Performance Tours That Align with the School Calendar: Best Times to Travel by Region

Planning an international tour for your choir, orchestra, or band means finding the right moment in the school year. From spring breaks to early summer, each U.S. region offers different opportunities for overseas travel. In this post, we break down the best time to travel by region, highlight relevant music festivals, and offer planning tips so your ensemble can travel abroad without missing a beat.

When Can Student Ensembles Travel Internationally?

The most popular times for school groups to travel internationally are spring break and the early summer window right after school ends. Each region of the country has a slightly different academic calendar, so flexibility and early planning are key. Below is a regional breakdown including recommended destinations and Encore’s most popular festivals.

Quick Reference: Best Travel Windows by Region

Region	Spring Break Timing	School Year Ends	Ideal Travel Periods
Northeast	April (plus Feb break)	Mid to late June	Mid-April, late June to July
South	Mid-March	Late May	March, June
Midwest	March or early April	Late May to early June	Late March, June
West Coast	Late March to early April	Early to mid-June	Late March, late June to July

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Northeast

Schools in the Northeast often have both a February and April break. Catholic and private schools frequently align with the Easter calendar. Public schools usually end the academic year in mid to late June, though private schools may finish a bit earlier.

Best Travel Windows:

• April break for 7–9 day tours
• Late June through July for longer summer tours

Popular Destinations:

• UK and Ireland (Cork International Choral Festival in April)
• Central Europe (Vienna, Prague)
• Italy (Rome, Florence)

Festival Highlights:

• Cork International Choral Festival (late April)
• Encore Voices Prague (June 7–14, 2026)
• Summa Cum Laude Festival (early July)

Pro Tip: Northeast schools often start after Labor Day, so August tours are possible. Just coordinate around AP exams in May and senior events in June.

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South

Southern schools usually follow an early calendar, starting in early August and finishing by the end of May. Spring break typically falls in mid-March.

Best Travel Windows:

• Mid-March for spring break tours
• Late May through June for summer travel

Popular Destinations:

• Ireland (St. Patrick’s Day parades)
• Spain or France for early summer
• Central Europe for June festivals

Festival Highlights:

• St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin (March 17)
• Limerick International Band Festival (mid-March)
• Encore Voices Prague (June)

Pro Tip: Wrap up tours by mid-July to avoid conflicts with band camp or early school starts in August.

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Midwest

Midwestern schools vary in timing. Some align with Southern patterns, others with the Northeast. Spring break is typically in March, and school ends by early June.

Best Travel Windows:

• March or early April
• June to early July

Popular Destinations:

• Germany and Austria
• UK and France
• Canada (Montreal Jazz Festival)

Festival Highlights:

• Summa Cum Laude Festival (Vienna)
• Musica Orbis Festival (Prague)
• Mid Europe Festival (Schladming, Austria)

Pro Tip: Watch out for late winter snow delays in March and coordinate around state sports tournaments in late spring.

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West Coast

West Coast schools often have spring break in late March or early April. School ends in early to mid-June, though some areas vary.

Best Travel Windows:

• Late March to early April
• Late June through July

Popular Destinations:

• Japan (cherry blossom season)
• Australia or New Zealand (June is mild winter)
• Central Europe for summer festivals

Festival Highlights:

• World Projects Pacific Basin Festival (Hawaii)
• Encore Voices Prague (June)
• Summa Cum Laude Festival (Vienna)

Pro Tip: Pacific Northwest schools may start after Labor Day, so August tours can work well. If traveling to Europe, build in buffer time for jet lag due to the time zone difference.

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Consider Off-Peak Travel for More Value

If your group has flexibility, traveling outside of peak seasons can lead to significant savings and unique experiences. Airfare and hotel rates are often lower in the fall and early winter, particularly in October, November, and early December. These quieter months also mean fewer tourists, greater venue availability, and more opportunities for meaningful cultural exchanges. Private and year-round schools are especially well-positioned to take advantage of these off-peak windows, turning smart scheduling into added value.

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Tips for All Regions

• Avoid scheduling travel during AP or IB exams (early May)
• Plan around finals, prom, and graduation
• Book early for spring break or summer to secure best group airfare
• Leverage Encore’s expertise to find the best festivals for your group

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Start Planning Your Tour

No matter where your school is located, Encore Tours can help you align your performance tour with your academic calendar. From Prague to Dublin to Vienna, we’ll help you find the perfect time to travel and the perfect stage to shine.

Ready to get started? Request a quote and we can start designing the perfect custom itinerary to fit your ensembles unique needs.