(NAPSI)—In the U.S. alone, there are now more than 800 music festivals annually, and according to Nielsen, 32 million people go to at least one of these festivals a year, traveling an average 903 miles to get there. If you’re one of these travelers, you know how rewarding and exhilarating it is to see some of your favorite bands beside a few hundred thousand fellow fans. If not, you may want to consider these cool benefits of festival travel.
Explore a new destination in a unique way. When you visit a destination during a festival, you’ll see a completely different side of the local culture than you would normally. At High Water Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, for example, they celebrate the best of Southern cuisine with local chefs collaborating on their favorite dishes for a unique, family-style dining experience. Not only do you get to see the best in Southern music, but you get to eat some of the best Southern cooking, too.
So much music in one place. Though the price of tickets ranges dramatically, with dozens of bands playing, you’re more than likely to get your money’s worth by seeing a few of your favorite artists. Festival goers also get to discover new and upcoming artists they’d have never heard before. At Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, music ranges from folk to country to rap to pop, with more than 60 bands scheduled to play over the span of three days. Talk about an eclectic mix of music.
A group experience. Music festivals typically serve up something for everyone, which makes it an excellent activity for a group trip. On top of the camaraderie, you’ll also be able to split costs. One way to save is to stay in a vacation rental home with a company such as Wyndham Vacation Rentals. With amenities that typically include multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, a washer/dryer and more, you’ll get way more than you would by camping out on the festival grounds.
It’s not all about the music. Music festivals are not just about the music anymore. They are platforms for philanthropy, sustainability, fashion and healthy living. Coachella has been informing fashion trends and retailers over the past several years and always includes some type of sustainability and charitable component for guests to be a part of making a difference in the community.
Learn more about music festival destinations and vacation rentals at www.VacationDifferently.com. The travel resource offers great tips on family travel, ideas for vacation rental accommodations, and inspiration on a different way to travel.