To coincide with the final of this year's X Factor, lastminute.com has polled Brits to uncover the ultimate music destinations that they are desperate to be bold and visit. Mardi Gras takes the top spot with more Brits keen to shimmy their way through the colourful streets of New Orleans than anywhere else. The samba spirit of the iconic Rio Carnival comes a close second on the list of musical pilgrimages the nation would love to experience. Graceland, home of rock legend Elvis Presley, the party island of Ibiza and Kingston in Jamaica complete the top five.
Top 10 Music Pilgrimage Destinations (past and present)
1. Mardi Gras, New Orleans
2. Rio Carnival, Brazil
3. Graceland, Tennessee
4. Ibiza, Spain
5. Kingston, Jamaica
6. Notting Hill Carnival, London
7. Jim Morrison's grave, Paris
8. Abba Museum, Stockholm
9. Woodstock, New York
10. Dollywood, Tennessee
While many of the must-see music destinations are steeped in tradition, the way the nation chooses its travel destinations is changing. 13% of 18-24 year olds confess to basing their choice of holiday on reality TV such as the judges' houses destinations in The X Factor or on places they see in The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea. Instagram is now responsible for almost a third (31%) of holiday choices amongst under 25s whilst wildlife documentaries such as BBC's Planet Earth II provide the most far-flung inspiration for over a quarter (27%).
Enrico Nonino, Head of Social & Channels Management at lastminute.com group commented: “Music and travel really do go hand-in-hand, which is why so many of the best memories combine music and a fantastic destination. At lastminute.com, we want to give access to these experiences by putting many of these desirable destinations at people's fingertips.”