Essential Guide to Concert Travel
Sometimes, your favorite artist is performing in a city significantly far away from your hometown. The main venue could be a two hour drive, a three hour train ride or a four hour plane ride. Or you just want to see your favorite artist again! For those situations, I have devised a guide to help you plan and prepare your next concert vacation.
1. Arrive The Day Before
When organizing your trip, I strongly advise you travel to your destination, the day before your concert date. Especially if your destination is significantly faraway and you also plan to do the VIP option. At least, you have a buffer. You can avoid flight delays/cancellations, train delays, and/or traffic if you are driving or taking the bus.
Also, most hotels don’t let you check in till 3-4 pm. If you arrive the day of your concert, you would have a small window to check in, drop your stuff and your concert is at 7:30 pm. In contrast, if you arrive the day before, you can freshen up, relax and familiarize yourself with your concert city and its surroundings. And the day of the concert, you can take time to get ready, enjoy a nice meal and head to the venue early. Even get there in time to do VIP with your favorite artist!
When I went to see 98 Degrees at Disney World’s Eat The Beat Concert in Orlando, Florida, I scheduled my flight two days prior to the concert. As a result, I was able to enjoy a day by the pool at Coronado Springs, one of Disney World’s prominent resorts. And spend the day at Epcot Center where the concert took place.
2. Stay At A Nearby Hotel
When selecting lodging options, I recommend that you select a hotel that is within walking distance to the concert venue. Especially if you are traveling alone or in small groups, this option is safer when the concert ends late at night. The hotel might be more expensive than other hotels further away but it’s worth it. At least you can’t avoid surged-price Uber/Lyft. If the concert venue has hotel accommodations, take advantage of this option!
When my friend and I went to see 98 Degrees in Philadelphia, we debated back and forth on whether to stay at the hotel in Drexelbrook (a suburb outside Philadelphia) where the concert was going to be or stay closer to the city. We ended up staying at the Drexelbrook hotel and it definitely worked out better! We were able to shower and doll ourselves up. The concert stage was just an elevator down from our room. The short distance particularly helped because the concert ended at around 11 pm and both my friend and I were a little tipsy from the show.
On top of that, we actually got to meet Jeff at the restaurant when we were eating dinner at the hotel before the show.
3. Be A Tourist
I strongly advise that you explore your concert’s city and do some sightseeing if it’s your first or fifth time there. Especially if it’s a major city like New York or Nashville. That way you have some time to kill before your concert or your flight/train. If you just want to stay at the hotel pool or go to the spa, that’s fine too!
When my friend and I went to see 98 Degrees in Philadelphia, we dedicated one day to explore the city. We got to see the Liberty Bell, the LOVE sign, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art where Rocky ran up the famous steps. Also, the History Buff in me went to the US Constitution Museum.
4. Travel Light
I know this is a challenge for some travelers. But I strongly advise that you pack everything into one carry on bag. That way you can avoid baggage fees!
Make a packing list of essentials. Select clothes for different types of weather and clothes that go well together and make multiple outfits. Always bring comfortable shoes, your band’s t-shirt, and a phone charger (both portable and outlet)!
5. Have fun!
You invested time and money to travel to see your favorite musician perform live. You should enjoy every moment of it! Dance the night away. Sing along to the lyrics and be a screaming groupie! Be in the moment and take it all in.
