Though this is my first tour, I feel I've learned things I didn't know before. Therefore, I wanted to share some touring tips for my friends (heading into tours of A CHORUS LINE, THE COLOR PURPLE, and SPAMALOT) that will help save money and sanity!
Errands
- Banking
- Obviously, notify them you'll be traveling!
- Go paperless.
- It's the dawning of the age of greenness!
- You don't want Mom involved in your financial affairs...
- Register for a rewards card.
- Charge everything.
- Set up a Mint.com account for budgeting.
- Print your statements for your accountant at tax season!
- Use your points for recreational travel or a pre-paid Christmas!
- Direct deposit will keep money IN your account...
- Set up auto-pay for your bills.
- Research
- Learn about the rules of minimalism (You don't want to carry things you won't need).
- Sign up for all rewards programs
- Hotels
- Airlines
- Pharmacies
- Retail
- Starbucks
- Follow Tony's tips!
Packing
- Get good luggage (Heys has been suggested)
- Something lightweight yet durable...
- Leave room to grow
- Get a smart phone, stupid!
- Lost? I'll get directions!
- Need Yelp? Find out what others recommend.
- Instant pics and videos and access to your Twitter and Facebook!
- Download free podcasts
- Keep your business going--email all day long!
- Buy a durable external hard drive
.
- Back it up (You don't want to lose your stuff)!
- Use Handbrake to rip your favorite movies and TV shows!
- Keep yourself entertained on long travel days
- Share with your tour mates!
- Pack a power strip
. Some hotels only have ONE outlet!!!
- Buy Purex's new detergent sheets
. It saves space and is less messy.
Bus
- Find the perfect bus buddy.
- Someone you don't see all the time--but will and can!
- Find your position (I would suggest you sleep on the floor and get an aisle seat).
- Buy a shower caddy
for the bus window.
- Store your headphones
and *headphone splitter
!
- Keep some snacks on board!
- Invest in a foam egg crate
and good pillow
!
- A sleep mask
and Benadryl
can also help you to get good rest...
Hotel
- Eat ANY free food.
- ...sneak some home for later!
- You can easily make oatmeal and coffee in your room!
- Grocery shopping saves SO much money...
- Call ahead to get a fridge and microwave.
- A plugged sink with ice can serve as a mini fridge!
- If the front desk is "out of quarters," refund your dollars in their vending machines! Hotcha!
- Ask your local crew and staff for recommendations.
- Find the hot restaurants and bars!
- Get the best stylist in town!
- Going out is expensive...
- Pre-game at home and BYOB!
- Ask about specials/happy hour when arriving.
- Just say no (once in a while).
Hope our paths cross out there!!!
(((LOVE)))
Tony
