International travel suggestions based on your 2024 Spotify Wrapped

Chances are that if you stream music, you’ve probably taken a peak at your Spotify Wrapped compilation (or whatever the equivalent is called for Apple and Tidal music users). Though the general concept has been around since 2013, it didn’t truly take off until Jewel Ham, an intern at Spotify, revolutionized the format into what it is today. Now, Spotify Wrapped has become a cultural phenomenon, and one of the most anticipated drops of the holiday season.

Beyoncé

Named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, if Beyoncé is topping your Spotify Wrapped then you clearly have excellent tastes. Whether you’re enamored by her latest album Cowboy Carter, still bumping the cultural revolution that was Renaissance, or savoring one of her countless hits over the past decade (we are too!), Beyoncé fans are in for a travel treat in 2025. Your best destination: Zanzibar, for a idyllic retreat of white sand beaches and crystal waters. Go on and rest, sis, you’ve earned it.

Bad Bunny

Mi Benito bonitooooo!! Bad Bunny has cemented himself into American music with his record-breaking album Un Verano Sin Ti, but personally I’ve been rocking with him since SoundCloud. Bad Bunny’s latest and fifth studio album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana had old and new fans alike dancing in streets all around the world. But when it comes to travel, there’s one destination in particular that you need to visit. Monaco. You knew it was coming. Now get ready to go!

Taylor Swift

It wouldn’t be Spotify Wrapped without Ms T-Swift herself. A powerhouse in the music industry with her Eras Tour being one of the biggest (and longest running?) world tours, Taylor Swift is Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2024. With her recent album release The Tortured Poets Department and her collection of re-released albums, Swift lyrics are everyday pop culture references. If you’re one of the MANY with Taylor Swift on repeat, a trip to Paris is in your future for a mix of romance, determination, and self-empowerment.

Morgan Wallen

Country, and country-pop especially, had a huge resurgance into the mainstream in 2024. Even if you’re new to the country scene, you have definitely bopped your head along to a Morgan Wallen song, and as one of the most streamed artists of the year, you’re not alone! So much of the Americas are rooted in country culture, so your perfect destination is an oldie but goodie – Mexico. Our neighbors to the south offer so many incredible experiences, but for western enthusiasts especially, head over to Jalisco, Mexico to ride with some real rancheros and indulge in great food and Tequila to wash it down.

Metallica

If it ain’t broke – DON’T FIX IT!!! Metallica has been dominating their genre since the 1980s and are still going strong – so strong that they are STILL one of Spotify’s top streamed bands. From the older generation to the new budding teens in heavy metal, as travelers they will love the underground scene that Germany has to offer. While it may look uniformed and tidy on the outside, there is untapped raw energy brewing just beneath its streets.

SZA

SZA is such a distinct voice in the realm of R&B, bringing poetically vulnerable harmonies that have listeners alternating between grooving and staring pensively out of windows in the rain – perhaps doing both at the same time. Still riding the wave of her hit album SOS, SZA’s music makes for the perfect soundtrack to a trip to the Caribbean island of Dominica. A little bit of adventure, a little bit of scenic relaxation, and a lot of places to hide your ex…..(just kidding just kidding just kidding)

Coldplay

On the heels of their momentous world tour, Coldplay’s new album Moon Music STAYS on repeat. Coldplay is a comfort that never gets old, and their easy listening tunes are healing in the non-stop world we live in today. For Coldplay listeners, a trip to Ireland is a much needed dreamy reset for the new year and the new chapter of you life you want to jumpstart.

Kendrick Lamar

Regardless of your music genre of choice, it is undeniable that 2024 has been Kendrick Lamar’s year. Honestly, with the way things are shaping up with his new album GNX, headlining for the Super Bowl, and a new tour, KDot might just take 2025 too. A lyrical genius and Pulitzer Prize awardee, Kendrick Lamar’s music inspires something greater than one’s self. KDot listeners should start setting your flight alerts to Jordan, a destination that combines centuries old tradition with modern wonders. Plus, you can test your c-walk alongside the Jordanian dabke. Does anyone know the word for mustard in Arabic??

Drake

Still wearing the crown of the most streamed rap artist of 2024 – and that’s WITHOUT releasing a new album – Drake’s contribution to the music industry and mainstream pop culture itself is immense. If you haven’t visited yet, Drake fans need to start planning their pilgrimage to Canada, specifically Toronto. Get a feel for the city and history of the 6 God’s stomping grounds and have a taste of some world class shopping while you’re at it!

