Lights, camera, action! You never know what you’re going to get when it comes to unscripted shows… except for incredible filming locations. From tropical islands to neon-lit cities, contestants fall in love, throw shade, and battle it out in some of the world’s most envy-inducing spots. If you’ve ever found yourself watching more for the scenery than the storyline, hold off on that casting application. We’ve rounded up some of the most iconic reality TV destinations across 10 different programs — so you can skip the drama and plan your own adventure, your way, no production crew required!
Survivor – Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Survivor has filmed dozens seasons across the world in captivating destinations like Australia, Kenya, and the Philippines. However, since season 33 in 2016, the show has filmed exclusively in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. These 20 islands are the perfect destination for contestants to test their outdoor prowess and social skills. Fear not — luxury resorts and adventurous excursions await you rather than a bamboo shelter and a looming Tribal Council. Jeff Probst, the charismatic host that is practically synonymous with the program, has said he hopes for the show to remain in Fiji forever. We can’t blame him for not wanting to leave!
Survivor 50, the landmark 50th season of the long-running reality series, is set to premiere on February 25, 2026 on CBS. The season marks the 18th consecutive season filmed in the Mamanuca Islands.
Bachelor in Paradise – Sayulita, Mexico
Bachelor in Paradise (2023) brings together Bachelor Nation alumni for another chance at finding love on television. They’re hosted at Playa Escondida in Sayulita, a village on Mexico’s Pacific coast with the Sierra Madre Occidental watching in the horizon. This idyllic, relaxing resort in Mexico takes care of every detail, so their only worries are coming out on top in love triangle drama. Should you pay a visit, you’ll experience the same care and appreciation for the finer details… hopefully sans romance drama.
Love is Blind – Roatán, Honduras
Love is Blind saw a meteoric rise to success as an unconventional approach to finding true love, and there’s no better way to grow closer to someone than through a vacation! In Season 8 (2025), Minneapolis-based couples traveled to Roatán, Honduras to celebrate their faceless Pod engagements, immersing themselves in the lush jungle landscapes that invite adrenaline and relaxation alike. Can you fall in love and choose a spouse without ever seeing their face? The jury is still out. Can you have an incredible time on a Central American adventure alongside a brand-new love interest? Well, that one gets a resounding yes.
The Challenge: All Stars – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Challenge, often considered one of the first reality competition shows, brings alumni from MTV and other network shows together to compete in hopes of securing the final mission win and the cash prize that comes along with it. The show has seen such success that the spin off, The Challenge: All Stars, filmed in 2024 and premiered in 2025, brings back beloved cast members for another chance to compete. Season 5 is hosted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the country’s capital and most populous city. With the theme of addressing rivalries, this metropolis’ storied history in international affairs makes it the perfect venue for finding peace between each other despite a tumultuous past.
The Mole – Malaysia
Who can you really trust? In Malaysia, the contestants of The Mole season 2 (2024) worked together to find out. Racing the clock, they attempt to complete a mission while an internal saboteur, the “mole”, does everything they can to get in their way. Iconic destinations, including Tioman Island, Forest City, Hean Boo Thean Temple in Penang, the Petronas Twin Towers, Port Klang, and more make an appearance throughout the ten episodes of the Netflix reboot. Each spot reveals a different layer of Malaysia’s rich culture and captivating landscapes. Though each player learned along the way to question everything they experienced, there was never any doubt that the land they were filming on was pure magic.
Below Deck – Grenada, Caribbean
Ah, yacht life. Peace, tranquility, and the perfect way to step away from the real world and into paradise — well, for guests, anyway. Meanwhile, the crews of these vessels are all hustle, working around the clock to create the premium experience yachters are searching for each time they embark. Below Deck chronicles the life and times of a crew just trying to make it through. The show’s global sailing history spans Tahiti to Phuket to the British Virgin Islands. On its 11th season charter, which premiered in 2024, the crew took to Grenada, the “Isle of Spice”, a real Caribbean gem. The show illustrates the hard work it takes to make ultra-luxury travel happen, but the landscapes they are rewarded with in the meantime just might inspire your next getaway.
It’s no surprise the show’s most recent 12th season also spanned multiple locations across the Caribbean (St. Maarten, St. Barths, and Anguilla), proving it simply can’t get enough of the region’s natural beauty.
Southern Charm – Charleston, South Carolina, USA
The American South can be enigmatic. Southern Charm, premiering in 2014 and still running today, reveals all about the glitz and glamour of one of the region’s most fashionable cities, Charleston. Through chronicling the life and times of several local socialites, viewers learn the history of the region, too, with glimpses at spots like Fort Sumter and the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House. Plus, the opulent side of the city simply can’t be ignored either, with King Street premium shops and high-end restaurants showing off their best. Maybe Charleston wasn’t on your radar before. After binge watching a season of this Bravo hit, you’ll be planning your trip to get your fill of harbor sunsets and palm-swaying breezes.
The Summit USA – New Zealand
No hiking experience? No problem. Most of the contestants on The Summit USA (2024) didn’t have any when they started making their way up, either. Filmed in the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand, everyday Americans put their strength, endurance, and willpower to the test as they ascend snowy mountain passes in hopes of reaching the summit and claiming the cash prize. Avid outdoor enthusiasts will be inspired to make the climb for themselves, while laid-back adventurers might wonder how they can get a taste of the area by helicopter with the Mountain’s Keeper. Should you make plans to take the trek on, just know you won’t have to worry about elimination (or carrying $1 million in your backpack).
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City – Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Salt Lake City is well-known for its religious history and nearby ski escapes. The Real Housewives franchise brought their immensely popular series to The City of the Saints in 2020, showcasing the high-profile lifestyles in a seemingly unlikely place. As the Housewives navigate their personal and professional lives all while trying to find peace between one another, they frequent SLC’s hottest spots and chilled-out hidden gems alike (plus a selection of domestic and international girl’s trips for some extra inspo). The high-profile escapades of this state capital will inspire you to go the distance on a trip to the wild West.
The Ultimatum: South Africa – Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is one of the best destinations in the world for safari big game spotting, discovering rich historical narratives, and trying out some of the trendiest restaurants. For six couples, South Africa’s largest city was the perfect venue to determine if their relationship is meant to survive the challenge of a marriage ultimatum in 2024. With new partners to get to know and new horizons to uncover, each participant learned something new about themselves and each other along the way. Perhaps you’ll be motivated to craft a journey that takes you through these transformational landscapes, too!
Ready to star in your own unforgettable adventure? Why not host a TourHero trip to the jaw-dropping destinations you’ve seen on reality TV! From sun-soaked islands to iconic cityscapes, you’ll get to build an A-list itinerary your community won’t stop talking about. Start planning today — your moment in the spotlight awaits!
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