By: Miriam Bribiesca
From Taylor Swift, to Beyoncé, to BTS, and any other artist that pops into your mind, we understand that there’s nothing like the excitement of a live performance. But what if there’s another way you could further enhance your experience and add a cherry on top? Would you do it? Well, you’re in for a treat because your next concert won’t just be about seeing your favorite artist but also about seeing the world!
As you’ve probably heard, Tour Tourism is on the rise, and for good reason because you can take advantage of off-peak travel, split costs with friends, and of course experience more than just a concert, sometimes even at a better deal. Here are our top travel destinations that will satisfy your itch for exploration and your craving for live music.
We’ve all heard of Coachella, but now picture this: you are seeing the sun set over the Mediterranean, while you have a sangria in hand, and the sounds of the world’s hottest artists are filling the air. Yep, you are now at the iconic Primavera Sound Festival! Clearly, Barcelona isn’t just about Spain’s surreal architecture or their delicious food; it can also be a hub for music lovers like you. Plus, this festival is a melting pot of genres, from indie to techno, we are confident that there will be at least one performance you and your friends will enjoy.
Now if you’ve already visited Spain and are instead looking for something that’s a little less known, how about the Fuji Rock festival? While Tokyo is a bustling city that we’ve covered on our blog before, why not experience it in a completely different way that is not based on technology or fashion.
Held at the Naeba Ski Resort, the Fuji Rock Festival is one of Japan’s largest outdoor music events and one that won’t disappoint. Once again, let’s use your power of visualization but this time you are catching both international megastars and local artists amidst the stunning beauty of the Japanese Alps. Yes, we gasped too. And of course, once you are done with a weekend full of music, take a day trip to explore Tokyo and visit neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku to get a little taste of what Japan has to offer.
Now if you are not looking to travel across the world to swoon over your favorite artist, then let’s stay close to home as there are many great options to make your next concert one to remember.
1. The Gorge Amphitheatre
Nestled in the heart of Washington state, the Gorge is not just another concert venue; it’s a breathtakingly beautiful destination that turns any concert into an unforgettable experience. We promise we’re not exaggerating! Just look at the photos and you’ll see what we mean.
Overlooking the Columbia River and surrounded by the Gorge Canyon, this venue has been a pilgrimage site for music lovers seeking not just a concert, but a connection with nature. While there, we also recommend exploring the surrounding areas. For example, you can go hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, visit local wineries, or take a scenic drive through the Washington landscape. Need we say more? Yea, we didn’t think so.
2. The Hollywood Bowl
If you’re ever visiting the West Coast, make sure to carve a day out to visit the Hollywood Bowl. Known for its band shell shape and for being set against a backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline, the Hollywood Bowl offers a variety of performances from classical music to rock concerts and everything in between. And if you snagged a couple of tickets, we recommend arriving early not only because of parking (Hello LA!) but most importantly because having a picnic with your friends before the concert starts is a quintessential Hollywood Bowl experience. So grab your picnic blankets and hit the store because there’s no way you are not partaking in this beloved tradition while being surrounded by the beauty of LA’s landscape. You’re welcome.
3. Madison Square Garden
Now last but certainly not least, Madison Square Garden is “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” and is a mecca for live music enthusiasts. It’s been the stage for countless historic performances and is a prime location for top-tier artists like Taylor Swift. And while this location is not surrounded by nature, it is in the heart of what many would call the best city in the world.
So naturally, it’s mandatory to make a day out of it! We recommend exploring nearby attractions like the Empire State Building or taking a stroll through Central Park before the concert. And after, enjoying the nightlife and world renown food is a must. New York City is as much about the experience outside as it is about the epic performances inside.
Clearly there are MANY reasons for travel, but we think this one will ring true because music is a universal language that brings us together regardless of where we are or what language we speak. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the artist, but the people you meet along the way, and the stories you’ll tell of how you traveled the world in search of the best concert experience.
Whether you’re soaking up the artistic atmosphere of Gorge Canyon or diving into the excitement of Tokyo, these experiences promise to enrich your soul and amplify your love for music and travel.
So, pack your bags, download your playlists, and get ready to step into the rhythm of freedom at a lower cost because we also have your back in that regard. Take advantage of our flight deals exclusively for students like you and let’s keep the soundtrack going!
