Travel
What To Pack If You’re Traveling To Europe To See Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s record-setting Eras Tour has attracted Swifties from around the world, who are traveling internationally in droves to see the superstar in concert.
I was lucky enough to attend nights two and three in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago and am trying to figure out how I can attend another concert before the Eras Tour comes to an end in December.
Here are half a dozen essentials I packed that I highly recommend if you’re heading to one of her European concerts. They’ll serve you well at any of her shows but will be especially helpful in the UK, where the weather is unpredictable and can change moment to moment.
These earplugs are a must because they protect your hearing without compromising your concert experience. In stadiums that hold between 50,000 to 100,000 people, the sound can be deafening – it’s actually caused seismic activity in some cities – and dangerous. Loop Experience earplugs are comfortable and customizable and designed specifically for live music and events. They remove the noise of all those fans screaming and singing while still providing clear, crisp sound at a safe volume so I could focus on Taylor’s voice rather than the Swiftie behind me. This was not the case with the earplugs I used when I saw Madonna a few months ago, which just muffled all the sound and music. I will never go to a concert without Loop again. They are simply amazing (my ears didn’t ring at all after the concerts) and I’m getting them for every member of my family. Price: $34.95
At Murrayfield Stadium, bags were required to be A4 size, which was fine for me because the Dagne Dover crossbody I use every day easily met those measurements and was perfect for the concert. Lightweight and well-designed, its zipper pockets held my credit card, hotel key and ID and provided plenty of room for my phone and all the friendship bracelets I brought with me. If your stadium requires something smaller, Dagne Dover also offers the festival-friendly Mara Phone Sling, which holds your essentials while still allowing you to dance and make heart hands. In signature Dagne Dover style, both styles come in a variety of colors and are made of recycled bottles so they’re as sustainable as they are stylish. Price: $110
For stadiums that require clear bags only, this is a great – and great looking – option. Available with your choice of pink and blue detailing, it functions as a crossbody and is also water-resistant, which could come in handy, especially in the UK. It’s surprisingly roomy, tear-resistant and easy to clean. The Stadium-Approved collection also features two other styles, all of which will come in handy when you go watch Taylor’s boyfriend play during football season. Price: $58.50
Taylor’s rain concerts have become kind of legendary but, if you find yourself in the middle of one, you want to be prepared. This waterproof shell from the outdoors experts at Marmot is strong enough to keep you dry and protect you from the wind yet it’s super lightweight and breathable. The hood offers extra coverage, which you’ll greatly appreciate, especially if you’re not seated in a section protected from the weather. Easy to pack, this is likely to become your travel rain jacket. Price: $175
Because they’re so stylish and comfortable, these sneakers would be fantastic even if they weren’t waterproof. The fact that they are, though, takes them to a whole new level and makes them indispensable for travel. I was able to stand for 3 ½ hours in them and didn’t worry when it started sprinkling a little because these beauties are 100% WATERPROOF. They come in eight colors but I just love the Marble White (don’t worry – they’re also machine washable). Everyone should own a pair. Price: $125
Friendship bracelets are a defining symbol of the Eras Tour and this kit comes with everything you need to make an armful to wear and trade at the concerts. The set includes more than 700 beads – pearl beads, alphabet beads, polymer beads – as well as elastic, charms and even an idea booklet. “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.” Price: $15.32