Pleasure Principle – TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the electronic artist, Pleasure Principle, gives you his tips for being on tour. You can check out the feature, after the break.

1. Rest
Traveling–whether domestically or internationally–can interrupt your bodies natural cycle. Switching from planes, trains and automobiles while crisscrossing time zones can take its toll and therefore put wear and tear on your body and mind which ultimately can affect your performance and energy level. Before leaving for tour, make sure to pack earplugs, sleeping eye mask and an airplane neck pillow. This will ensure that regardless of where you are, you can get the proper rest you need in between gigs and while traveling.

2. Diet
Whether you’re touring your own country in a van or jet-setting from city to city, food options can be extremely limiting–especially in airports, rest stops and gas stations. The traditional diet of touring American bands is often limited to Subway and Taco Bell. While fast food is cheap and widely available, it’s not sustainable. When touring, make sure to stay hydrated, take your vitamins, supplements and Emergen-C packets regularly to maintain optimum health and stave off germs. Stay away from fast and processed food whenever possible and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. This will help ensure your physical and mental health, appearance and provide the energy needed while on tour.

3. Exercise
With a hectic touring schedule, especially one that consists of traveling from the tour van or plane, to taxi to hotel to soundcheck and performance then back to the hotel or after party, it leaves little time to exercise and stay physically fit. Waking up early each day to allow 30 minutes of exercise each day will ensure you stay physically in shape, mentally alert and maintain the needed energy while on tour. Packing running shoes and one exercise outfit will prepare you for a morning run or a hotel gym workout. No gym? No problem. Take 30 minutes to do a DIY yoga session in your room. It’s free, easy and you can practice anywhere. Don’t know how? Youtube it.

4. Packing
When traveling for more than a week, it’s easy to over pack. Especially during the winter months. Personally, I prefer a hard shell carry-on (my choice is Delsey–or any brand with a built-in USB charger) or backpack with a weekender duffle. Also, never check luggage unless absolutely necessary.

5. Wardrobe
All a man needs on the road is 2 complete outfits (including shoes, trousers, shirt and jacket/coat), plenty of socks and underwear and a good pair of sunglasses. A nice leather jacket can be easily paired with suit pants and a collared shirt to “dress it down” and a nice blazer can be worn over a t-shirt and jeans to “smarten up” your look. This will lighten your travel load and make extra room for shopping while on the road.

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