Going on Tour - Need Advice

[Stardust]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 6:13pm

All you fabulous actors & techs out there who have gone on tour, I need some advice.

I'm going on a promotional tour for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this fall - 23 cities in 3 months. How does one pack for a 3 month trip?! I go away for a week and my suitcase is usually bigger than me. I'm limited to two bags + one carry-on (we're flying to our first city, so bags have to comply with airline regulations). We're traveling to all different climates, so I have to be prepared for different kinds of weather. Any tips on keeping my luggage compact and lightweight would be greatly appreciated. And any recommendations on how to keep myself entertained on the long drives between cities?

And if you've been to/live in any of these cities (see dates and cities on my MySpace), I'd love any tips on where to eat/what to see during my limited stays.

Thanks so much!
Always,
Jenn

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 6:32pm

When youre in the Woodfield Mall area, go to Chicago Prime (just outside the mall) for the best steakhouse in the Chicagoland area. Also, what are you guys actually doing at these different sites?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 7:06pm

I traveled in a similar situation and I would buy a lot of space saver bags (the ones you can roll and also vacuum suck, NOT just vacuum only! It's rare to be able to get hold of a vacuum on the road, especially one with a hose).

Now the catch is that it will make your bags heavier. However, you can pay the airlines a fee to accept overweight baggage. I think it was like $20 for American Airlines.

In addition, for extra fees you can bring additional luggage.

ALSO note that on an airline, you can have two baggage, a carry-on, PLUS a "personal item." My "personal item" was a messenger bag with my laptop. My carry-on was another piece of luggage with clothes.

In your situation, though, you'd have to pay those extra fees routinely. Use the space saver bags, just make sure you don't exceed the limit.

ALSO - if you are going to be on trains for your tour, the weight limit is less than the airlines and you CAN NOT pay fees as they do not accept overweight luggage.

[firescape]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 12:03am

here ya go!!

For several years I was on tour for 6 to 10 months at a time. Pack what you may need routinely for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks max. Do laundry as you need it. Most hotels have laundry machines on site. Most also have a laundry service.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 12:06am

What are you doing on this tour?

[SakeDad]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 4:25am

Get to be REALLY GOOD FRIENDS with the wardrobe department!!! I have done several tours and if the wardrobe fold LIKE you they will tell you when they are not using the machines at the theatre (frequently this falls during understudy rehearsals so you can kill two birds with one stone!) Other than that, make sure that EVERYTHING you pack goes with everything else!! If you can only wear that top with a certain pair of pants then leave both the shirt AND the pants at home!
I just (TONIGHT!!) packed for a tour and won't be home for 18 weeks. I have 40 shirts (mostly Hawaiian style and about 10 great long sleeve shirts) and I only packed 6 pairs of pants (3 jeans, 1 dress, 2 brown/khaki) Also make sure your shows go with ALL of your clothes.
The more you can mix-n-match the better. That's the REAL key to it. I am going away for 18 weeks and have ONE large suitcase....pretty good I think!

[vjRichie]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 4:46pm

find a jacket/coat that has a zip out lining for the cooler climates and the liner can zip out when it's not as cold, but a jacket is needed. Thinsulate liners are light and warm.

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 8:26pm

If your a reader on planes or trains, pick up cheap paperbacks that you can leave along the way - don't buy, carry or otherwise indulge in heavy, expensive hardbacks or scripts that you need to keep carrying with you. Used books are even better!

Unless you have very specific skin or hair needs, avoid packing your favorite "products" if they are supplied for free at hotels - shampoo/conditioner and soap are heavy and take up space - plus liquids can leak or explode at the most unfortunate of times.

Keep a plastic garbage bag for your dirty stuff - you will undoubtedly have to pack dirty stinky clothing at some point along the way and it just helps.

Updated On: 7/29/06 at 08:26 PM

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/29/06 at 10:10pm

Pack the essentials, and do wash frequently.