this 1996 crime drama.

See a complete list of Kansas City’s Hollywood moments.

A photo of the outside of the Omni Hotel Austin. — In “Miss Congeniality,” Grace (Sandra Bullock) stays in room 103 at the Omni Hotel Austin.
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Photo by Nicolas Henderson via Flickr

Austin, TX

“Miss Congeniality”: Some of this comedy’s Austin filming locations included the Omni Austin Hotel and Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas.
“Dazed and Confused”: This coming-of-age classic’s Austin filming locations included Bedichek Middle School, Top Notch Hamburgers, and West Enfield Park.
“Office Space”: It makes sense that “Office Space” was filmed in Austin, because this city has all the flair. Here’s a rundown of all the spots from the movie that you should visit.

Find more popular filming spots in Austin.

Plus, filming locations in San Antonio + more

Which of the following places was not a filming location for the “Harry Potter” franchise?

A. London, England
B. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
C. Dublin, Ireland
D. Oxford, England

Cinephiles tap in

Travel Picks

Tech

Trip planning capabilities are coming to Google’s AI software, Gemini. According to a video from Google, the tool will be able to produce a personalized travel itinerary based on your travel timeline, flight data, hotel bookings, interests, and more.

Transit

Uber has a new service called Uber Shuttle that will provide transportation to airports and large venues. The cost-effective shuttles will operate like a ticketed bus experience, accommodating 14-55 people per trip. The concept is initially launching in Miami, Charlotte, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Would you use this service if it came to San Antonio? (ABC News)

Fun Fact

Lawmakers recently passed a new Federal Aviation Administration bill that includes protections for those traveling by air. Think: minimum seat size requirements, flight vouchers, automatic refunds for canceled flights + better accessibility for fliers with disabilities. Fly to the details. (AFAR)

Ranked

No. 1. That’s where Enterprise Rent-A-Car ranked on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 2024 list of best rental car companies. The company operates in ~100 countries and has a fleet of 1.7 million vehicles.

Read

There’s a lot more to Google Maps than, well, maps. While it’s stellar for driving directions, the app has tons of other features. From collaborating on a travel itinerary with friends to using an automated-reality function to see what’s around you, see what features you may be missing out on. (AFAR)

Shop

Calling all budget-conscious travelers. Don’t break the bank before your vacay. Save your hard-earned dollars for a hotel upgrade or an extra mojito by the pool when you opt to buy used travel gear instead of brand-new. Check out six online marketplaces. (AFAR)

Listen

Looking for a road trip podcast the whole car can agree on? Autio is a GPS app that plays three to five minute audio stories about the places you pass through. Stories cover geology, local culture, history, and are celebrity narrated. Bonus: Autio’s lifetime subscription is currently 50% off.*

Save

Don’t forget our favorite flight hack of all time: sign up for Going. You’ll receive emails when flights are 40-90% off, saving an average of $500 on international flights and $200 on domestic. Editors’ pick: the two week free trial of its Premium plan.*

🪪 Read this if you plan on traveling in 2025

Everything you need to know about the REAL ID deadline

Beginning on May 7, 2025 you will not be able to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID. | Graphic by 6AM City

The real REAL ID deadline is quickly approaching. After being pushed back for over a decade, the Dept. of Homeland Security’s most recent extension of the deadline brings it to May 7, 2025. What does this mean for you? You’ll need to get a new, special ID in order to travel domestically. Before we tell you how to get one, let’s dive into the why you’ll need one.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.” As a result, individuals must meet a minimum security standard to receive a state-issued driver’s license and identification card — and these must be used when taking a domestic flight or accessing federal facilities.

Are you REAL ID ready? Take this 30-second quiz to find out, or check your current driver’s license or state ID — if it has a star in the upper right-hand corner, you’re all set. To learn how to get a REAL ID, go to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website.

The Buy

Your summer trip wardrobe, unlocked

Here’s what to pack for road trips, day trips, and summer adventures:

🩳 For a put-together look that still provides comfort in the car or on the go, these linen palazzo pants are $12 a pop.

👖 Elevate your travel style on a much-loved travel pant with these straight leg cargo pants from Nordstrom.

👗 Need a dinner dress? Choose your favorite pattern of this off-the-shoulder maxi.

☀️ Stock up on UV-protected driving glasses in your favorite shade.

🎒 Bring along the perfect travel tote bag, created by a mother-daughter team.

🥿 Go for a comfortable walking sandal that lets toes breathe.

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