Winter is coming, and so is Game of Thrones mania

Season 5 of everyone’s favourite TV series is back today, so we’re getting on board with some Game of Thrones trivia.

Over at Skyscanner, stats have revealed a new resurgence in Aussies keen on GoT-inspired holidays, with fans’ interest peaking when the show is back on air.

The global travel search engine has recorded boosts in Aussie flight searches to five Game of Thrones film locations during the series 2014 air dates of April to June.

Flight searches from Australia to Croatia saw a 16% increase while GoT was airing between April-June, followed by a 28% drop in searches to the destination in July, when the show said a temporary farewell.

In a similar fashion, Aussies were also looking to travel to Iceland between GoT’s air dates of April-June, with a 39% increase in flight searches. When the season came to a close, however, our memories were wiped like goldfish, and flight searches from Australia to Iceland dropped by 11%.

On top of that, Aussies searching for travel to Malta increased by the same 39%, before plummeting by 14% when the show capped off another series.

Season 4 of GoT also piqued Australians’ curiosity in Morocco, with a 19% increase in searches coinciding with the screening of the show, but of course, when fans were no longer enthralled by the twisting plot, searches fell by 14%.

Northern Ireland was another Game of Thrones destination that scored some extra lovin’ from down under, jumping 18% in flight searches.

We’re predicting yet another surge in interest after today’s exciting premiere.

Have you visited any GoT destinations?

Check out a few of the cool Skyscanner travel spots from the riveting TV series.

1. Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love nest – Grjótagjá, Iceland

It’s only fitting that Jon Snow and Ygritte’s forbidden affair takes place in an equally unconventional place: a grotto.

Grjótagjá is nestled near Lake Myvatn and was a popular bathing site back in the 70s until eruptions occurred in the 80s.

2. Yunkai – Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

One of Daenerys’ most memorable moments was when she entered the gates of Yunkai and set all the slaves free. Also known as the Yellow City, it was one of the three great city-states of Slaver’s Bay.

Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back to the 17th Century, lying along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.

Photo credit: Chris Zielecki / Flickr

3. Meereen – Klis Fortress, Croatia

The majestic moment where slaves lined the walls of Meereen to invite Daenerys in, and when Daario Naharis fought the champion of the city are unforgettable moments involving the City of Meereen.

And the exterior of this city was shot at Klis Fortress in Split, a medieval fortress built atop a rocky mass.

And for the die-hard fans, Beyond Travel has released its five-day Game of Thrones tour that explores many of the stunning backdrops for the series.

Beginning in the energetic capital, Reyjavik, you will view the many hot springs, which created the name “Smoky Bay” due to the steam.

The trip takes you to Akureyri, just 60 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, before checking out Lake Myvatn, the majestic Waterfall of the Gods, Godafoos and many of the areas beautiful waterfalls, volcanos, lava rock formations, steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools that helped create many famous GoT scenes.

Priced from $1950 per person twin share, it includes four nights accommodation with daily breakfast, daily sightseeing with transportation and a local guide and a private airport transfer at the conclusion of the tour.

There are weekly departures from May until the end of September this year.

Post tours to the Golden Circle to visit Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir from GoT season four are available for an additional cost.

For more details and to view the full range of Iceland products visit http://www.beyondtravel.com.au/game-of-thrones/.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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