Create a ‘Traveling to Mars’ Earth Tour: Real Places That Feel Out of This World

Feeling bored of the same travel content? Create a ‘Traveling to Mars’ Earth tour that feels truly alien

Travelers, creators, and adventure seekers: tired of recycled listicles and overrun Instagram shots? If your feed needs fresh, shareable travel content and your next reel must wow, map a real-world route that channels the red planet. Using The Orangery’s Traveling to Mars transmedia IP as creative fuel, this guide shows how to build immersive, film-ready, Mars-like tours across deserts, volcanoes, and famed film locations on Earth.

Transmedia IP Studio the Orangery, Behind Hit Graphic Novel Series ‘Traveling to Mars’ and ‘Sweet Paprika,’ Signs With WME (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

Why a Mars-themed Earth tour matters in 2026

By 2026 the travel landscape has shifted: experiential travel and IP‑themed tours are mainstream, creators and micro‑brands are the new travel marketers, and audiences crave stories that translate into bite‑sized social proof. The Orangery’s recent partnership with WME has put IP like Traveling to Mars on the transmedia map — meaning fans want immersive experiences tied to beloved IP, and tour operators are ready to deliver.

This isn’t a gimmick. In late 2025 and early 2026, more travel companies launched cinematic and branded trips, while tech (AR overlays, affordable 4K drones, and instant LUTs) made creating viral reels easier. The result: a golden moment for themed tours that feel cinematic and credible.

What you’ll get from this guide

• Practical itineraries: deserts, volcano loops, and film locations that feel Martian
• Actionable production tips for reels and immersive experiences
• Safety, permits, and sustainability musts
• Licensing advice for using The Orangery’s IP commercially
• Future predictions for IP-themed and experiential adventure travel

Top Earth locations that look—and film like—Mars

These are tried-and-tested landscapes used by filmmakers, scientists, and rover teams to simulate Mars. Each is a creative page from the Traveling to Mars playbook.

1. Atacama Desert, Chile — The classic Martian plain

Why go: Hyper‑arid, salt flats, rock formations, and high‑altitude skies. NASA and European teams test rover sensors here. Great for dawn/dusk cinematic light.

• Must‑see: Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, Salar de Atacama
• Best time: March–May, Sept–Nov (milder temps and clearer skies)
• Reel tip: Shoot wide, use drone (permit required), and do a 360 reveal from dunes to salt flat

2. Wadi Rum, Jordan — Red sand and cinematic echo

Why go: Tuned for blockbuster visuals—Wadi Rum was used for The Martian and Dune. Dramatic rock formations and expansive sandstone valleys create instant otherworldly scenes.

• Must‑see: Khazali Canyon, Burdah Rock Bridge, hot air balloon shots
• Local ops: Bedouin guides for night camps and authentic storytelling
• Practical: Respect cultural norms; book 4x4 guides for remote shoots

3. Namib Desert & Sossusvlei, Namibia — Monumental dunes

Why go: Oldest desert on Earth with stark color contrasts and towering dunes—perfect for minimalist, science‑fiction framing.

• Best shots: Dune 45 sunrise silhouette; Deadvlei’s bleached trees against red sand
• Gear tip: Telephoto for compressed shot of dunes and person; neutral density filters for videography

4. Danakil Depression & Erta Ale, Ethiopia — Acidic, alien heat

Why go: The Danakil is one of Earth’s harshest volcanic terrains—sulphur pools, neon mineral crusts, active lava lake at Erta Ale. It’s an extreme choice for authentic Mars vibes.

• Safety: Mandatory guides, permits and extreme heat; this is remote and dangerous—don’t DIY
• When: Nov–Feb (cooler), but still extreme—plan medically

5. Iceland — Volcanic moonscapes and lava fields

Why go: Krafla, Þingvellir, and Fagradalsfjall offer basalt scars, black sand beaches, and slow‑moving lava that read like planetary surface studies. Iceland’s film‑friendly infrastructure is a plus.

• Permits and hazards: Stay on marked paths, heed ranger closures, and follow drone rules
• Reel angle: Time‑lapse lava dome or contrast cold blues with rust earth tones

6. Utah & Goblin Valley, USA — Hollywood’s Mars stand‑ins

Why go: Used for The Martian and other sci‑fi films. Goblin Valley, Arches, and the Moab region have hoodoos, red rock, and vistas that scream cinematic Mars.

