The Hottest Travel Trend: Hitting the Road for Concerts

Ever caught yourself fantasizing about ditching the daily grind for a life of concerts and city-hopping? You’re not alone! Concert travel is the hottest thing in vacation planning these days, from chasing Taylor Swift across Europe to road-tripping through the States for every Ed Sheeran show. Here’s how to combine your love of music and travel to live your best life.

Why Concerts are Worth the Journey

Experiences are increasingly valued over material things. And concert travel is a prime example. From local hotspots to international destinations, attending live performances while discovering new places offers a memorable way to combine your love of music with your spirit of adventure. 

A survey from Upgraded Points found that the average American is willing to travel more than 600 miles to see their favorite artists live. Gen Zers will travel the farthest – more than 800 miles.

Top Destinations for Concert Travelers

1. Las Vegas, Nevada: Known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, Las Vegas has long been a hotspot for concert-goers. The city’s array of concert sites, from intimate venues such as Velveteen Rabbit and House of Blues to huge arenas like the Sphere, makes it a top pick. Before and after the concert, there’s gambling, nightlife and endless people-watching opportunities up and down The Strip.
2. New York City, New York: The Big Apple offers iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the Apollo Theater. And NYC is the city that never sleeps, so you’ll find plenty to do before and after the concert. 
3. Los Angeles, California: Home to the stars, LA boasts legendary venues like the Hollywood Bowl and The Greek Theatre. Spend the day at the beach, the afternoon celebrity spotting and the night at a concert. 
4. Nashville, Tennessee: Dubbed “Music City,” Nashville is a dream for country music fans. The Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium are the top draws here. But it easy to find music in Nashville. Just walk along the streets and step into any of Nashville’s popular honky tonks. And don’t miss the special experience of a night at the Bluebird Cafe to watch songwriters doing their thing.

Making the Most of Your Concert Trip

The average Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert-goer spent $1,327.74 on their concert trip, including tickets, clothes, merchandise, food, drink, and travel. If you’re shelling out those bucks, you want to get everything you can from your concert travel. 

Start with these tips:

• Plan Ahead: Popular concerts can sell out fast, so book your tickets and accommodations early. 
• Buy From a Reputable Ticket Supplier: Buying tickets from a trusted source is extremely important. SheBuysTravel recommends TicketSmarter.com. More on that in a minute. 
• Meet Fellow Fans: Join fan groups and forums online to connect with others who are traveling for the same concert. It’s a great way to make new friends and share the experience.
• Explore the City: Don’t just fly in and out for the concert. Take time to explore the city’s local culture, cuisine, and attractions. Look for free guided tours and free things to do to help you stick to your travel budget without compromising on fun.

My friend Jennifer took her mom and her daughter on an adventure from Texas to Zurich, Switzerland to see Taylor Swift. They stopped in Paris for a couple of days to explore a new city and to acclimate to the time zone time before the Big Event. 

Jennifer said this about their trip “Traveling abroad for a Taylor Swift concert was a brilliant idea. The journey wasn’t just about seeing a show; it was about experiencing her music in a new and vibrant culture, connecting with fans from around the world, and creating unforgettable memories. It was the perfect blend of adventure and artistry.”

SheBuysTravel Tips for Buying Concert Tickets

If you’re ready to jump on the concert travel bandwagon, buy your tickets from a reliable source. Trust us, getting half-way across the world and finding out there is an issue with your tickets would be devastating. 

Here are some ways to ensure the tickets you buy are legit:

• Look for security features like holograms, watermarks, and barcodes which are difficult to replicate – Ticket Generator
• Verify physical address
• Read reviews 
• Confirm registration with the National Association of Ticket Sellers

SheBuysTravel highly recommends TicketSmarter.com. The company offers a 100% guarantee on tickets and a user-friendly platform that makes finding the perfect seats super simple. 

Let’s Go!

Traveling for concerts is more than just a trend; it’s a movement that’s bringing music fans closer to their favorite artists while exploring new destinations. It’s also a win for local economies. A study by the International Live Music Conference found that music tourists spend an average of 25 % more per day than other tourists. This influx of spending benefits hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

So next time your favorite band announces a tour, buy your ticket, pack your bags and hit the road! The world is your stage, and the concert is just the beginning of the adventure!