Entertainment is becoming a passport-worthy reason to travel, as Americans increasingly plan vacations around live experiences rather than traditional destinations. New data from Allianz Partners USA in their annual Vacation Confidence Index*, shares that more travelers than ever are hitting the road and the skies not just to relax, but to attend ticketed concerts, pop culture events, and live sports this summer.

The survey found that over half of Americans (63%) say they plan on attending at least one ticketed event this year, with 43% indicating plans to attend a ticketed sporting event. Meanwhile, nearly one in three (29%) say they're traveling specifically to attend a major pop culture event, such as a fan convention, film premiere, or viral festival—up five percentage points from 2024. This sharp rise points to a shift in how Americans are valuing their time off, increasingly aligning vacation time with entertainment calendars.

"As travelers look to get more out of every trip, we're seeing more journeys tied to live experiences that matter, whether it's a bucket-list concert or a major sporting event," said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners USA. "We're proud to offer travel protection that not only protects the financial investment of the trip itself but also other out-of-pocket expenses like live events and other activities."

The surge in travel for ticketed events comes on the heels of a record-breaking year in live entertainment, driven by the massive success of global tours from artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. These cultural phenomena not only sold-out stadiums in minutes but also sparked destination-driven travel, with fans flying across the country, and even internationally, to secure a seat. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour became a global travel event in itself, with hotel bookings, airfare, and local tourism spiking in every host city. As ticket prices soared and availability shrank, fans grew more willing to plan entire vacations around their favorite performers, fueling a new wave of experience-first travel that continues into 2025.

Event-driven travel aligns with broader lifestyle trends where younger generations are prioritizing these types of experiences. With more artists, teams, and creators returning to the road, travelers are embracing the chance to combine their passions with their PTO, often planning multiple trips around these shared cultural moments.