Blackpink (or any of the members solo)

Who’s in your area???? Blackpink has been EVERYWHERE and have been a major component with exposing America and Western countries into the deep world of Korean pop music, or K-Pop for short. In addition, each of the group’s members have had an amazing year in terms of their solo projects. If you are one of the many many Blinks around the world, and the voices of Blackpink topped your Spotify Wrapped list, it’s time to hit the road. Where to? Thailand. Home to one of the Blackpink members and word on the street is that they have the WILDEST concerts…just in time for Blackpink to announce their next World Tour….

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s music is known for its introspective lyrics and her wispy voice delivering powerful messages. Her new album Hit Me Hard and Soft has been on repeat everywhere from retail to personal playlists. As the youngest person ever to win a Grammy, it’s no wonder that Billie Eilish came out as one of the top streamed artists of the year. If she also topped your Spotify Wrapped, then take a note from her book and travel somewhere you can also be introspective. Ecuador and its beautiful outdoors and intricate cities are calling your name.

Nicki Minaj

Whether you love her or love to hate her, Nicki Minaj is the undisputed MOTHER of the modern rap girlies. It’s been almost twenty years since Nicki debuted into the music space and she is still coming out on top as the hottest female rapper of the year (Billboard) AND the most streamed female wrapper of the year (Spotify). Nicki Minaj has been all over the world this year on tour showcasing new songs from her latest album Pink Friday 2 as well as seasoned classics. If you’re hitting the road bumping Nicki, make a dash for the country that keeps on giving – China. Just make sure you apply for your Chinese visa!

Kygo

There is no club scene without Kygo. The Norwegian DJ and producer is a staple -if not foundation- in electronic and house music, topping Spotify Wrapped playlists in the genre for listeners around the world. His melodic and calm beats stand out in stark contrast to the usually pounding tunes of EDM, and when you’re traveling to the soundtrack of Kygo, your destination should reflect its feel-good vibes. Make plans for New Zealand, with picturesque landscapes and rich culture will reenforce the reminder that life is beautiful – so dance.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has had a YEARRR. With her hit album Brat, Charli and her references grabbed social media by the throat and still hasn’t let go. Her music isn’t what you’d expect from a typical “pop artist.” It’s intricate, and messy, and compulsive, and kinda weird yet brilliant. Charli as a person is as much experimental electro-pop as the genre itself, so if she topped your Spotify Wrapped, it’s only fitting you visit a place just as hyperpop. Amsterdam. Popping out in stark contrast to the rest of the Netherlands, Amsterdam attracts people for around the world for the same reason Charli XCX does. If you don’t know what that means, then you’re not hyperpop enough yet.

Rauw Alejandro

Ra-Rauw!! The man has his fans waiting on pins and needles for a full tour announcement of his new album, Cosa Nuestra, and whatever that man wants for those tickets, I’m gonna give it to him. But until that time comes, you should start setting your flight alerts to one of Rauw’s favorite destinations – Japan. You can PARTY in Tokyo, catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji that’s TOUCHING THE SKY, or order an ESPRESSO MARTINI at one of Kyoto’s world famous bars.

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Okay, I’m gonna hurt myself stretching for these puns, but what can I say? I’m COMMITTED.

Lincoln Park

Me and Lincoln Park go way, as do many of their dedicated listeners. Lincoln Park hit the mainstream nearly twenty years ago with their fusion of aggressive metal riffs and hip-hop beats, and there was no looking back. This year, the band announced their return with two new members, drummer Colin Brittain and singer Emily Armstrong, seven years after former lead Chester Bennington died. Once again, Lincoln Park is TAKING IT, so if they topped your Spotify Wrapped list, go ahead and TAKE a trip to Morocco, one of the best road-trip countries in the world. There’s nothing like bumping Lincoln Park at full blast while driving through beautiful landscapes.

Ariana Grande

It’s undeniable that Ariana Grande is one of the biggest pop icons of the current generation, but this year, she decided to take it back to her roots. After a short hiatus, Ariana Grande released her latest album Eternal Sunshine and reminded the world that she runs the pop genre. Plus with Ariana is now riding the wave of the record-breaking moving-musical Wicked, the greater global is now remembering that Ariana has always been Broadway. As Ariana shows us a side of her that feels authentically natural to her artistry, we can also tap into her roots with a trip to Italy. It is a multi-faceted country with as many layers and angles as Ariana herself.