Top 10 items to take on tour

Well I'm heading on tour around New Zealand this month (July 2013) and thought I'd make a list of the important things one must remember. Of course being a chick on tour is a lot different from what males seem to take. A couple of tops, 1 pair of jeans, maybe a nice top for stage, a book & a toothbrush and that pretty much seems to be it.

Now besides the essential music related things like spare strings, batteries, leads, mic, tape, capo, CDs etc etc there seems to be an endless amount of things you should take - this all depends on how much room you've got in the car/van/whatever.

TOP 10 FOR TOUR
Here is a list of items I think are essential for taking on tour with you!!!

• hairspray
• eyedrops
• phone charger
• book
• pillow
• first aid kit
• baby wipes
• smell good things
• mirror
• notepad & pen

GETTING PRETTY
I must say hairspray, makeup & a good travel mirror really all come under the same lot. If you're travelling from town to town then you've gotta set up, do interviews, find where you're staying, eat something before you drop - you kind of need to be able to get ready anywhere, anytime! I think these are essential!  

FEELING & SMELLING GOOD
Tours are hard work and some days you don't get the luxury of a shower or the ability to wash your clothes. This is where eyedrops come in handy to feel away and not look as tired as you probably are. Baby wipes can freshen any old daisy - and clean up a multitude of yuk as well! Your own soap, toothpaste, deodorant are all MUSTS too!! 

TECHNOLOGY
I must say my ipad would have to be the handiest thing I take on tour. When I don't have a mirror I turn the camera on facing me and do my hair and makeup, bring up a map, read a book, play music, update facebook and what not......magic. However you've got to be able to charge the magic and this is where a USB car charger can come in handy if you don't have time to charge at the venue. Same with cell phone chargers and cameras! 

YOUR MUM WOULD BE PROUD
Take a first aid kit - even if it's just because the little scissors are handy and someone always needs a plaster somewhere along the way (usually because I take stupid shoes on tour and get blisters). Also if you are staying at friends houses along the way it's a nice idea to take something to give them - cheap bottle of wine or one if your CDs if they don't already have it......something so they'll let you come back again and stay next time!

Here is a list of random things I like to try and remember to take for the car:

• ipod or CDs for the car 
• gum
• hand sanitizer 
• a book

• tissues
• water bottle
• coins
• A few muesli bars
  

• panadol
• fluffy socks
• pillow
• lip balm

Couch surfing, bed bunking, sleeping at strangers houses - the important must haves:

• a torch
• earplugs
• a willingness to eat random food 
• sleeping bag

• your own soap
• alcohol 
• slippers or extra socks
• CD to give to say thanks!

I'm sure I've missed a few things so if you can think of anything super handy let me know. I'm sure you're all like what about the 100 other things you didn't mention.....use your common sense. Sometimes a good thing to do is the day before you go - everything you use that morning put it on your bed after you've used it. That way you see what you use daily and have a fair idea........other good thing is if you're going with a band - hopefully someone has remembered to pack something your forgot.


Righteo - better go get my supplies for this Friday! 


Cheers
Katie