Are you in the mood to travel, but you’re not sure what type of trip to plan? Then, let music be your muse for your next adventure. Here are a few places you can visit based on your favorite music genres...

Jazz. New Orleans, LA is the birthplace of jazz. You can visit places like the Congo Square, where it all began around 1819. Or you can head to the Louisiana Music Factory and the New Orleans Jazz Museum to learn more about the history of jazz and some of the greatest musicians who reigned from the area, like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Irma Thomas. Kansas City, MO is another city known for its rich jazz history. It’s where Big Joe Turner, Charlie Parker, and Count Basie honed their craft. Take a stroll through the American Jazz Walk of Fame, visit the American Jazz Museum, and check out music venues like The Blue Room. 

Hip Hop. New York, NY — more specifically the Bronx — is where hip hop was born. Think: Artists like Remy Ma, Slick Rick, and Cardi B. Visit 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, where founding father DJ Kool Herc experimented on his turntable and began MCing. Or explore the Universal Hip Hop Museum. You can also visit Atlanta, GA (aka the capital of hip hop). It’s credited with some of the most famous names in the industry, such as TLC, André 3000, and Ludacris. Immerse yourself in hip hop’s culture by visiting the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, taking a spin at Cascade Skating (where much of the movie “ATL” was filmed), and going shopping at Walter’s Clothing.

Country. Bristol, TN is the birthplace of country music and where the “Big Bang” of country music occurred in 1927. You can explore places like the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the Downtown Center & Country Music Mural. You can also head over to Nashville, TN (aka Music City), which is considered the capital of country music. Some of the country music stars who got their break in Nashville include Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, and Kacey Musgraves. There, check out the Ryman Auditorium (aka the Mother Church of Country Music), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Robert’s Western World.

Rock. Memphis, TN is where rock and roll was born. Famous rock musicians and bands that got their start in Memphis include Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Big Star. Consider stopping by music venues like RockHouse Live, Sun Studio (where Elvis recorded his first song), and the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. Another rocking location to visit is Washington, DC — an epicenter of punk rock. Famous bands like Fugazi, Bad Brains, and Fire Party started out in DC. You can shop at classic record stores, like Smash Records, and catch shows at venues like Black Cat and 9:30 Club. 

Pop. Los Angeles, CA is America’s dominant region for pop music production. It’s where many musicians go to get their start. And it gave us many famous pop stars, like Billie Eilish, Adam Levine, and Katy Perry. For noteworthy info about the pop culture in LA, take a Capitol Studios tour, visit the Grammy Museum, and check out a show at the Hollywood Bowl.  

No picnic, pool day, or cookout is complete without a killer playlist. To keep your queue stacked, we asked Skimm HQ’rs to share their fave summer jams.

Julie Alvin, senior vice president of content: “’Come on Home’ by the Lijadu Sisters, ‘Can You Get To That’ by Funkadelic, ‘Ooh La La’ by The Faces, and ‘So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings’ by Caroline Polachek are all on my current summer playlist!”

Courtney Clemmons, senior lifecycle marketing associate: “For any country music fans, Adam Doleac’s ‘Wrong Side of a Sunrise’ is such a catchy summer jam. It pairs best with driving around town, windows down.”

Maria del Carmen Corpus, news editor: “‘PROBLEMZ’ and ‘GOOD TIMES’ by Jungle. I love putting these songs on during a long car drive. I’m seeing them in September, and I’m so excited!”

Nina Moll, associate brand strategist: “‘On Top of the World’ by Stephen Day. Something about it makes you smile — even when listening in a crowded subway car.”

Monica Perry, branded content senior special projects editor: “‘Alright’ by Meghan Trainor and Sam Fischer has been cheering me up. ‘Haegeum’ by Agust D has been at the top of my gym playlist. And ‘Despechá’ by Rosalía is a holdover from last summer that always gets me in a party mood.”

Clem Robineau, editorial director: “I’ve always been obsessed with deadmau5’s ‘The Veldt’ featuring Chris James, but recently, a DJ mashed it with Benny Benassi’s, ‘Cinema,’ and the result is pure nostalgic bliss.”

Ana Rodriguez Martinez, Daily Skimm writer: “‘Keep Driving’ by Harry Styles. I don’t know what it is about this song but it’s always made me feel so peaceful at the beach or pool.”

Tara Rotondo, senior brand strategy manager: “I love Dua Lipa’s new song ‘Dance the Night Away.’ It’s definitely a little cheesy, but I love her, and it really does make you want to dance the night away.” 

Mariza Smajlaj, Daily Skimm editor: “‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Bailey Rae. The lyrics make me think of blue skies, hopscotch, and sunny days. It feels like summer every time I hear it, rain or shine.” 

Sarah Title, branded content writer: “‘Cruel Summer’ by Taylor Swift. It came out four years ago, but it’s having a resurgence, thanks to the Eras Tour. I’ll have it on repeat from now until Labor Day — and probably beyond.”