Featured Destinations

Music Travel Consultants is focused on creating custom trips that provide student travel experiences in destinations within the United States and world-wide. Music Travel Consultants’ featured Destinations include many popular U.S. cities and international cities. Some of our most popular featured destinations include New York City, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Walt Disney World, Florence, Philadelphia, Ohio, Indianapolis, Bands of America Grand Nationals, Tournament of Roses Parade, Hawaii, and Texas.

Music Travel Consultants is a Tour Operator, a travel company that puts together customized trips for its clients. Since 1987, led by accomplished scholastic music directors and musicians, Music Travel Consultants has become first choice for student music group tours by listening to customers, providing industry-leading on-line services and by having professional Tour Directors conduct most trips. Focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences, Indianapolis-based Music Travel partners with customers to successfully do just that, in destinations within the United States and world-wide. Over 165 years combined travel expertise earned in over 68 countries means Music Travel Consultants will anticipate your needs and fulfill your group’s wishes, without surprises or hidden costs.

Music Travel Consultants: Featured Destinations is updated monthly. Please check back for more Music Travel Consultants: Featured Destinations.

Embark on an Epic Adventure at Universal’s Newest Theme Park

Universal Epic Universe combines five thrilling fantasy worlds into one must-visit destination. Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, opened in May 2025. The park is split into five portals, each an immersive experience designed to make visitors feel like they're walking through their favorite movie or video game. Five Worlds How to Train Your Dragon: Step into the Isle of Berk to meet your favorite characters, whether Viking or dragon. Super Nintendo World: See your favorite video game...

Exploring Black History in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is home to some of the nation’s most important landmarks honoring Black history, culture and leadership. For students, the city offers a powerful look at the people and stories that shaped American history. From the arts and political activism to community spaces and cultural institutions, here are some of our favorite places for groups to experience during Black History Month and throughout the year. U Street: A Historic Black Cultural District Known in its prime as “Black Broadway,” the U...
band marching in Rose Parade

Student Bands Perform on a National Stage at the 2026 Rose Parade

Four bands traveled with Music Travel Consultants (MTC) to march in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Performing in this nationally televised event is a distinction that students and directors alike dream of achieving. From Bandfest to official photos to parade step-off, participation includes a full week of exciting, time-honored traditions. These experiences combine performance excellence with meaningful educational travel. The Bands of America Honor Band A New Year’s Day Tradition The Rose Parade is one of the most iconic...

The Top 5 Destinations for Student Music Travel

Every year, student musicians across the country step beyond their rehearsal rooms to perform, learn and grow through travel. While every program’s goals are different, one thing is clear: some destinations consistently rise to the top. Based on Music Travel Consultants’ 2025 trips, these five destinations stood out as the most popular choices for bands, choirs and orchestras. From cultural hubs to performance-packed cities, here’s our countdown of the Top 5 destinations for student music travel, starting at No. 5...
Orchestra and choir on stage for Disney's Candlelight Processional
Wide shot image of entire stage performance of Disney's Candlelight processional featuring a mass choir and orchestra

Carmel HS Choir and Terre Haute North Vigo HS Choir Take the Stage at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional

In late December 2025, two Indiana choirs stepped into one of Walt Disney World’s most meaningful holiday traditions: EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Carmel High School Choir, directed by Katie Kouns, performed Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, followed by Terre Haute North Vigo Choir, directed by Michelle Azar, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Both groups performed once, but the experience carried the weight of a career highlight. Candlelight is not a typical theme park performance. It is a full-scale concert presentation of the Christmas...

First-Ever Show Choir Performs in Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade has never featured a show choir - until this year. So when Todd Marcocci contacted Pendleton Heights HS (IN) Choir Director Erin Archer with the opportunity, it was too important to pass up. Pendleton Heights delivered a magical performance on national television, proving that show choirs deserve a lasting place in the lineup. Preparation for parade day began months in advance, beginning at the choir's July summer camp. "We learned the vocals and most of the...
Overhead view of bands lined up on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium before Grand National Championships finals awards

Behind the Scenes at Bands of America Grand National Championships

In November, over 100 bands competed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, many of which are long-standing clients of the Music Travel Consultants family of brands. This recap highlights the event and the role our team plays in supporting their experience. Bentonville HS (AR) What Is Bands of America Grand Nationals? Each November, high school marching bands from across the country converge on Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for Music for All’s Bands of America Grand National Championships,...

Top 5 Fall Student Travel Destinations

From beautiful foliage to all things scary and spooky, keep reading for five fall student travel destinations you won't want to miss. Boston, MA With stunning foliage framing historic sights, groups have a chance to experience quintessential fall weather in Boston. Travelers can also take a side trip to Salem, MA, for a thrilling haunted tour. Knott's Berry Farm At night, Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California transforms into Knott's Scary Farm, offering major thrills...
fall break travel

Benefits of Fall Break Travel

Fall break travel is one of student travel’s best-kept secrets — off-peak pricing, lighter crowds and smoother, more relaxed days from start to end. Traveling in the fall means shorter lines, easier access to top attractions and the bonus of festive seasonal events that make every stop more memorable. With mild, predictable weather and a calmer pace, groups enjoy a higher-quality experience, often at a lower cost. More Affordable Groups often see better rates for hotels, bus fares and even airfare during...

March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Band Director’s Guide

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade provides marching bands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a cherished American tradition and leave their mark in history. But how do they get there? Check out the steps it actually takes to find your marching band in Herald Square on Thanksgiving morning. How to Apply to March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade The application process can be completed entirely online. The form must be completed and submitted by the band director to the selection committee email....