Music Travel: 4 Key Factors for Planning a Choir Tour, Orchestra Tour, or Band Tour

If you're planning to travel with your choir, orchestra, or band next year, now is the perfect time to start! With so many incredible choir festivals and music festivals worldwide, choosing the right destination can feel overwhelming but that is what we are here to help with. After working with hundreds of music directors over the past 38 years, we've identified the four most important factors to consider when planning a performance tour. Give us a call at 1-800-624-0166 to speak to a member of our sales team, or fill out our contact form.

Factors to Consider When Planning a Performance Tour

1. Timing: When is the best time for your band, orchestra, or choir to travel?

Consider the schedules of your ensemble members—students and teachers may find summer or other school vacation times ideal, while community and church choirs might prefer an off-season tour. Keep in mind when your choir will have had time to rehearse their tour music. Consider how the time of year will impact both your rehearsals and travel experience.

2. Location: Selecting the perfect destination

The timing of your choir tour may influence where you go, and vice versa. Some destinations shine during specific seasons:

• If you want to celebrate the holiday season abroad, consider the Vienna Advent Sing Festival, where choirs perform against the backdrop of the city’s famous Christmas markets.
• If spring is the perfect time, many European choirs are in session, allowing for exchange concerts with local ensembles.
• If you prefer a summer adventure, The Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) offer breathtaking landscapes and historic churches perfect for performances.

Also consider:

• Spring in Washington, DC offers landscapes blooming with cherry blossoms and active local choirs for joint concerts.
• Winter in Germany provides a magical Advent and Christmas atmosphere with festive Christmas Market performances.
• Summer in Ireland or the UK allows for open-air concerts, coastal performances, and historic venue options.

3. Iconic Performance Venues: Where will you perform?

The venues are the heart of every performance tour. Do you dream of singing in a grand cathedral, a historic concert hall, or even an outdoor landmark? Are you hoping to share venues with local host choirs and meet informally after performing? Do you want to be part of a festival with ensembles from around the world or does you group prefer adjudication as part of their performance experience? Here are just a few renowned venues where choirs love to perform:

• Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica – A breathtaking setting for sacred music
• The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – A unique outdoor performance experience
• Cape Coast Castle, Ghana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the West African coast
• Krakow Philharmonic Hall – where performers from around the world come to share their music
• National House in Prague – spectacular Neo-Renaissance performance hall in the heart of Prague
• And so many more….

Many of these locations are featured within choir festivals, allowing your group to be part of a larger, unforgettable event. Some are part of instrument festivals and some are for individual concerts or shared performances with local ensembles.

4. Budget: Planning a trip that works for everyone

Your budget will determine key tour elements, such as:

• Trip duration – A shorter trip can help lower costs while still providing an amazing experience.
• Hotel standard and location – Central accommodations may be pricier but reduce travel time.
• Meals and transportation – Factor in how many meals and motorcoach miles are included.
• Special activities – Will you include excursions or cultural experiences?

We work closely with music directors to get the most from your budget with cost transparency and expert recommendations that ensure everyone in your ensemble can participate. Not sure what your budget should be? Reach out, and we’d be happy to help you establish a plan that works for your group.

Why Choose Music Contact International?

The world is full of performance opportunities, and choosing the right one for your group is crucial. At Music Contact International, we specialize in both custom concert tours and renowned festivals, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your ensemble. With over 38 years of experience representing some of the world’s most celebrated festivals, we bring choirs, bands, and orchestras together from across the globe, forging lifelong friendships and fostering cultural understanding—because music is a language that transcends borders. Ready to make your performance tour dreams a reality? Call 1-800-624-0166 to chat with one of our experienced tour guides or fill out the contact form below.