How to Plan the Ultimate Live Music Road Trip
Does your perfect playlist double as a travel wish list? If so, this guide is for you. That’s because planning a road trip built around live music takes more than simply plugging cities into Google Maps.
It’s part logistics, part passion, and all about catching the right shows in the right place at the right time.
The following covers everything you need to prep for a smooth, unforgettable ride. From destinations to tickets and packing tips, this guide walks you through how to turn a love of live music into an unforgettable road trip.
Map Out Your Trip
What is the first step to planning a memorable, music-filled road trip? Choosing your destinations wisely. There are certain destinations across North America which stand out more than others when it comes to live music.
According to an in-depth study by Betway Insider, cities like Las Vegas, New Orleans, Montreal, and Vancouver lead the way in live music experiences. Their rankings are based on everything from concert volume and venue count to hotel costs and annual search interest. Whether it’s a Vegas residency or a jazz show in New Orleans, you can use this data to guide your route.
It’s wise to pick cities with a steady calendar of events and affordable stays. Doing so means your journey hits all the right notes. Plus, you avoid blowing your budget.
Pack Smart for Every Venue
Live music venues range from huge open-air festivals to intimate jazz bars. As a result, this should be reflected in your packing list. Firstly, always pack comfortable shoes which can survive hours of standing. Then it’s time to go with layers. Think breathable tees for warm days and light jackets for cool nights.
Don’t forget essentials like a reusable water bottle and portable phone charger. Planning to attend outdoor shows? Pack sunscreen and a foldable blanket or, for that extra touch of comfort, a camp chair. A small daypack will keep it all together without weighing you down.
Book Your Accommodation in Advance
Spontaneity is fun and shouldn’t be entirely quashed. However, when it comes to top music cities like Nashville and Toronto, hotel hunting at the last minute is going to cost you – literally. After all, prices can vary significantly depending on the destination. Betway’s research shows average Edmonton hotel prices sit just under $130, whereas Vancouver averages over $300 per night.
Booking early means you can lock in lower rates and get a spot closer to the action. Utilize hotel booking platforms with generous cancellation policies to maintain flexibility.
Plan Around Festivals
Your planned road trip should always sync with the live music calendar. Before you set off, always check schedules for major festivals. Tickets for events like OSHEAGA and Coachella can sell out months in advance.
It’s wise to build your route around one or two ‘anchor’ events. You can then fill in the gaps with smaller gigs and local acts. An app like Songkick can assist in tracking tour dates along your route.
Budget for More Than Just Tickets
It’s easy to underestimate the full cost of seeing live music. It’s not just accommodation and tickets for admission. Consider these additional expenses:
- Car hire
- Parking
- Food and drink
- Merch
- Uber or taxi rides
These can soon mount up, so it’s recommended to set aside a flexible budget to cover additional expenses. Also, where available, consider grabbing day passes or multi-show bundles. These tend to offer better value than individual tickets.
Keep the Music Going Between Stops
To elevate the trip, make the journey part of the experience by curating playlists for the road. You can take many different directions in that regard. A playlist can feature artists from upcoming shows or local legends from each city you’re visiting. Heck, you don’t even have to put in any work as Spotify offers city-specific and themed playlists.
Whether it’s a carefully selected set of songs or a playlist found on a streaming platform, let the music set the tone for each leg of your adventure.