• Best shots: Use early morning fog or late golden hour for depth
• Access: Many areas are public lands—follow Leave No Trace for drone and tripod use

7. Lanzarote & Timanfaya, Canary Islands — Volcanic architecture

Why go: Stark, black lava flows and the architectural interventions by César Manrique create surreal, Mars‑adjacent landscapes. Easy flights from Europe make it accessible.

• Practical: Island has developed tourism infrastructure—perfect for small themed groups
• Creative: Combine with local food tastings for a contrasting sensory experience

8. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia — Mirror flats and otherworldly light

Why go: In the wet season the salt flats become a sky mirror; in the dry season the fractured crust reads like frozen alien plains. Excellent for surreal photo tricks and perspective plays.

• Vehicle logistics: 4x4 and experienced drivers required; altitude acclimatization for Uyuni
• Reel hack: Use forced perspective shots and a low POV to emphasize scale

Sample itineraries: Build your ‘Traveling to Mars’ Earth tour

Below are three plug‑and‑play itineraries, each designed for creators and adventure travelers who want high‑impact visuals and immersive storytelling.

Itinerary A — 7 Days: Atacama Moon & Martian Plains (Chile)

1. Day 1: Fly into Calama; transfer to San Pedro de Atacama; evening orientation and gear check
2. Day 2: Valle de la Luna sunrise shoot; afternoon astro‑photography workshop
3. Day 3: Salar de Atacama salt flat; sunset mirror sequences
4. Day 4: El Tatio geysers at dawn; thermal contrast shots
5. Day 5: High‑altitude scouting for rover‑style POVs
6. Day 6: Local cultural exchange with Atacameño guides for storytelling segments
7. Day 7: Wrap reel day, color grade session, depart Calama

Itinerary B — 9 Days: Volcano Loop (Iceland + Lanzarote)

1. Days 1–4: Iceland—Reykjavík base; day trips to Krafla, Fagradalsfjall, and black sand beaches; night drone timelapse
2. Days 5–9: Lanzarote—Timanfaya Park, lava vineyards, and architectural sites; final chill day with edit session

Itinerary C — 14 Days: Mars Film Locations Roadtrip (USA & Jordan)

1. Days 1–6: Utah—Goblin Valley, Moab, Monument Valley; staged scenes nodding to The Martian
2. Days 7–10: Flight to Amman; Wadi Rum—overnight Bedouin camp, desert chase scenes
3. Days 11–14: Optional extension to Tunisia or Sardinia for Dune and other film landscapes

Production and reel-making: Turn landscapes into viral content

Creating viral reels from these landscapes requires combining cinematic technique with narrative hooks tied to the Traveling to Mars IP.

Top production tips

• Story first: Structure reels like micro‑episodes—establish a character (astronaut, explorer), conflict (lost signal), and reveal (alien sunrise).
• Visual language: Use rust, ochre, and desaturated reds in costume and props to mimic Mars color grading.
• Drone shots: Book permits early. Use reveal shots from dunes downward to human scale for “miniature planet” effects.
• Sound design: Layer low bass hums, wind ambiences, and short orchestral stabs to create cinematic tension.
• Editing workflow: Assemble lightweight production kit—shoot in Log on newer mirrorless cameras for flexible color grading; use LUTs that push midtones warm and shadows teal for a Martian palette.

Short‑form structure that works in 2026

1. 0–3s: Hook with a striking reveal (lava pool, dune silhouette)
2. 3–12s: Action—walk, plant a flag, dust reveal
3. 12–22s: Context—text overlay linking to The Orangery’s Traveling to Mars vibe
4. 22–30s: Payoff—call‑to‑action (follow, join tour, download itinerary)

Safety, permits, and ethics: Essential operational checklist

Adventurous locales require more than grit. Here are must‑do operational items so your themed tour is legal, safe, and sustainable.

• Permits: Drones, commercial filming, and park access often require permits. Countries like Chile, Iceland, and Jordan have strict drone laws—apply weeks in advance.
• Local guides: For Danakil, Erta Ale, and Wadi Rum, hire vetted local guides and drivers. Their knowledge is non‑negotiable for safety and storytelling authenticity.
• Environmental ethics: Enforce Leave No Trace and avoid staging props that harm habitats. Use reusable props and local vendors for set pieces.
• Health: Prepare for altitude (Atacama/Uyuni) and extreme heat (Danakil). Carry satellite comms for remote sites.

