The Soundtrack of Travel
Published 20th May. 2026
Written by Holly Catton
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You might let the rhythm lead the way on the dance floor, but how about giving it guidance over your travels, too? From jammin’ jaunts through the American South to orchestral odysseys in Germany, there are plenty of ways to tune in (sorry) to the melody on your next trip. And, in our expert opinion, there’s nothing like tangoing with the locals or belting your heart out in a traditional karaoke room to immerse yourself in another country’s culture. So, read on for our shortlist of the best destinations for music travel...
The American South
We’re kicking off with a classic: the American South. Birthplace of everyone from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, the southern states have certainly cemented their status as rhythmic royalty.
While Michigan jams out to Motown and the coastal cities are hip-hop havens, in the sun-soaked South, three states – Louisiana, Tennessee and Alabama – are on a higher frequency. Home of (deep breath) gospel, jazz, funk, R&B, blues, soul, country and rock ‘n’ roll, they’re sure to keep you humming and toe-tapping until the cows come home.
Image by Tatiana Bidon / pexels.com
Brazil
Below the equator, the rhythm is just as infectious. In Brazil, everything flows to the tempo of samba, a broad term encompassing every Afro-Brazilian genre.
The pacesetter here is Rio de Janeiro, birthplace of bossa nova – a mix of samba and jazz. Trace the history of these blended beats in the city centre, where we can send you on a private tour with a local (and musical) guide. Of course, we can’t mention Rio without talking about the eponymous Carnival, a samba-filled spectacle that occurs every year in the run-up to Lent. It simply can’t be missed.
Image by Renzo Gostoli/ARCHIVOLATINO-REA
Argentina
Another Latin American legacy, Argentina bursts onto the scene with tango, a beloved dance performed to the rhythm of dramatic, emotional and distinctly sensual music.
The jewel in Argentine tango’s crown is Buenos Aires, the country’s cosmopolitan capital. In the El Cabaret theatre, the iconic Faena Hotel and various milongas (meeting places where locals gather to dance), the influence of legendary singer Carlos Gardel lives on. For a chance to really lean into the rhythm, head out on a private music-themed tour with a local. After all, it takes – at least – two to tango.
Image by Trueworld/Gallery Stock
Colombia
The last South American country on our list, Colombia shimmies to the forefront with a variety of musical offerings, including Afro-Colombian champeta, traditional folk vallenato, and (you guessed it) salsa.
Get into the groove in the port city of Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. Here you can try your hand (or should we say feet?) at salsa dancing during a guided session before kicking back with a private concert from a vallenato musician. For a rhythmic retreat further afield, venture out to the fishing village of La Boquilla, where we can arrange percussion lessons with the locals.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Jamaica
Now, for the pint-sized paradise that catapulted one genre into the global spotlight. We’re talking about Jamaica, of course – home of reggae and its perpetual poster child, Bob Marley.
Kingston is the showstopping soloist, cradle of the country’s reggae roots, and a prominent player in the evolution of the ska and rocksteady genres. Here, you’ll find Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios, the iconic Treasure Isle Records and Orange Street, where collectors descend during ‘vinyl Thursdays.’ And, for those who want to jam with the locals, Sunday night is when the clubs come alive, bustling with old-school Rastafari R&R before the working week begins.
Image by Eléonore Dubois
South Korea
We say South Korea; you say K-Pop. In recent years, the country has become synonymous with its sonic scene, ushering in a new wave of visitors.
Keen for K-pop kicks? Head to Seoul, where you can enjoy everything from private K-pop concerts and K-pop percussion lessons at a local academy to music-themed tours of the city’s buzziest districts, including Hongdae, Sinchon and Gangnam (yes, that Gangnam). Conclude your musical immersion with an evening at one of the many karaoke venues – or noraebang – dotted around town.
Image by Irem Çilingir / Pexels
Germany
The penultimate player on our shortlist is Germany, the birthplace of scores of classical composers, including Bach, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Wagner.
To dive into the acoustic centre of this history, visit Leipzig. Here, you can stroll through the Opera House, the Gewandhaus concert hall and St. Thomas Church – home to one of the oldest choirs in the world. And, if you’d like to tag on a trip to Hamburg, morning festivals in the fish market’s old beer hall promise a medley of rock, jazz and other live music performances.
Image by Christian KERBER/LAIF-REA
Ireland
For the coda (or conclusion, in musical speak), we’re looking to Ireland, whose soundscape has been inspired by Celtic and bardic traditions that date back to around 500 BC.
To enjoy an intimate immersion in these trad tunes, head to Doolin Music House in County Clare, where we can arrange an evening of wining and dining in the company of local musicians – let the stepdance attempts commence. Of course, the streets of Dublin are also rich in rhythm. Visit the Gaiety Theatre for tap dancing jigs, Celtic songs and (of course) the emblematic Riverdance. Cue the music…
Image by Robert Haidinger/LAIF-REA
Header image by Olivier Romano
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