Let’s do a little holiday shopping, shall we?
Your Ambassadors of Music adventure will be here before you know it. And the holidays are the perfect time to gear up. (Nothing wrong with being ahead of schedule!) They’re an ideal opportunity for family and friends to be a part of your journey, too.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends would love to help send you off in style, so we’ve put together a list you can share with the generous gift-givers in your life. Let’s get to it!
The Packing Essentials
You’ll only be bringing a suitcase, your instrument case, a carry-on (usually a backpack) and a small personal item like a purse. These are all great gift options – here’s what you’ll need, with AOM-specific details:
Suitcase
Choose a suitcase that’s no larger than 58 linear inches (H+W+D=58 or less) and max 50lbs once fully packed. Whether it’s soft-sided or hard is up to you, provided it meets these specs.
Luggage Scale
This is the most precise way to ensure your packed suitcase stays under the 50lb weight limit – which is important if you want to avoid expensive overage fees. There are small, battery-operated (and packable!) options for under $20.
Packing Cubes
We’re in love with packing cubes – they keep everything organized and make packing a breeze. There are endless sets available in every size, color and style, but we prefer the mesh zippered cubes because they compress the best.
Passport Holder
A passport holder that goes around your neck is an absolute must-have. When it comes to traveling safely and keeping your most important travel document close to the vest (literally), the neck wallet is where it’s at.
Backpack
Your backpack will be your best friend on tour, as this invaluable piece of luggage is pretty much always with you. Choose a backpack that’s similar in size to what you’d take to school, preferably lightweight and comfortable.
The Bonus Round
With the essentials out of the way, here are some extras, recommended by past Ambassadors of Music travelers, that you’ll be glad to have on tour:
Light Jacket
Layers are the name of the game on tour. A light, packable jacket is the GOAT for chilly airplanes, unexpected weather or anything else nature throws your way. Think foldable, as in light enough to shove in your backpack on your way out the door.
Walking Shoes
You’ll definitely be getting your steps in over your fifteen days on tour, so comfortable and broken-in shoes are clutch. Whether you choose sneakers, sandals or running shoes is up to you, but we strongly recommend that you choose quality and comfort over style. Nobody wants blisters on tour.
Sunglasses
Summer in Europe is typically sunny and stunning, so a pair of sunglasses will be your favorite accessory. And, let’s be honest, they make everyone look cooler.
Phone
You don’t need a new phone for your AOM experience. But you’ll want to take pictures of all your adventures, and if it’s time for an upgrade anyway, a new phone with an excellent camera makes a great gift. Just saying!
Portable Charger
After a long day on tour, you’ll be thrilled that you remembered to bring a portable charger. It’s is a perfect small gift or stocking-stuffer idea.
Trip Donations
Last on our list, but possibly first on yours, a donation toward your trip makes for a fantastic gift. Our Trip Donations by BRT Payments is a free feature that allows you to “crowd-fund” your upcoming travel costs. Your custom link is already part of your BRT Payments dashboard, so grab that link and start sharing! For friends and relatives who still can’t decide (or can’t stick to the list, ha!), a trip donation allows them to be a meaningful part of your AOM journey.
We can’t wait until you pack your (new) bags and board your flight to the most memorable music experience of your life. Over the coming months, we’ll post our best trip prep advice, as well as some travel inspiration to make the days fly by faster. You won’t want to miss a post!
In the meantime, Happy Holidays!