Turn Your Next Concert Into a Beach Vacation With the ‘Gig Tripping’ Trend

In the recent Trip.com Group report Why Travel, a shift in travel trends revealed that many are going beyond the traditional sightseeing trips, often planning vacations around concerts. Known as “gig tripping,” the trend has been particularly dominant in the Asia Pacific region, with nearly two-thirds of survey respondents noting that they planned at least one getaway around concerts, but today the pattern has managed to work its way across the globe. 

According to Trip.com Group vice president Edison Chen, the company has responded to the trend by partnering with Live Nation to connect travel with live entertainment, allowing people to “visit their dream destinations and enjoy world-class entertainment at the same time.” But the Trip.com Group isn’t the only organization to notice. 

Kayak.com’s What the Future Report 2026 found similar results, revealing that this year, “the destination is wherever the action is.” While that includes sports competitions and various festivals, music led the charge with 44 percent of Gen Z and Millennial travelers stating that they plan to hit the road for live shows. 

Of course, these journeys often extend well beyond the event itself, with fans arriving early or staying late to take advantage of all the destination has to offer, from sightseeing and cultural immersions to sampling the local cuisine. Just one ticket can become a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with lasting memories.

The trend appeals to a variety of travel types. That includes multigenerational families, groups of friends, and couples, who can bond over their shared interests. But it’s also enjoyed by plenty of solo travelers, providing a great way to make new connections. 

While tastes vary widely, who’s on stage can provide the perfect inspiration for your next trip. Some of the most popular include:

Ariana Grande – Her first tour since 2019, tour dates between June 6 and September 1, 2026 include destinations that are travel-worthy on their own: Los Angeles, New York, Montreal, and London.

Hayley Williams – Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams embarks on her first-ever solo tour, kicking off on March 27, 2026, with dates across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Just a few of the key cities worth planning a gig trip around include New York, Nashville, Austin, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Milan, Cologne, Glasgow, and Dublin.

Coachella – One of the most popular annual concerts in the U.S., Coachella takes place in Coachella Valley, about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. In 2026, just a few of the top acts include Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, The Strokes, Iggy Pop, and David Byrne.

Eurovision Song Contest – Traveling around the Eurovision Song Contest, May 11 to 16 in Vienna, Austria, this year, brings a vibrant mix of unique cultural experiences. Not only can you explore the beautiful host city, but the city itself will be transformed into a massive celebration, uniting fans across the globe.

Way Out West – Taking place in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, from August 13 to 15 in 2026, the Way Out West lineup is headlined by The Cure, Gorillaz, and Ravyn Lenae.