18 Feb 2026
Fresh from the Super Bowl halftime show, where Puerto-Rican rapper Bad Bunny turned one of the world's biggest stages into a celebration of Latin rhythm and culture, the music of the Americas has never felt more influential.
Tailor-made tour operator, Original Travel has long recognised music as one of the most compelling lenses through which to experience a destination. Just as they curate bespoke journeys for set-jetters visiting iconic filming locations and for 'fictioneers' retracing the settings of their favourite novels, they also design immersive itineraries shaped by sound - connecting travellers to the rhythms, stories and cultural movements that define a place.
Original Travel recognises that appetite for culturally-driven travel continues to grow. Recent research shows that 63% of travellers have been inspired by a particular artist or genre to visit a destination, while 42% are drawn to places referenced in popular lyrics. With global music tourism projected to reach USD 330.12 billion by 2033 - growing at a compound annual rate of 15.6% - it is clear that rhythm, storytelling and creative heritage are increasingly shaping how and where people travel.
For Original Travel, this is not a passing trend but an evolution of what they already do best: crafting highly personalised journeys rooted in culture and narrative.
Across the Americas, they invite travellers to experience destinations not only through their landscapes and landmarks, but through the music that defines their identity. From the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans to the samba-filled spectacle of Rio de Janeiro, and the pulse of salsa and reggaetón across Colombia, each itinerary is guided by local insiders, musicians and cultural historians who bring these traditions to life.
Their curated journeys immerse travellers in the creative spirit of communities across the continent - whether that's behind-the-scenes access to legendary music venues, private encounters with artists, or time spent in the neighbourhoods where genres were born.
From jazz and blues to country, folk, samba, tango and reggaetón, every Original Travel itinerary is designed to connect travellers to the cultural heartbeat of a place - ensuring the experience resonates long after the final note fades.
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A Musical Journey Through Jamaica
Bob Marley. Island Records. Reggae. Jamaica has a musical heritage like few other places. Learn about the island's reggae roots, stay in three immaculate properties and soak up the sun in one of the Caribbean's most under-rated destinations.
Starting from £2780pp for an 8 day trip, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Brazil's pure vivacity and iconic natural landmarks are a heady combination and there's no better time to visit than during Carnival. This 11-day itinerary whisks you away to Rio de Janeiro's wildest and most flamboyant party, before taking in the mighty Iguacu Falls and the beaches of Buzios.
Starting from £5285pp for a 13 day trip, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Colombia's trendy cities and diverse landscapes hold immeasurable treasure, most of which still feels undiscovered. This 14-day itinerary uncovers the country's highlights in ultimate style. Salsa dance in the metropolis of Bogota, the leafy coffee region, cool Cartagena with its salsa and champeta (a Colombian music and dance tradition) and the wild beauty of Tayrona National Park.
Starting from £3760pp for 14 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers, overland travel, private guided tours and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Jazz Clubs, Bayous and Cajun Cuisine - A Classic Louisiana Road Trip
Lulled by jazz, blues and the flavours of classic Cajun cuisine, this ten-day adventure is all about diving into the heart of old Louisiana.
Kick off your getaway in legendary New Orleans – you'll be tapping your feet to jazz music in iconic haunts, swaying to gospel in a local church and touring the French Quarter with a local guide in no time. The second chapter of this journey takes you away from the city and into the heart of Cajun Country. Explore colonial cotton plantations, stately homes perched on the Mississippi River, and bayous – beautiful creeks and marshes characteristic of the American South.
Starting from £2430pp for 10 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, car hire, private transfers, private guided tours and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Country, Soul and Rock'n'Roll Deep South Road Trip
On this two-week road trip, get to know the Deep South's most iconic cities: Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and New Orleans. Along the way, discover vibrant cultures, fascinating history, sweet Southern landscapes and the legendary musical roots of the Deep South.
