Whether on tour or hopping from gig to gig, travel is a major part of being a professional musician. It’s rare to have enough opportunities on the doorstep – unless you’re established enough to win a residency at a world-class concert venue! While this can be a time-consuming and tiring element of your career, with proper planning it shouldn’t feel too challenging. 

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Discover the five essential steps to managing travel as a musician which go well beyond the journeys themselves.

1. Plan your schedule carefully

Avoid double-booking yourself or agreeing to impossible journeys by planning your schedule carefully. Keep a detailed diary of performances, including the locations and durations as well as the dates and times, and refer to it each time you receive a request to play.

Before busy weeks and multi-destination tours, use your schedule to create detailed itineraries with performance specifics, travel times – including a buffer for unexpected delays – and any booked accommodation.

2. Protect your equipment

You cannot play without your instruments and accessories, so take care to protect your equipment when on the road. Invest in high-quality cases with cushioning for shock absorption, straps to secure various pieces and hard shells to protect against knocks.

Pay attention to how you pack the car too, ensuring your equipment cannot slide around when you’re driving.

3. Get quality car insurance

Spending more time on the road means you’re more at risk of driving-related dangers such as collisions and theft. Take time to check that you’ve got the right car insurance policy for financial protection should problems occur. 

Prioritise comprehensive policies for business use and include important add-ons like breakdown cover and legal protection. Personal belongings cover is vital as you’re transporting high-value equipment that would be costly to replace.

4. Check your car regularly

Mitigate the risk of accidents by checking your car regularly for fixable issues that could cause major problems if ignored such as slow punctures, grinding brakes and blown bulbs. You should also keep fluids such as oil, screenwash and coolant topped up to optimum levels at all times.

At least once a year put your vehicle through an MOT and ask a mechanic to conduct a full service to ensure your car is in good working order.

5. Prioritise your well-being

Finally, make sure you prioritise your well-being when you’re on the road. As motorway signs often remind us, tiredness can kill, and looking after your mind and body is key to steady energy levels. 

As far as possible around your performances, establish a consistent sleep routine and observe good sleep hygiene practices like limiting screentime and caffeine before bed. Ensure you’re nourishing your system with a balanced diet full of essential nutrients and vitamins. Where you can, fit in exercise, even if this is just a steady walk in between sets.