Copy your ID. Have one or two sheets of paper with a copy of all your identification that you have with you. Keep one at home in a safe place and take the other one with you. The one with you should be placed in the safety deposit box of the hotel. Put it in a private pocket of your suitcase while you are on the plane. This will help you tremendously should you lose your wallet or have it stolen.
Only take the ID and credit you need. Leave the rest at home in a safe or safe place. You don’t really need that Sears Credit Card in Frankfurt, do you?
Take the fakes. Ladies, I know it’s tempting, but unless you can deal with losing it, don’t use it on the road. Use the crystal instead of the diamond. Any valuable jewelry you take with you should be in your carry-on rather than checked on the plane, so if your luggage is lost you aren’t out your Aunt Millie’s heirloom pearls. The same goes for any medicines you may need. Treat your music and your meds as valuables and keep them close.
Get to the airport early. Not only do you avoid long lines at check-in, but you can request the best seat, like the emergency exit row, which gives you more leg room than most first-class seats. Remember to bring things to do with you (don’t study your music—save that for the plane) in case the flight is delayed.
Brown-bag it! Having snacks with you on the plane is a good safety. Often airlines don’t serve a meal on short flights. When a flight is delayed you sometimes have to sit on the runway with no service, and having your own stash ensures that you won’t go hungry. (It also gives you something to pass the time while you wait and assures you of meeting any particular dietary requirements you have.)
Stay hydrated! It’s important for everyone but especially for singers to keep the cords wet. Alcohol is the worst thing for a singer—it is a big dehydrator.
Carry your medicine chest with you. Don’t assume that you will be able to find what you need wherever you are. Take it with you. If your doctor can prescribe a “safety prescription” for you of antibiotics, sleep aids, etc., then you are ready to medicate at a moment’s notice. NEVER take medicines without consulting your doctor first.
Check things out. Call your hotel ahead of time and ask questions:
Am I in a smoke-free room?
Do I have a corner room, away from the elevator? (Better for singing)
Is breakfast included?
Is there room service, a VCR, internet accessibility, laundry service, a coffee maker etc. This will help you to know what to bring, i.e. if there is a VCR you can bring study video for the role or your favorite video with which to “veg out” after rehearsal.
Know what you’ll need. Everyone has different needs and priorities. Analyze carefully what you have at home and what you use the most. Packing light is important, but having travel-size things with you saves money and time:
*Woolite (this is the best way to hand wash your clothes, as it has an enzyme that cleans while items soak)
*Teas and sweeteners you may be addicted to (sometimes you can find Equal and not Sweet n Low, etc.)
*Small pair of scissors
*Tweezers (ever try to find a pair of these, or small scissors, in a medium-sized Third World village?)
*Scotch tape
*Pencil sharpener
*Ace bandage (we all have tripped on stage from time to time, haven’t we?)
*Q-tips (you’d be surprised how much you miss them, and only the higher-end hotels supply them)
*Your favorite bath salts (being a singer is a tough business)
*Matches
*Costume wear you like (your own shoes are the best fit, and guys, you never know when you’ll need that dance belt!)
Get to know where you are going. The Internet is a great place to find out about the city in which you will be singing. Get to know people in the community while you are there—it enriches your experience and gives you your own audience and supporters. Go to your church, synagogue, club, YMCA or whatever your thing may be. Keeping your life on a normal keel while you are on the road makes for a more comfortable and calmer experience. Don’t forget your fuzzy slippers and comfy sweats to save wear and tear on your street clothes!
What are your tips on singing and traveling? We’d love to hear them!
Email us at editoral@classicalsinger.com.
