Yee-Haw! Booking.com Shares 5 Cowboy Core Destinations That Ain’t Just Texas
Although country music emerged in the late 1920s as a quintessential American genre with roots from the more rural parts of the deep South and American West, it has evolved into a massively beloved one thanks to a myriad of pop-stars who have added its characteristic ballad and dance tunes to their repertoire. With one of the industry’s biggest stars set to debut her first-ever country album on March 29th and 60%* of global travelers likely to take a trip if they’re passionate about the musician, we are unveiling some of the top destinations recommended by Booking.com travelers for country music.** So, strap on those cowboy boots and take it to the floor now!
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
If there is a city that screams American country, it is Tennessee. Nashville, its capital city, is a veritable bedrock of country music. Country fans will be pleased to know that this Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Admission ticket provides an unmatched opportunity to learn about the work of its 152 legendary inductees. Guests will also be given the chance to learn about the history of country and its profound influence on the music of today. With the streets of Nashville marked by the finest dance halls and raucous Honky-Tonks (roadside bars full of fun, frolic, and live entertainment), country music lovers will certainly feel at home here. Later, discover the best in town with the Double-decker Bus Tour of Nashville, featuring over 100 iconic sights, including the Tennessee State Capitol and Centennial Park.
Where to stay: At the heart of this lively town is the Omni Nashville Hotel where guests can easily access various country music venues; music fans, in particular, can rejoice as both the Music City Center and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are merely steps away. Afterwards, guests may encounter even more Southern hospitality at one of the hotel’s five on-site restaurants, poolside bar, or spa replete with luxe body treatments.
Austin, Texas, United States
Labeled the “Lone Star State,” Texas is the hometown of a number of global music icons and known for its diverse landscapes, picturesque terrains, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and most notably, that world-renowned cowboy culture. Visitors in the mood to discover more of this culture should not miss a trip to Austin, a country-of-a-city that offers attractions such as City and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour, where they’ll travel in style (a luxurious open-top van) while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding neighborhoods. Looking for something a bit more unusual? The Haunted Walking Tour of Austin welcomes travelers aboard to witness the spookiest attractions in Austin, replete with historical albeit ethereal stories of murder, mystery, and ghosts of course!
Where to stay: After long, adventurous days, guests can relax and unwind at the Hotel ZaZa Austin, which boasts an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness center. Music fans are bound to marvel at the statue of Texas music legend, Willie Nelson, located less than a mile away. Revered for his songwriting, he has churned out blockbuster music hits for a number of artists.
Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
Northeast of Australia’s New South Wales lies the city of Tamworth, also known as the nation’s country music mecca. Although the annual Tamworth Country Music festival is held each January, visitors are welcome to discover such landmark sites as the Big Golden Guitar, which is an homage to this destination’s contribution to the aforementioned genre. Also nearby is the Golden Guitar tourist center that shines a spotlight on incredible memorabilia from local artists and a session of live tunes. Travelers who enjoy water sports can hire a car to visit charming Newcastle known for its plentiful beaches. Afterwards, guests can relish the vodka tasting with this Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour Departing from Newcastle. With Hunter Valley celebrated as Australia’s oldest wine growing region, visitors can admire the breathtaking views of vines before them.
Where to stay: Cadman Motor Inn and Apartments is located just a few minutes walk from the city center, offering guests the opportunity to explore Tamworth at ease. Thanks to the property’s spacious rooms, outdoor swimming pool, grassy playground perfect for kids, and a number of barbecue pits, guests are bound to feel a sense of home away from home. With Tamworth Bicentennial Park nearby, guests can unwind at this lush-green haven, complete with scenic views and lakeside meadows.
Bundoran, Donegal County, Ireland
Travelers in search of an unconventional cowboy core destination should consider the seaside resort town of Bundoran, south of Donegal County and lovingly referred to as Ireland’s Country capital. Music buffs can be assured of an authentic experience as this town is home to live country music weekend shows at the Allingham Arms Hotel, with established local stars. During the day, outdoorsy types can explore the beautiful countryside with the Bog Safari Hike, which allows visitors to bask in the mesmerizing surroundings while gaining interesting insights and myths into how this landscape was formed. Visitors who fancy exploring this beautiful seaside oasis should experience the Guided Slieve League Cliff Cruise where they’ll get to see the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, famously revered as one of the highest cliffs in Europe.
Where to stay: Feel the magic of this destination whilst staying at the Allingham Arms Hotel, which boasts newly designed rooms with a soothing vibe thanks to magnificent ocean views. Its new restaurant, Oceans, overlooking Donegal Bay serves a range of appetizing cuisines, from roast turkey and dongle ham to spicy baked Cajun-marinated salmon. Later, take in some of the live tunes as the hotel is a local hotspot for some of the best country tunes in town.
Berlin, Germany
This German bustling capital is home to an extraordinary roster of history and culture. With the Public Transport Ticket covering 24-hour access to buses, trams, and ferries, travelers can explore the city at their own pace: think museums and music venues to theaters and a flurry of vibrant shopping. Country music fans, in particular, will appreciate the live music and dancing at its signature Frannz Club, YUCA, and Prinzenbar, all of which are great for meeting and greeting like-minded folk. Moving on from music landmarks, Berlin offers travelers the best of everything—calm and serene parks to unwind alongside a buzzing city center lined with the finest nightlife.
Where to stay: Stay at the Luxury Apartments in the East Side Gallery flaunting fully furnished units that offer express check-in to its privately accessed and soundproof family rooms. The well-equipped kitchen is great for guests who enjoy home-cooked meals. Later, be sure to lounge in the picnic area with loved ones, or simply take a short walk to the Verti Music Hall where music enthusiasts can celebrate their favorite artists in a fun and intimate setting.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (including 2,000 from the US, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from the UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from the Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 500 from Austria, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled for leisure in the past 12 months including an overnight stay, planning to travel for leisure in 2024 and involved in travel planning. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2024.
**Endorsement data from Booking.com based on some of the top endorsed destinations by global travelers for “Country Music.”