It’s February. There may be snow on the ground and ice on the sidewalks. Your school schedule is back in full swing after January’s re-entry. Some travel daydreaming is definitely in order, so let’s talk PACKING.
While it’s obviously too early to pack a suitcase, it’s the perfect time to think through your packing strategy. Let’s get into it!
Pack Like a Pro
Knowing HOW to pack is just as important as knowing WHAT to pack. A few insider tips:
- Only bring a suitcase, your instrument case, a carry-on (usually a backpack) and a small personal item like a purse.
- To avoid overage fees, make sure your suitcase is 60 linear inches (H+W+D=60 or less) and a maximum of 50lbs. once fully packed.
- Don’t guess! Weigh your packed suitcase with a portable luggage scale. You can find them online for less than $20 and trust us, they’re worth it.
- We’re in love with packing cubes to keep suitcases organized. You can also find these online and at many retailers.
- Your backpack will be your best friend on tour. Stay tuned next month when we dedicate a whole post to this versatile little carry-on.
What to Bring
Backpack – check! Suitcase – check! But what should you pack in those things? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need on tour:
- Travel Clothes – Comfort + layers are the name the of the game on tour. You’ll need 15 days’ worth of comfortable pants, shorts, shirts, socks, etc., plus warmer layers for cool evenings – like a hoodie, sweater or jacket.
- Performance Clothes – We want you looking like the polished performance unit that you are, so be sure to review the list of performance wear provided by your AOM State Coordinators.
- Walking Shoes – You’ll be walking. A lot. Bring a pair of high-quality, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers that you’ve broken in ahead of time. Blisters on tour are not a good time.
- Packing Cubes – Yes, they deserve a second mention. They’ll keep your suitcase (and life!) organized on tour.
- Phone Charger – It’s a small thing, and easy to forget, but trust us – your trip is much more enjoyable when you remember it.
Also, BRT will provide you with a complementary power adaptor for anything that uses a battery. But if you think you might need a spare, that’s never a bad idea!
Stay tuned for next month’s post, where we’ll talk backpacks, daily organization and what you need to feel comfortable and confident on long tour days. We’re counting down with you!