Hello there! Are you a musician or a traveling artist? Are you planning to go on tour soon? Well, you have come to the right place! In this blog, I’ll be giving you a step-by-step guide to plan the transportation and accommodation for when you’re on tour.

Itinerary Planning ✈️

The first step in planning a tour is to create a detailed itinerary. It should include information such as the date, time, and location of each show, as well as any travel time between them. This will help you determine the best mode of transportation to use for each leg of the tour.

For example, if the tour involves hopping between different cities, flying would be the most convenient option. Meanwhile, if the tour involves playing in nearby towns, renting a van might be your best bet.

A sample itinerary for a two-week tour

Booking Accommodation 🏠

Once you’ve established your itinerary, it’s time to start booking your accommodations. If your tour involves playing in multiple cities or states, it’s crucial to book hotels or Airbnb rentals in advance to ensure you have a place to stay.

If you have a tight budget, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or motels instead of fancy hotels. However, keep in mind the safety of these accommodations, as security should always be your top priority.

A group of artists gathering together in an Airbnb rental

Choosing the Right Transportation 🚐

As I mentioned earlier, choosing the right mode of transportation is essential in planning a tour. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at some of them:

  • Flying 🛫: this is the fastest mode of transportation, and it’s ideal for long distances. But, it can be expensive.

  • Driving 🚙: renting a vehicle is the most flexible transportation option, and you won’t have to rely on public transport schedules. However, it can be tiring, and there will be extra costs for gas, toll fees, and parking.

  • Taking the train 🚂: this is a great option for shorter distances, and it’s usually more affordable. However, the schedules might not always fit your itinerary.

A band hitting the road in a colorful van

Equipment Transportation 🎸

If you’re a musician, then you’ll need to transport your equipment to every show. This can be challenging, especially if you’re traveling by air or train.

If you’re going to be traveling by car, consider investing in a suitable truck like a Sprinter van that can store your instruments safely. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with the extra costs of shipping each piece of equipment to each venue, which could be expensive and risky.

A guitar and amplifier being loaded into a van

Take Care of Your Health 👩‍⚕️

Touring can be fun, but it can also be exhausting and affect your mental and physical health. It’s essential to take care of yourself, so you can be at your best every night. Here are some tips:

  • Stay hydrated - bring your own reusable water bottle and refill it often.

  • Eat healthily - pack healthy snacks, and find local restaurants that offer healthy options.

  • Exercise - take short walks or stretches to keep your body active.

  • Get enough sleep - avoid partying too hard and get adequate rest every day.

An artist taking a break and stretching during a tour

Conclusion 🎉

In conclusion, planning a tour transportation and accommodation is critical to the success of any traveling artist. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your tour goes smoothly, safely, and happily!

A group of musicians celebrating after a successful tour