Passport stamps are a likely complement to this year’s hottest tickets for Americans as they pack their bags to attend concerts, sports and live entertainment events around the globe this summer, according to Allianz Partners USA’s 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index*. 

Entertainment remains a driving force for travel as the travel insurance and assistance company’s latest survey found that 24% of Americans plan to travel to a destination to attend a major pop culture event. Leading the way, 40% of younger travelers ages 18–34 plan to leave their hometowns to attend an event. Not far behind, a quarter (26%) of older travelers ages 35-54 also expect to travel to attend their favorite events. Unlike the younger demographics, travelers over 55 are less likely (9%) to travel for entertainment.

The survey also revealed that almost two-thirds (63%, no change year over year) of Americans plan to attend a ticketed event in 2024, while nearly one in five (18%) expect to attend three events or more (down two points from last year).

With A-list musicians on tour and premier sporting events dominating the calendar, it’s no surprise that 71% of younger Americans (ages 18-34) will be in the crowd of at least one ticketed event this year, although it represents a seven-point drop from 2023. Following their lead but moving four points higher over last year, 71% of 35–54-year-olds also are heading to a venue, while just half (50%) of Americans over the age of 55 plan to purchase event tickets this year (up two points).

When it comes to their ticketed event preference, more than half of Americans (52%) are likely to attend ticketed concerts, festivals or performing arts events this year, followed by 43% who are likely to attend sporting events.

“Ticketed events continue to set the stage for American travel,’” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “If you plan to build a trip around an event, ask your ticketing provider about event ticket insurance which may reimburse you up to 100% of non-refundable ticket costs if a covered situation prevents you from attending. Travel insurance can also help reimburse pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs, up to the plan’s maximum limit, if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy.”

Event Ticket Protector from Allianz Partners can reimburse up to 100% of non-refundable ticket costs, up to $10,000, when an insured customer can’t attend their event for covered situations such as an unexpected, covered illness or certain non-voluntary job losses. Event Ticket Protector also provides customers with access to 24/7 assistance through the company’s event hotline. Event Ticket Protector is offered by leading event ticket providers.

The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as a leisure trip of at least one week to a place that is 100 miles or more from home.

Allianz Partners offers travel protection plans through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers.