For performers, touring offers professional growth, thrilling performances, and the chance to explore new places. However, life on the road is not without its challenges. Whether you’re a musician, actor, or crew member, balancing excitement with the realities of travel is essential. Let’s dive into what life on tour is really like, with tips from experienced pros to help you navigate the journey successfully.
1. Pre-Tour Preparation: Build Your Toolkit for Success
Preparation is key. Rehearse until you’re fully comfortable with the show, and practice managing your energy for various performance conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or heading out on your first tour, identifying what drains your energy and what restores it is essential. Do you need downtime after a show, or does staying socially connected energize you?
Touring takes both physical and mental resilience. Musicians benefit from injury prevention exercises, while actors can focus on vocal warm-ups or breathing techniques. A well-planned pre-show routine keeps you centred, while a post-show ritual helps you unwind after the adrenaline rush.
2. Keep Your Essentials Handy
Tour life means long drives, flights, and varied climates, so keeping your essentials accessible is a must. Whether you’re flying or driving, pack a well-stocked bag with a change of clothes, snacks, and any items that help you feel at home on the road. A fully prepared bag can make a world of difference during unexpected travel delays or long journeys.
It’s also wise to plan for changing climates. You might find yourself in scorching heat one day and freezing cold the next, so pack for both hot and cold weather, no matter where you’re headed.
3. Get Out and Explore: Embrace New Environments
Tour life can be draining, but one of its greatest perks is the opportunity to explore new cities. Don’t spend all your time in the hotel—get out and experience the world around you. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet town, take advantage of local museums, parks, bars, restaurants, cinemas, and outdoor art.
These small explorations can act as a refreshing reset, helping to combat the physical and mental exhaustion that often accompanies life on the road. You may even discover hidden gems that make each stop memorable and help you stay grounded amidst the constant travel.
4. The Importance of Physical and Mental Health
Touring schedules can be relentless, with late nights, early mornings, and continuous travel. Prioritizing your health is crucial. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and get as much sleep as possible. Skipping on proper meals or relying on junk food will eventually catch up to you, so bring along healthy snacks and make smart food choices when you can.
Mental health is equally important. Touring can be isolating, so keep connected with loved ones back home and lean on your tour mates for support. Simple practices like meditation, breathwork, or journaling can help relieve stress and maintain emotional balance during the toughest moments.
5. Adaptability is Your Superpower
Every venue brings new challenges, from different stage sizes to changing technical setups. Stay adaptable and ready to adjust to each space. Before performing, explore the venue and familiarize yourself with the layout to avoid last-minute surprises. Crew members will particularly benefit from anticipating and solving logistical challenges that arise on the spot.
Additionally, building positive relationships on tour is essential. You’re living and working in close quarters with your tour family, and maintaining mutual respect and clear communication makes the journey smoother for everyone.
6. Managing the Highs and Lows of Touring
Touring is full of highs and lows. One night, you’re riding the adrenaline of a great show, and the next day, you’re dealing with long travel hours or technical issues. Learning to handle these fluctuations with resilience is key to surviving—and thriving—on tour.
Create routines that help you reset after each performance and find moments of joy in the smaller experiences. From exploring a new coffee shop to simply getting some fresh air, these moments of personal time are vital for staying grounded.
7. Post-Tour Reflection: Reconnect and Recharge
After the tour, take time to reflect and recharge. What went well? What could you improve for next time? Touring is exhausting, so give yourself time to rest and reconnect with life back home before jumping into the next big project.
Touring is a challenging yet rewarding part of many performers’ careers. With proper planning, adaptability, and care for your well-being, you can thrive on the road and make the most of this exciting chapter in your professional journey.
Share your top tips for staying grounded while on the road! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
