Musical Getaways LLC is Not Music Getaways: Clarifying the Confusion
Musical Getaways LLC clarifies we are not affiliated with Music Getaways, a bankrupt California company. Learn more...
The Musical Getaways Journal
Cultural notes, festival guides, and reflections from the places that shape the journeys we design.
Read MoreMusical Getaways LLC is Not Music Getaways: Clarifying the Confusion
Beyond the Neon: 5 Secret Locations Where American Music History Was Actually Made
When you look past the tourist crowds on Bourbon Street or the glitz of Nashville’s Broadway, you find the actual workshops of American music. These are the rooms where the frequencies changed, where engineers broke the rules, and where the genres we listen to today were forged in real-time.
To understand the South, you have to look at these five specific locations through a technical and historical lens.
La Rioja Festival 2026: A Musician’s Guide to Classical Music in Rioja, Spain
Each May, the La Rioja Festival transforms Spain’s most celebrated wine region into a network of classical music performances across monasteries, historic churches, and village squares. The 2026 edition runs from May 14 to May 24 and features artists including Pablo Sáinz-Villegas and Plácido Domingo.
The Ultimate Music Anime Pilgrimage: 4 Must-Visit Real-Life Locations in Japan
Step into the scenes of Bocchi the Rock and Your Lie in April. Discover Japan’s indie rock hubs and traditional koto settings on a bespoke anime music pilgrimage.
Cartagena Is Having a Moment. We’ve Been Ready for It.
As interest in Colombia surges, discover why Cartagena is the ultimate destination for bespoke travel, from private Palenque sessions to luxury incentive retreats.
Flamenco & Tapas: The Rituals of the Andalusian Night
Discover the intersection of flamenco and tapas in Andalucía. From Granada's Sacromonte caves to Seville's historic tablaos...
The Echo of the Montes de María: Understanding the Colombian Gaita
Discover the history and soul of the Colombian Gaita. From the drums of Palenque to the highlands of San Jacinto...
Mardi Gras in New Orleans: Music, Community, and the Joy of Collective Creation
The New Orleans Carnival season—which begins on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, and culminates on Fat Tuesday—is a sacred cultural practice shaped by centuries of history, diverse faith traditions, and deep-rooted community collaboration.
What the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny, and Music Tourism Reveal About How People Travel Now
The 2026 Super Bowl and the rise of artist residencies have reinforced that Latin American music is at the center of the global mainstream. This shift suggests that more people are ready to move past surface-level experiences toward travel grounded in listening and respect.
Brazil Named Travel + Leisure’s 2026 Destination of the Year
Brazil’s geography is as vast as its musical catalog, ranging from the baroque colonial influences in Minas Gerais to the complex, polyrhythmic traditions of the Northeast and the avant-garde experiments in the southern metropolises.
How Iceland Shaped My Music and Led to the Iceland Creativity Retreat
Almost nine years ago, I came home from my first trip to Iceland and wrote a…
The Geography of Innovation: Why Iceland Reshapes the Creative Mind
Iceland, however, exists on a different timeline. It is a landscape defined by raw, unfinished earth, a place where the physical world is still in the process of being made. For an artist, this environment offers a rare psychological alignment. When the world around you is in a state of creation, it becomes significantly easier to create.
German Christmas Markets: A 2026 Guide
German Christmas Markets: A 2026 Guide
La Rioja Festival: Music, Wine, and the Spirit of Northern Spain
How a Classical Music Festival in the Heart of Rioja Became One of Spain’s Most Inspiring Cultural Stories
Shakuhachi: The Essence of Japanese Sound
Discover the shakuhachi and its connection to the cultural identity and music history of Japan
New Orleans Is More Than Jazz: A Musician’s Guide to the Crescent City’s Sound
New Orleans is more than just jazz. Our musician's guide explores the living traditions of blues, funk, R&B, bounce, and brass bands—a complete field guide to the Crescent City's sound.
Musicians’ Field Notes on Recife and Rio de Janeiro
Our musician's guide to Brazil covers the unique sounds of Recife & Rio de Janeiro. Get travel tips and discover the best times to experience samba, frevo, and more.
Sounds of the South: A Musician’s Journey Through the Roots of American Music
Discover the sounds of the South and their connection to the cultural identity and music history of cities like New Orleans, Memphis...
Why Frenchmen Street Is the Music Capital of New Orleans
Frenchmen Street is one of the most important places to hear live music in New Orleans.…
Afro-Colombian Rhythms in Cartagena: Cumbia, Champeta and Mapalé
Cartagena is a place where history is composed, played, and danced. Music is identity. In every…
Cartagena and San Basilio de Palenque: Stories of Freedom and Cultural Legacy
Cartagena de Indias celebrates its 492 anniversary this year. A good time to look closer at the…
Discovering Buenaventura: Colombia’s Pacific Coast
When most travelers think of Colombia, they often picture the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín,…
Afro-Colombian Day: Resistance, Cultural Memory and a Living Legacy
On May 21, Colombia commemorates Afro-Colombian Day, marking the official abolition of slavery in 1851. It…
Cali, Colombia: Music that Builds a City
In Cali, music doesn’t sit quietly in the background. It shapes daily routines, connects communities, and…
Barcelona: A Top Travel Destination in 2025
Plan your Barcelona travel 2025 adventure. Discover the perfect blend of architectural wonders and lively musical experiences.