Budgeting and booking strategies (2026 updates)

In 2026, travelers expect flexible bookings and last‑minute creator deals. Here’s how to structure offerings and what travelers should budget for.

• Operator model: Hybrid—small departure groups (6–12) with tiered pricing for creators who want production support (extra fees for drones, equipment rental, guides).
• Cost estimates: Short 7‑day Mars‑style tours run anywhere from $1,500–$4,000 depending on locale and inclusions. Remote volcanic expeditions like Erta Ale often exceed $3,500 due to permit and security costs.
• Flex policies: Post‑pandemic travel expects flexibility—offer easy rescheduling and transferability, which increased bookings through late 2025.
• Revenue upside: Add creator packages (on‑site editing, branded merch, AR filters) to boost per‑traveler revenue and social proof.

Legal note: Using The Orangery’s Traveling to Mars IP

If you want to use trademarks, logos, or narrative elements from The Orangery’s Traveling to Mars for commercial tours or merch, you need licensing permission. With The Orangery signing with WME in January 2026, rights are actively being managed and monetized—reach out via official channels for licensing discussions.

For fan experiences or one‑off social content, avoid commercial branding and clearly label content as "inspired by" to minimize infringement risk. When in doubt, contact the IP owner or their representation.

Sustainability & community: Design tours that give back

In 2026, conscious travel is table stakes. Couple the otherworldly visuals with real-world stewardship.

• Support local guides and small businesses—hire local filmmakers and cooks.
• Offset carbon or invest in local conservation programs; transparently communicate how fees support communities.
• Teach low-impact filming techniques on your tour—no microtrash and minimal footprint staging.

Advanced strategies for tour operators and creators

Want to scale? Here’s how to turn a one‑off Mars experience into a scalable, bookable product in 2026.

For tour operators

• Bundle IP‑inspired experiences with creator services—on‑site editing pods, branded LUTs, and content amplification packages.
• Partner with micro‑influencer collectives to seed content and build demand fast.
• Offer franchised micro‑trips: local partners operate short excursions under a unifying Mars‑themed brand recipe.

For creators

• Pitch itineraries to niche tour operators and offer to co‑create content in exchange for discounted spots.
• Use episodic storytelling: a three‑part mini‑series about each location increases watch time and conversions.
• Monetize through workshops on the trip—teach color grading for Sci‑Fi looks or drone framing for cinematic reveals.

Future predictions: The look of IP‑themed travel in 2026–2028

Expect three converging trends to shape Mars‑style tours:

• Transmedia experiences: With studios and IP houses partnering with agencies, expect official licensed tours tied to graphic novels and series by 2027.
• Tech augmentation: AR overlays and mixed‑reality wayfinding will let tourists ‘see’ fictional artifacts on real terrain—perfect for Traveling to Mars‑style narratives.
• Creator + community models: Micro‑creators will co‑host trips, driving bookings and authentic social proof.

Actionable takeaways: Build your Mars tour in 10 steps

1. Pick a base locale from this guide (Atacama, Wadi Rum, Iceland, Danakil).
2. Create a 5–14 day itinerary with a mix of shoots and down time for edits.
3. Book local guides and apply for permits 6–8 weeks ahead.
4. Assemble lightweight production kit: 1 mirrorless body, drone, stabilizer, ND filters, spare batteries.
5. Plan color grading LUTs and a sonic palette before you travel.
6. Pack for extremes—altitude meds, hydration, and sun protection.
7. Draft a code of conduct for sustainability and share it with guests.
8. If commercializing with The Orangery IP, contact their representation for licensing.
9. Seed content with micro‑influencers and schedule an edit/export day mid‑tour.
10. Amplify with paid social and an AR filter tied to the Traveling to Mars aesthetic.

Closing: Make something people haven’t seen before

“Mars” on Earth is not just a backdrop—it's a narrative engine. Use The Orangery’s Traveling to Mars IP as inspiration to craft immersive, ethical, and highly shareable travel experiences that double as cinematic content. Whether you’re a solo creator hunting viral reels or a tour operator building the next big themed product, the red planet’s look-alikes on Earth offer an unmatched playground for adventure travel and experiential storytelling in 2026.

Ready to plan your Mars tour? Download our free printable 7‑day Atacama filming itinerary, or if you’re an operator looking to license IP for a commercial tour, reach out to The Orangery / WME through official channels to explore partnerships. Follow us for weekly reel templates and on‑trip production packs designed for viral travel storytelling.

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