Your adventure begins in Nashville, where a country concert at the Grand Ole Opry will have you tapping your toes. Head onwards to Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile to learn about the Civil Rights movement, taste delightful food and dive into the lively evening scenes. Finally, finish in New Orleans with a jazz river cruise and a walking tour of the historic French Quarter. One thing's for sure: you'll return home with a newfound appreciation for the southern states (and a shiny new playlist, of course).
Starting from £3510pp for 13 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, car hire, private guided tours and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Tango dance your way through Argentina on this fun-filled family adventure. Let your mind be boggled at Buenos Aires as you meander its historic and colourful neighbourhoods and experience football games like you've never seen them before. Don cowboy hats and live like gauchos on a family ranch in the Pampas, strap on walking boots in Bariloche – the Argentinian equivalent of the Lake District - for a truly epic game of 'I Spy', and experience the magic of Isla Victoria, which inspired the young Walt Disney's Bambi in 1941. While riding is encouraged in this neck of the woods, feel free to swap your saddle for wheels if the family have a need for speed across undulating mountain trails. And finally, make sure (once the children are asleep) to pop open a bottle of authentic Argentinian Malbec just as the sun disappears behind the Buenos Aires' skyline or the rolling plains of the Pampas.
Starting from £5100pp for 13 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers, overland travel, and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Musical Moments, Southern Food & the Great Smoky Mountains Family Road Trip through the Deep South
Cajun cuisine, the blues, jazz, swamps, alligators, 'the King' and the Great Smoky Mountains. Where else but the American Deep South? Discover iconic Southern American culture on this two-week tour of New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and beyond.
Kick off your family road trip in New Orleans and fuel up on the city's finest cuisine, from flavourful gumbo to deep-fried beignets. Learn about its legendary jazz venues, then hit the open road bound for Natchez, Mississippi, before continuing to Memphis, Tennessee - another hub of musical discovery. In Nashville, your culinary education continues on Main Street, where you'll find the ultimate fried chicken (along with the Country Music Hall of Fame). Then, onward to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hikes through dramatic scenery. Wrap up your trip in Atlanta and delve into American Civil War history before your flight home.
Starting from £4635pp for 14 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers, car hire and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
Jazz, Rhythm and Blues USA's Deep South by Train
Dive into the Deep South on this 15-day journey through the USA's musical states. Starting in Chicago and journeying by train through Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville, you're in for a treat as you explore the rich musical heritage and cultures that make these cities legendary.
Your adventure begins in Chicago with a visit to one of the city's most famous jazz venues, Andy's Jazz Club. After exploring the city, hop on the overnight train to Memphis, where a tour of Elvis Presley's home awaits. Next, take the train to New Orleans and enjoy a French Quarter walking tour, a trip to the Sazerac House and a harbour jazz cruise. Finally, finish your trip in Nashville with an exciting evening at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Starting from £2600pp for 15 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, overland travel, and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
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Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990
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Notes to Editors:
Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. The company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.
Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.
11 of our consultants are recognised as Conde Nast Traveler's 2025 Travel Specialists. Our specialists include: Co-founder, Tom Barber (family travel and sabbaticals), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia), Oliver Rodwell (Mexico), Ben Williams (Egypt) Kate Little (Romania), Isabel de Galleani (Morocco), Frances Mavor (India), Harriet Harford (European Wine Regions), Holly Barber (Cambodia) and Lucy Bailey (Oman).
In October 2025, Original Travel ranked its highest ever position among the top five Tour Operators in the country, as voted for by the readers themselves in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards.
Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:
Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, is checked in on all flights – outbound, domestic and inbound - with boarding passes uploaded to the Original Travel app; will have UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. Thoughtful details include wifi routers or e-sims, destination specific book and music lists and children's activity packs. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently). Clients can also be advised on which flight options have the lowest levels of emissions, thanks to an industry-leading and world-first carbon calculator which can compare the levels of emissions generated by each flight, using data compiled from flight plans, aircraft type, the cabin class, direct versus indirect flights and the target occupancy rate.
The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.