Rio de Janeiro: Voted Best Afrotourism Destination in Brazil
Learn about Rio de Janeiro's recognition as Brazil's best afrotourism destination, highlighting its rich Afro-Brazilian roots.
Cartagena Beyond the Walls: Exploring the City’s African Roots and Rhythms
Cartagena isn’t just a beautiful destination. Its streets carry the history of a country shaped by…
Jazz in New Orleans: A Living Soundtrack
A personal look at jazz in New Orleans—from second lines to late-night clubs. Honest reflections from a musician walking the city’s musical streets.
The Tastes and Rhythms of Colombia’s African Heritage in Cartagena
The Caribbean region of Colombia, especially Cartagena, is a place where the legacy of Africa remains…
Rhythms of Africa in Brazil: 3 Afro-Brazilian Cities You Must Visit
Feel the rhythm of Brazil's culture, deeply influenced by African traditions, celebrated every day in cities like Rio de Janeiro.
La Rioja: The Best Place in Spain to Experience Wine and Music
If you love wine, music, and authentic cultural experiences, La Rioja is the perfect destination for you. Nestled in northern Spain, this region is world-renowned for its exceptional wines, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant music scene.
Rhythmic Legacies: The Enduring Impact of African Music on Latin American Music
Discover how African influence on Latin American music shapes rhythms, instruments, and the essence of cultural expression.
The Story of Petronio Álvarez: The Pulse of Pacific Music
Discover Petronio Álvarez’s legacy as the 'King of Currulao' and how the Petronio Álvarez Festival celebrates Afro-Colombian culture.
Travel Impressions: Rio’s Carnival and Afro-Latin Music
Having experienced other Carnival celebrations around the world, including in New Orleans, I can confidently say that Rio’s Carnival is unmatched.
Why Music Tourism Is the Next Big Travel Trend
Music tourism is carving out a prominent niche among these transformative travel trends. It blends the allure of exploration with the universal language of music, inviting travelers to connect with destinations through their soundscapes.
Behind the Curtain: Unique Destinations for Music Lovers in 2025
From lively festivals in the streets of Rio de Janeiro to the haunting melodies of Andalusian flamenco, music tourism offers an unparalleled gateway to understanding the soul of a destination. For music lovers, these seven destinations are a must-visit.
Explore Music History with Musical Getaways’ New Summer Podcast Series!
Join us on a journey through music history with our new Music & Travel summer podcast series. Learn about the Spanish guitar in Episode 1.
Travel Impressions: La Rioja Festival, Spain (Part 2)
Welcome to our new series of blogs, "Travel Impressions," our first adventure takes us to La Rioja, Spain region...(Part 2)
Travel Impressions: La Rioja Festival, Spain (Part 1)
Welcome to our new series of blogs, "Travel Impressions," our first adventure takes us to La Rioja, Spain region...(Part 1)
San Basilio de Palenque’s History and Influence on Colombian Music
Discover the rich cultural heritage of San Basilio de Palenque, a unique community in Colombia known for its music, traditions...
Experience Authentic Spain: Discover National Festivals Beyond Tourist Attractions.
Experience the biggest cultural events in Spain, from tomato-stained festivals to reflective processions; Spain's heritage comes alive.
All about the Petronio Alvarez Festival
The Petronio Alvarez Music Festival is a hidden gem that showcases this diversity, particularly celebrating the rich Afro-Colombian culture of the Pacific region.
Exploring Spain’s Musical Cities: From Flamenco to Festivals and Vibrant Nightlife
Explore Spain's musical cities and discover the vibrant music scene blending traditional rhythms with contemporary beats.
The Enchanting World of Spanish Wine: Discover the Essence of La Rioja
Experience the unparalleled flavors of Spanish wines in La Rioja. Indulge in the region's deep-rooted history and innovative winemaking.
Brief Introduction to the Roots of Colombia’s Music & Culture
Discover Colombia's music culture, from its Native, African & European roots to its unique accents & dialects.
Brazil’s Samba Soul: A Rhythmic Journey Through Cultural Diversity
Discover Brazil's diverse cultural roots through samba music - experience the joy of Brazilian samba from Rio de Janeiro's favelas!
2023 Latin Grammy Awards in Seville: A Cultural Celebration in Andalusia’s Heart
The 24th edition of the Latin Grammys, held in Seville, Spain, stands as a milestone in the event's history, representing its first venture outside the United States - a testament to its global impact and ongoing journey towards embracing diverse cultural horizons. But why Andalusia? Why Seville?
Pablo Sáinz Villegas and the soul of spanish guitar
Renowned Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas has performed with Yo Yo Ma, John Williams, the New York Philharmonic, and orchestras around the world.
Flamenco on Film
Camarón de la Isla is universally acknowledged as the greatest flamenco singer of all time; he is flamenco’s rock star. On Musical Getaways’ Deep Flamenco Tour, we will visit San Fernando, the birthplace of Camarón, a pilgrimage site for flamenco fanatics where the soul of flamenco holds sway.
Comuna 13, Medellín, Colombia– When Creativity Transforms Life
Here in Comuna 13, Medellín, it was hip-hop music that pushed anti-violence transformation the most and became the main way to express peaceful views.
Bahia State, Brazil– Discover a Land Of Happiness And Music
The music and culture of Brazil blend various influences beautifully and harmoniously. From the popular and legendary Samba to the unique Forró to the iconic Bossa Nova, and dozens of other music genres in between. Brazil encompasses a lot of diversity!
