How Taylor Swift Fans Are Fueling the Rise of "Gig-Tripping"

Leave it to Taylor Swift to start a whole new trend, but it’s not necessarily a music industry trend as much as a travel trend. The internet is a breeding ground for catchy terms, and we can thank our musical muse for this latest travel buzzword. “Gig-tripping,” the act of planning travel around attending a concert or festival, is exploding in popularity, fueled by the pop superstar’s immense global following.

Not-So-New Trend Gets a New Name

While fans following their favorite artists on tour isn’t new, the term “gig-tripping” has recently gained traction. This rise coincides with the staggering popularity of Taylor Swift’s ongoing “Eras Tour,” which began in March 2023 and continues through December 2024. Cities hosting Swift’s concerts have witnessed a surge of visitors, many of them devoted fans making trips specifically for the shows.

Viral Videos and Soaring Demand

The “gig-tripping” trend is more than just a catchphrase. Travel data shows a major influence. Skyscanner, a travel search engine, identified “gig-tripping” as a burgeoning trend in its 2024 Travel Trends report, and Google Trends recorded an increase in searches for the term in early March 2024. Social media has also contributed to the term’s virality. A February video showing Swift fans humming her songs on their way to a concert received more than 3 million views. The video’s commentary, “If this isn’t how you commute to the Eras tour, then I don’t want it,” accurately illustrates the excitement that fuels this travel craze.

Beyond the Swifties – Gig-Tripping Takes Flight

While Taylor Swift’s tour sparked the “gig-tripping” phenomenon, the movement has spread to other popular acts. Fans of Harry Styles and Olivia Rodriguez, among others, have embraced the concept. Travel portal eDreams observed a considerable rise in flight demand for cities hosting Swift’s upcoming gigs in May and June.

“Gig-Tripping” Economy

This travel trend is having an impact on the entire tourism industry, not just committed fans. According to Skyscanner, 44% of adults in the United States are willing to take short-haul flights to see their favorite performers, while 18% are willing to go even farther distances. Travel agents are reporting an increase in bookings centered around shows. One agent described planning a family trip to Europe just around the time of attending a Taylor Swift performance in Milan.

The “Fan-Cation” Coming Next?

“Gig-tripping” could be the spark that starts a wider vacation trend: the “fan-cation.” This goes beyond simply attending a performance and involves organizing a comprehensive vacation experience centered on an artist or band. Here’s how this trend is developing:

Transforming Trips into Tributes

A shift in how fans approach concert-related travel has garnered some attention. Instead of booking flights and accommodation for the show dates, fans opt to extend their trips. This allows them to explore the host city, experience the local culture, and potentially visit landmarks associated with the artist. Imagine a “Swiftie” (Taylor Swift fan) taking a pre-concert walking tour of Nashville, visiting iconic locations from her music videos or albums.

Conclusion: From Social Media to the Skies

“Gig-tripping” is more than just a catchy term; it reflects fans’ deep connection with their favorite artists and their willingness to travel for live experiences. Fueled by social media and the dedication of fans like Taylor Swift’s “Swifties,” “gig-tripping” is poised to be a major travel trend in 2024 and beyond.

While “gig-tripping” sparks the travel bug, “fan-cation” provides a more diverse travel experience, allowing fans to enjoy their passion while discovering new countries and cultures. This trend is expected to continue, with travel agencies and local businesses devising new methods to appeal to the expanding number of devoted fans.