Essentials: A Packing List for Your First Tour
Embarking on your first tour can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. As you navigate between tour buses and hotels, ensuring you have the right equipment and essentials becomes crucial. Here, we will dive into a detailed packing list tailored to ease your journey and improve your touring experience.
Invest in Quality Equipment
One of the earliest lessons learned on tour is the importance of investing in durable equipment. Cutting corners with cheap gear often leads to frequent replacements and compromises the safety of your valuable belongings. Prioritize sturdy equipment that can withstand the rigors of tour life, safeguarding your stuff.
Laptop: Your Ultimate Companion
A laptop is an indispensable tool for touring professionals. Whether managing personal affairs, staying entertained during downtime, or fulfilling tour-related obligations, a laptop serves myriad purposes. With ample access to power onboard buses, in hotels, and crew rooms, keeping your laptop charged is a breeze. Additionally, investing in a robust laptop case is advisable to protect your device during travel.
Cables: The Lifeline of Connectivity
Charging cables are the lifeline of modern connectivity, ensuring your devices remain powered throughout the tour. Always pack spares to mitigate the inconvenience of a dead battery, especially during long stretches on the road. Additionally, consider including USB plugs and adapters to accommodate various power outlets encountered on tour buses and in international destinations.
Tablet: Compact Entertainment Hub
A tablet proves to be a valuable addition to your arsenal, offering portable entertainment and convenience, particularly in confined spaces like bunk beds on tour buses. Equip it with a SIM card to access data seamlessly, eliminating concerns about connectivity and data usage while abroad.
Phones and SIM Cards: Stay Connected
Staying connected while touring is imperative, but navigating international phone usage can be challenging. Ensure your phone plan allows for seamless usage abroad without exorbitant charges or data limitations. Acquire SIM cards and set them up before departure to avoid complications overseas, ensuring uninterrupted communication with loved ones and colleagues.
Pro tip #1: Disable data usage on ferries and in countries not covered by your plan to avoid hefty roaming charges.
Comfy Jumper: Beat the Chill
Tour buses are often kept chilly to prevent the spread of germs, necessitating the inclusion of a cozy jumper in your packing list. This extra layer provides warmth and comfort, especially during overnight travels.
Wet Wipes: Hygiene On-the-Go
In situations where a post-load-out shower isn't feasible, water-based wet wipes become a saving grace. Opt for water-based wipes to avoid stickiness, maintaining cleanliness and comfort during hectic tour schedules.
Subscriptions: Pre-Plan Entertainment
Ensure uninterrupted entertainment by subscribing to or downloading your preferred content ahead of your journey. Unreliable Wi-Fi on buses or in hotels may hinder streaming, making pre-planning essential for seamless enjoyment.
So……
While this packing list covers essential items for your first tour, numerous other considerations such as waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear, and the roadie role remain crucial. As you embark on your tour adventure, prioritize preparedness and adaptability, refining your packing list with each new experience. Whether through common sense or future insights.
