Let’s be real. Watching your favorite musician in your home country is something special, but flying to another country just to see them? That’s another level of dedication! So, we have to make sure you survive your first concert abroad!
Preparing for your first international music trip is exciting, but it often comes with a lot of worries. Missed documents, unclear plans, unfamiliar geography, and even challenges in budgeting can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry because this article is just the right read for you. Check out SEA Wave’s High Five tips on staying calm, organized, and emotionally stable on your first concert abroad.
Choose the Right Country and Venue
Blackpink Deadline World Tour | Photo courtesy of Blackpink
KaiOn Concert | Photo courtesy of Exo
Whether you’re flying to Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, LA or any other country – it is essential to research about where you’re planning your concert stop.
Know the venue’s size and location. A bigger venue doesn’t always mean it’s always better. If you don’t mind watching from a distance and want a massive full-blown concert experience with big stage productions, a stadium is the perfect venue for you, but if you prefer more intimate, and more chance of your y/n moment, you might want to check the arena, theaters, and smaller venues.
You also need to understand different local ticketing platforms to ensure a smooth buying experience. Take note that some ticketing platforms do not support foreign cards or may require local ID and phone numbers.
Another tip is to always check the weather and climate during the concert month. Aside from helping you choose your concert outfit, this will help you plan out the rest of your trip. Don’t let the bad weather ruin your concert plans!
Prepare Your Budget (and stick to it!)
Attending a K-pop concert abroad is thrilling but it can also burn a hole in your wallet, so learn how to budget smartly. List down all possible expenses including the ticket cost, flights, hotel, transportation, food, merchandise and even your contingency fund.
If possible, prepare a detailed cost sheet of your projected budget against actual spend so you’re sure you’re on track with your spending once you’re there.
It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rate. Don’t forget to bring cash in local currency for small purchases, but you can always withdraw from ATMs or use cards once you’re there. And remember—foreign transaction fees may vary based on the country and your cards.
Map Out Your Journey
Searches for Hotels near concert venue (left and center),
Searches for Hotels near concert venue (left and center),
How to get to Jakarta International Stadium from Hotel (right)
When planning your trip, transit-friendly accommodation is definitely a game changer. You don’t need to look for hotels right next to the venue, but instead you can choose an accommodation near major subway stations, bus stations, and transportation hubs. Consider options that are also near convenience stores for last-minute needs, and use reliable booking platforms for more options. You can even filter based on location, payment terms, and discounts.
Before the trip, do some research on how their local transportation works so you can navigate your way from your accommodation to the concert venue and vice versa. Research about the transportation fare, routes, apps, cards, schedules, and transit network to avoid stress especially on the concert day.
Another thing you can do is to look for a hotel or accommodation that is near multiple transit lines, so if one transportation is closed or delayed, you still have back up options. You can also look for hotels that offer free shuttle services to and from key spots like airports or the concert venue to save on costs.
Create a Checklist for your First Concert Abroad
Pack your Concert Bag Right | Photo courtesy of Booky PH
Prepare a detailed checklist with all the things you need prior to flying. Secure your major documents and files needed such as passport (that is valid at least six months before your travel date) and visa. Do note that some countries require visa application weeks or months before travel so do your due diligence and ensure that you have your requirements ready and on time.
Keep your concert ticket (physical or e-ticket confirmation), flight tickets and boarding passes, accommodation confirmations, and travel insurance all organized in a file folder, and make sure that you have both hard copy and digital scans just in case.
To ensure smoother transactions, you should bring both cash and cards, and don’t forget to notify your bank of your international travel to avoid card blocks. Ensure that you have a local SIM card or eSIM to stay connected while abroad, and take your passport and valid IDs with you anywhere you’ll go and save emergency phone numbers.
Organize your itinerary with as many details as possible – flight times, hotel check ins, concert schedules, and other travel plans. Keep your check list in an accessible place like a mobile application and printed papers.
And finally, always prepare a concert day checklist like your OOTD, light stick, banners, power bank, and personal essentials. Keep everything inside a venue-approved bag together with your concert ticket, passport, and ID.
Join local groups and forums
Telegram channels for Filipino NCTzens attending concerts in various tours and stops
Telegram channels for Filipino NCTzens attending concerts in various tours and stops
Telegram channels for Filipino NCTzens attending concerts in various tours and stops
Nothing beats the feeling of sharing your concert experience with people who share the same passion as you! Look for fanbases or group chats dedicated for these concerts like Twitter/X circles, Facebook groups, Telegram groups, and Discord servers. Fellow fans give out the best advice, guides, and insider tips on how to navigate your international concert experience.
Line up together, sing along, grab a bite after the concert, and relive the concert memories together with the people who just get it.
You can also look for your concert buddies from your home country to go with you. Share expenses like accommodation, transportation, and even food bills to save on cost and the best thing is that you can bond over your shared love for your favorite group throughout your entire trip.
And if you have extra time and budget, why not explore the country a little more, right? You’re in a beautiful country, visiting for the first time, so maybe you can make the most out of it. Wander through their iconic tourist spots, find the hidden gems and let yourself enjoy the beauty of traveling. Who knows when you’ll get the chance to return?
Just a quick note – keep your language app like Papago or Google Translate handy to help you navigate and connect with locals easier.
Above all, enjoy every second of that first concert abroad. Feel that familiar warmth that seeps through your heart the moment the stage lights open and reveal your favorite artists. You worked hard, planned, and saved to get there, so live in the moment and enjoy what’s in store.