The first time I traveled abroad to attend a concert was in 2007. I left Brazil to see Pearl Jam in Portugal and Germany during a summer tour, inspired by a group of friends who had done the same the previous year. Since that trip, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve traveled to see concerts.
Attending a concert in another country adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Whether it’s seeing your favorite band in a new city or discovering a hidden musical gem abroad, these trips create memories that last a lifetime.
Follow the tips I’ve gathered from over 15 years of experience traveling to see concerts in other countries!
Start by saving money and planning the dates
Not everyone has the financial means to make an international trip without prior planning.
Therefore, I recommend starting by setting aside funds for your international trip while analyzing the possible periods you can take vacation time.
Follow the bands on social media
It’s essential to follow your favorite artists on social media to stay updated on their tour dates.
For instance, I frequently travel around Europe, which makes it easier for me. I know that many North American bands tour Europe in the summer for festivals and do individual shows in smaller venues during the winter.
Having this knowledge in advance helps with planning the trip.
But there are other valuable resources you can tap into for the latest concert news and announcements:
- Band newsletter: sign up for email newsletters directly from your favorite bands’ websites. This ensures you receive official updates and exclusive presale opportunities.
- Fan forums and communities: join online fan forums and communities dedicated to your favorite artists. These groups often share insider information, tour rumors, and ticket availability updates.
Remember, the earlier you know about a tour, the better your chances of getting great seats or even scoring special packages.
Choosing the city and venue
As soon as the artist announces the tour dates and locations, I make a shortlist of the shows that interest me.
My first criterion is: which cities on the tour would I like to visit?
The second criterion considers the capacity of the venues and whether they are charming or historic places (like open-air amphitheaters or iconic music halls).
I love traveling to see bands in small or exotic venues, so this is also an important factor.
Visa requirements for international travel
Before embarking on your international concert adventure, it’s crucial to check the visa requirements for your destination country.
Visa regulations vary widely, so it’s essential to start the process well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Time to buy tickets
The starting point for trip planning, for me, is always buying the ticket.
Usually, the artist’s official website has a direct link to purchase tickets on authorized sites. I strongly recommend buying tickets only from authorized sites and official ticket resale platforms.
Making such a long and costly trip and risking having a fake ticket is, to say the least, frustrating.
Therefore, make sure to get your tickets from reliable sources to ensure a smooth experience.
Booking accommodation for the concert day
With the shows selected and dates in mind, it’s time to book accommodation, at least for the night of the concert.
Depending on the band and the city, finding accommodation can be competitive, so secure this night quickly.
When booking your accommodation for the concert day, consider prioritizing convenience and accessibility.
Here are some tips to find a suitable place to stay:
- Proximity to the venue: opt for accommodations within walking distance of the concert venue. This will save you time and hassle on the day of the show, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
- Public transportation options: if walking isn’t an option, choose a location well-served by public transportation. Research bus routes, subway lines, or tram stops near your potential accommodations to ensure easy access to the concert venue.
- Consider walking distance as a backup: even if you can’t find accommodations right next to the venue, consider booking a place within a 30-40 minute walk. This can serve as a backup plan in case of unexpected transportation delays or disruptions.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and convenient concert experience, minimizing transportation worries and maximizing your time enjoying the music.
The rest of the accommodation can be booked according to the rest of your itinerary and personal interests.
Planning the trip itinerary
Now it’s time to study the city or country you’ll be visiting and define your travel itinerary. Here at Travel2Concert, we have a comprehensive directory organized by themes and cities to help you plan your trip.
Take advantage of the trip to explore places used for famous album covers (like Abbey Road, in London) or music videos (like “Hunger Strike“, by Temple of the Dog, in Seattle), hunt for great record stores, or visit the Hard Rock Cafe to see memorabilia.
All these activities can enrich your itinerary and make your trip unique.
Buying the other tickets
With everything organized, I suggest checking the tickets (air, bus, and/or train tickets, as necessary for your itinerary). If you have flexible dates, consider leaving some buffer time between routes.
Avoid arriving on the day of the concert to prevent any unforeseen issues; prefer to arrive the day before or a few days earlier, depending on your planned trip.
I rarely book tickets to leave the city the morning after the concert, preferring to rest and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
If you still have questions about your planning, share them with me in the comments! I hope these tips inspire your next trip to see rock shows around the world.
