Beginner Bands On The Move: Exploring Travel Opportunities

Travelling as a musician is a difficult and competitive endeavour, but it can be a rewarding experience for beginner bands. Bands at the beginning of their careers will likely travel in a van, which is a more affordable, low-risk, and suitable option for artists with no stable income or regular touring schedule. Vans can be hired or purchased, and are cheap to run and park. However, they don't have sleeping quarters or many facilities, so additional costs for accommodation and food will need to be considered. For international travel, airplanes or cruise ships are options, depending on the band's popularity and schedule.

Vans are a good option for beginners due to affordability, convenience and ease of parking

Touring is a great way for beginner bands to experience travelling and gain exposure. However, it can be expensive, especially for bands with little to no following. This is why vans are a good option for bands who are just starting out due to their affordability, convenience, and ease of parking.

Vans are generally more affordable than other vehicles commonly used for touring, such as tour buses, which can cost between $1,000 to $1,500 per day to rent. Used conversion vans, for example, can be purchased at good prices, and offer a comfortable and spacious option for bands. Additionally, renting a van is also a more cost-effective option for beginner bands.

Vans are also convenient for bands as they provide a space to relax and bond during the tour. They can be outfitted with amenities such as a small TV, VCR, and video game system, and some even have rear seating that folds out into a bed. Vans also offer stability and can be customised to conform to the band's individual needs on the road.

Furthermore, vans are easier to park than larger vehicles, which is beneficial when navigating through cities or tight spaces. They are also more fuel-efficient than some other options, with gas mileage ranging from 16 to 22 miles per gallon. This can result in significant cost savings, especially on longer tours.

Cruise ships are a great way to travel and earn simultaneously

Working on a cruise ship, you will likely be contracted for around 7 months at a time, with around 2 months off in between. This gives you plenty of time to travel and explore new places during your time off. The best part is that you will be travelling to new destinations while you are working too. For example, Cindy Landlust, who worked as a Guest Service Officer on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, got to visit many beautiful places such as the Greek islands, Italy, Croatia, the Caribbean, and more. She even got to go on a free day trip to Moscow!

The pay on a cruise ship may not be amazing, but it is tax-free and you will have no other major costs. Landlust, for instance, was paid $1,800 per month for her position. On top of this, all your living expenses are covered, so you can save up a lot of money. The hours can be long, but everyone around you will be working similar hours, and you will get to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.

There are many different jobs available on a cruise ship, and you don't always need a lot of experience or qualifications. Some positions that are available include kids' club staff, sports staff, entertainment staff, waiters, housekeeping, and shop staff. For certain jobs, such as a Guest Service Officer, speaking multiple languages is a big advantage.

If you are interested in working on a cruise ship, you can apply directly on cruise line websites or through recruitment agents. Just be careful to avoid any recruitment agents that charge a fee, as this is unnecessary—the recruitment agents are paid by the cruise lines themselves. Some trustworthy recruitment agents include Caribbean Cruise Careers and Crown Recruitment. You can also apply directly to specific cruise lines, such as Carnival Entertainment and Disney Cruise Line.

So, if you are a beginner band looking to gain experience travelling, why not consider working on a cruise ship? You will get to travel to amazing destinations, meet people from all over the world, and save up money—all while gaining invaluable life experience.

Air travel is accessible and convenient, but can be exhausting and expensive

Air travel is accessible and convenient, but it can also be exhausting and expensive.

Air travel is a convenient mode of transportation for bands, especially when they need to travel long distances or overseas. It allows them to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time compared to other means of transportation, such as travelling by van. For example, Beyoncé's Formation tour of Europe required the use of 7 Boeing 747 cargo planes to transport all the necessary stage equipment.

However, air travel can also be exhausting and take a toll on one's health and energy levels. The changes in cabin pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, and humidity can impact the body in several ways. Flying can cause dehydration, bloating, stress, and fatigue. It can also increase the risk of developing health issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the cramped conditions and long periods of inactivity. Additionally, air travel may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or disabilities, as it can worsen their symptoms or pose safety risks.

Furthermore, air travel can be expensive, especially for bands that need to transport a significant amount of equipment. The cost of air freight is typically based on the weight and size of the cargo, and bands often have to transport heavy and bulky equipment, such as musical instruments, lighting, and stage sets.

To mitigate the challenges of air travel, bands can take several measures. These include staying hydrated, performing stretches or simple exercises during the flight, and taking precautions to avoid infections by washing hands frequently and carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Additionally, bands should inform the airline of any special requirements or medical conditions in advance to ensure that their needs are accommodated.

Tour buses are efficient, affordable and luxurious, but are difficult to park

Tour buses are a great way for beginner bands to experience travelling and perform in different locations. They are a safe, comfortable, and luxurious way to travel, offering convenience and efficiency. However, they do come with certain challenges, such as parking.

Tour buses can be an efficient way to travel for bands, especially when compared to travelling in a van. Bands often have to travel with a lot of equipment, which can be challenging to fit into a van. Additionally, the lead singer of the band might want to rest their voice and avoid the noise of the van, which can be difficult. Tour buses offer a more spacious and comfortable alternative, with features such as leather seating, a master suite, and a fully equipped kitchen. They also provide a smooth and stable ride, with powerful engines that can handle any road challenges.

Tour buses can also be surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to other options such as renting multiple hotel rooms for the band and crew. For example, renting a tour bus can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per day, which may be more affordable than separate travel and accommodation costs for a large group. Additionally, tour buses can save time and effort by eliminating the need to navigate and park in heavy traffic, allowing the band to focus on their performance and enjoy the journey.

While tour buses offer a luxurious experience, they are not always the most convenient option when it comes to parking. Their large size can make it challenging to find suitable parking spaces, especially in crowded cities or at smaller venues. Bands may need to plan their route carefully and consider the parking options at each destination to ensure they can park their tour bus safely and legally.

Overall, tour buses offer a great balance of efficiency, affordability, and luxury for beginner bands looking to experience travelling and performing in different locations. While parking may pose a challenge, careful planning and consideration can help bands navigate this issue and fully enjoy the benefits of travelling in a tour bus.

For larger bands, trucks and buses are required to transport people and equipment

When it comes to choosing a band bus, size and capacity are crucial factors. The bus should have ample space to accommodate all band members, crew, and equipment. Sleeping quarters, lounge areas, kitchenettes, bathroom facilities, and storage compartments for equipment are standard features on band buses. Entertainment systems, such as TVs and gaming consoles, are also often included to keep band members entertained during their travels.

Band buses offer a cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for individual flights or multiple cars. They streamline travel logistics and ensure the entire group can travel together punctually. Additionally, band buses provide a productive environment, with comfortable seating areas and tables, enabling band members to write songs, rehearse, or work on creative projects during their journey.

Trucks are also commonly used for transporting band equipment. Special trucks with padded walls and nooks are employed to protect the equipment during transit. For example, U2's 360-degree tour utilised 120 trucks to transport their elaborate stage setup, which included a large screen, lights, and 250 speakers.

When it comes to transportation, larger bands often require a combination of trucks and buses to accommodate their extensive equipment and crew.

Frequently asked questions