2) Pace Yourself: You’re probably going to want to stay out all night after concerts, especially in new places, and it’s probably sleep that you’ll be giving up. However, sleep is what keeps you healthy, and rests your voice. Also, when going out, realize that loud and smoky places take the largest toll on your voice; simply breathing and speaking are taxing. Make sure to know your limits, and pace yourself accordingly.
3) Bring a Water Bottle: On stage, while you’re traveling, before bed, when you first wake up and just about every point in between, drink water. You can’t drink enough water. Your health and your voice are both reliant on drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day under normal conditions, and more when you’re stressing yourself (as you do when you’re performing and traveling).
4) Learn the Language and Customs: Even a few words in the local language will help make your dealings with hotel clerks and waiters more pleasant and fruitful, and audiences appreciate it when you thank them in their native tongue. In addition, a little knowledge about local customs and traditions can make for more informed decisions, and sometimes lead to witty stage banter.
5) Buy a Phone Card: Unless your cell phone still works where you’re going, you’ll probably need to use local phones to make calls, and they can be quite expensive (especially in hotels). A phone card makes it easier for you to stay in touch; your loved ones and business will appreciate it.
6) Pack Light: You’ll most likely be staying in a different hotel every night, and that means lots of luggage lugging. Consider polyester stage clothes that can be washed in your hotel sink and will be dry by morning.
7) Prepare your Repertoire: If you’re singing outdoor festivals, make sure you have a song that everyone will know and can sing along with. If you’re singing at colleges, know a recent college radio hit.
8) Take Time for Yourself: The longer the tour, the more concentrated time you’ll be spending with the other members of your group, and the greater chance they’ll begin to get on your nerves. Make sure to take some time away from the “pack” at times: e.g. get a single room or use a day off to see the sights on your own (or with local friends).
9) Be Prepared: When packing, consider anything you might need, and if it’s small, toss it in: bathing suit, light rain coat or umbrella, power converter, phrase book, etc. Also, have a little extra cash (in local currency) stashed away, as well as your credit card & passport numbers stored in a place other than your wallet. Should you be the victim of theft, it’ll make your recovery much easier.
10) Keep a Scrapbook: There will be a number of memories that you’ll want to preserve, and 10 years from now you’ll appreciate the little extra time it took to collect things along the way: a copy of the local flyer/ publicity brochure, a torn ticket, photo of the location, newspaper promo or review, sticker from the local radio station, etc.
What have you learned on the road? (comment below)
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