Guest Author - Megan Romer

Guest Editor Megan Romer is the Editor for Board Games at BellaOnline. Her work as a music publicist has given her lots of practical experience with making life easier on the road for musicians. She shares some useful tips here.

Many people fail to realize how difficult and stressful life can be for a band on the road. Playing a 4-hour show in a different city every night, with as much as twelve hours of driving in between, is extremely tolling, physically and emotionally.

Long plane trips with the added burden of musical instruments are exhausting as well. So how can a musician make their traveling experience easier? Here are some tips -

If You’re Flying to a Gig
If it's at all possible, carry on your instrument. Horror stories abound about lost or ruined irreplaceable instruments. Don't take the chance, if you can avoid it. Many airlines offer a half-price ticket for an extra seat, where you can place a medium-sized instrument (like a guitar).

If you're a drummer or upright bass player, consider leaving them at home and requesting that instruments be provided for you at your venue. Naturally, it's not pleasant to have to play a rental instrument, but it might be worth it.

If you absolutely MUST check your instrument, be sure to gate-check it so you can be sure it's on the same plane with you. If your clothing gets lost, you can still play your gig. If you don't have your violin, though, you might be out of luck... who knows if there's an available rental or instrument to borrow in the area where you're playing?

If You’re Driving
Whether you're in a bus, a van or a car, be sure that your vehicle is inspected, your license plates are up to date and your fluids are all topped off. If you're going to be covering a significant amount of ground, get your oil changed before you leave, even if you're not due. You'll save money on gas if your car is running better.

Make sure all of the "drivers" in the band have valid driver's licenses and that they BRING THEM.
A day at a police station could cause you to miss a show.

If possible, make hotel reservations ahead of time. However, when you're at a rest area, see if
you can pick up those free convenient booklets of hotel coupons in case you need to stop earlier or you feel that you can drive an extra hour or two.

Sign up for hotel frequent stay programs. Many bands rent several hotel rooms per night, and the free stays can really add up quickly. If you can afford to, save the free stays for those "low nights" when the show didn't sell well and your pockets are light.

Read more traveling tips for musicians by our Guest Editor, Megan Romer.


Guest Editor Bio - Megan Romer has worked in the music business for many years and spent many, many days on the road with various bands. She now works as a freelance writer and writes the Board Games Site at BellaOnline. She can occasionally still be seen on tour with The Red Stick Ramblers, her significant other's band.