Are you ready to take your music career to the next level? Or maybe you just want to see the world while making some extra cash along the way. Either way, traveling as a musician isn’t easy.
As a touring musician, there’s a lot to consider when planning your next trip. From where to stay, what gear to bring, and how to pack everything, it can all seem overwhelming.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to plan your next big adventure as a solo artist.
Tips for traveling the world as a solo musician
Traveling as a musician is tough, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. There are plenty of things you can do to ensure a successful trip. It’s actually a topic that is quite important and searched by other musicians and if you try to search it online, there aren’t many resources available. Go ahead and try to search for “Travel for Musicians”.
But we hope to bring our experience and give you some important tips to help you prepare for your next journey.
1. Research Your Destination
Before you leave home, research your destination thoroughly. Find out if there are any festivals happening during your time there. If so, find out who else is performing.
Also, look into local laws and customs. Some countries require special permits for certain types of equipment. Also, check whether you need a visa before arriving at your destination.
2. Pack Lightly
When packing for a long trip, keep in mind that you won’t always have access to Wi-Fi. So, try to pack light and only bring items that you absolutely need.
3. Bring Extra Cash
You never know when something might go wrong. And when it does, you may need money fast. So, bring extra cash with you.
4. Know Your Gear
It’s important to know your gear inside and out. Learn how to operate your instruments, and practice playing them every day.
5. Have Fun
While traveling, make sure you enjoy yourself. Don’t let the stress of the situation get to you. Instead, focus on having fun.
How to get started in music while traveling
While many people think they can only become successful by playing in front of thousands of screaming fans, the truth is that most artists start off small and build from there. And some, do it while traveling the world. How many street performances made you quite surprised at the level being shown by the musician?
You don’t need to play at a huge venue to make money. In fact, if you’re looking to break into the industry, it might be better to start out smaller than in larger venues, whether that’s in your hometown or in another city worldwide.
I’m talking about local gigs, house shows, and coffee shops. These places are perfect for building up a following before moving on to bigger things.
So, let’s say you want to start playing music away from your country.
What do you need? And how do you go about getting started?
How to make money from playing gigs in other countries
You may think that playing gigs in other countries is only possible if you’re already famous. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Playing gigs in other countries is easier than you might think. All you need is a good set of skills, a strong work ethic, and a little bit of luck.
Once you start booking gigs, you’ll quickly find out that most venues won’t care whether you’re a local or a foreigner. They’ll simply want to know that you’re willing to play for free.
So, if you’re looking to make money from playing live shows, here are 5 tips to help you get started.
How to find gigs in other cities worldwide
Traveling musicians often have a tough time finding work in other countries. That’s because they’re usually competing against established bands who already have local fans.
However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can find gigs in other countries. Just make sure you know the ins and outs of working abroad before you go.
Other things to consider
Depending on where you going to travel, look into whether you need a visa at all. If you do, learn about the requirements and how to apply.
Also, figure out how much money you need to earn per month to cover your expenses. Finally, research the best places to stay in each city.
Insurance for your music appliances (and yourself) should be mandatory while traveling throughout the world.
FAQs
Some curious questions people ask when talking with a traveling musician or searching for “travel for musicians”
Do musicians sleep on the tour bus?
Yes, especially if you are a full-time musician. Whether you are just starting or have a massive fan base already, expect to sleep on the tour bus, even if it’s not a comfortable one.
If you are planning to tour around the world, you will probably end up sleeping on the tour bus more than once.
When I am touring, I always bring my own mattress with me. It makes life so much easier when you don’t
Can you make a living as a musician without touring?
Of course, you can. But while touring is great, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend every day on the road.
In fact, you can still make a decent amount of money without ever leaving home.
For example, you could sell merchandise online. Or you could create some live performances for a private audience. Another idea would be to teach people how to play an instrument.