Experience Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' on a Budget in Europe

Planning a summer vacation in Europe can often be expensive, but with Taylor Swift in the mix, it might be more affordable than you think. Fans planning to attend her "Eras Tour" in Europe are discovering that it's actually cheaper to see her overseas, even when considering flights and accommodations. This is due to the strong dollar and strict EU regulations on ticket resellers, making it a great deal for fans looking to have anything but a cruel summer.

Jacking up prices on the European secondary market is not a fair practice. According to Sam Shemtob, managing director of the advocacy group Face-value European Alliance for Ticketing (FEAT), this predatory activity limits consumer choice and exploits consumers by charging them much more than the event organizers intended.

For instance, tickets for Taylor Swift's show in Stockholm, Sweden, this Saturday can be found on the secondary market for as low as $300. These prices are for standing room-only or seats in the nosebleed sections. Even prime seating locations at Friends Arena, the home of the Swedish men's national football team, are only priced a few hundred dollars higher.

Planning a last-minute trip to Sweden can be more expensive, but there are affordable options available. According to Kayak, a roundtrip flight from New York with a connection is around $700, and a stay at a 4-star hotel is about $300. This adds up to approximately $1,300 before considering food and beverages.

In comparison, tickets for Taylor Swift's show in Miami in October are selling for $2,000 to $8,500 on StubHub. The prices for her other two US shows in New Orleans and Indianapolis are similar to the Miami show.

Sweden is not the only affordable city to visit. In fact, tickets for Taylor Swift's upcoming concerts in Portugal, Spain, and Germany are available for as low as $300 to $400. This is a great deal compared to the average resale price of $1,600 for her US shows last year.

Fans watch Swift at her concert in Paris last week.

Fans watch Swift at her concert in Paris last week.

Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images

In several European countries, such as Ireland and Portugal, laws prohibit ticket sellers from profiting on the secondary market. In France, reselling tickets is only allowed with authorization from the promoter, as mentioned by Shemtob.

The EU has recently introduced the Digital Services Act for ticket resale platforms. This act aims to make professional sellers easily identifiable, prevent deceptive sales tactics, and ensure regular reporting to enhance transparency for consumers. FEAT, the organization that advocated for this law, provided this information.

Shemtob explained that the pricing variation between the US and EU arises from their differing perspectives. In the US, event tickets are seen as commodities that can be traded at market prices. On the other hand, the European Court of Justice views a 'dated event ticket' as a contract between the event organizer and the consumer, allowing entry under specific terms and conditions rather than a tradable commodity.

Additionally, American tourists are benefiting from the current exchange rate. The US dollar index, which measures the strength of the currency against six others, recently reached its highest point since last November. Despite a slight decrease since April, the US dollar remains robust, allowing tourists to stretch their money further when traveling abroad.

For Swifties planning to visit their London Boy across the pond, Shemtob suggests using reputable ticket sellers like Ticketmaster, AEG, Eventim, or Twickets.

He also advises being cautious when using internet search, as predatory resale platforms often pay big money to have their listings show up at the top of search results.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights a fascinating opportunity for Taylor Swift fans to experience her "Eras Tour" in Europe at surprisingly affordable prices. Due to the strong dollar and strict EU regulations on ticket resellers, tickets are significantly cheaper overseas, even considering travel and accommodation expenses. This is a welcome relief for fans eager to witness the pop icon live, especially considering the exorbitant prices of her US shows.

The contrast between the US and EU markets is striking. In the US, tickets are treated as commodities subject to market forces, leading to inflated prices. However, in Europe, event tickets are legally considered contracts, with resellers restricted from excessive profiteering. This consumer-centric approach ensures that fans have access to fair and transparent pricing, allowing them to enjoy live entertainment without being gouged. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of government regulations in protecting consumers from predatory business practices.