If you’re a full-time musician, you’re probably fairly familiar with the challenges that come with spending extended amounts of time on the road. If that’s the case, you probably also know that you need to be prepared for any curveballs that your travels might throw your way. Dealing with flat tires, choosing between inconvenient housing options, and finding inexpensive, healthy food on a regular basis are all common issues that can crop up from time to time.
If you’re prepping for your first winter tour, though, there are several additional things you’re going to want to be aware of in addition to your normal travel preparations.
Winter Travel Tips
Most of the elements of long-term travel are similar whether you’re dealing with sunshine, rain, snow, sleet, ice, or any other combination of the elements.
For instance, no matter the weather, you’re still going to want to stay healthy as you travel. If you deal with motion sickness you might opt to drive more often, or sit in the front seat. On the other hand, if you suffer from insomnia when you travel, you’ll want to bring meds to help you sleep. You’ll also want to take advantage of the time between venues and make the most of your traveling adventures.
In addition to all of the staple preparations and plans, though, you’re also going to want to consider a few critical winter traveling tips:
- Download a weather app and then regularly check the weather conditions before driving.
- Bring sunglasses to help with the glare from the snow as you drive.
- Drive slowly — black ice patches and falling snow can be extremely hazardous.
- Bring a safety kit in the vehicle that includes a tow rope, cat litter for traction if you get stuck in the snow, a flashlight, matches, blankets, and a can of de-icer.
- Get AAA or another roadside service and stay in your vehicle if you get stuck in the cold.
- Make sure you properly understand how to maintain control if your car skids.
- Bring extra windshield washer fluid in your car — preferably one that is made for de-icing — just in case you run out while in between pit stops.
Winter Etiquette
Along with knowing how to handle the wintery weather while on the road, make sure you’re also ready to manage your living arrangements in the chilly weather. After all, sleeping in your car or camping for the evening aren’t going to be options if it’s below freezing.
Whether you’re crashing with a friend, renting an AirBnB, or holing up in a motel, it’s important to remember that the wintery weather can lead to an extra level of messiness as you bundle yourself into each location to crash for the night. Here are a few winter-focused tips to keep in mind when arriving at each lodging:
- Make sure to avoid dragging snow into a home.
- Be considerate of heating bills — don’t crank up the heat if you’re not paying for the utilities.
- Leave each space winter-safe, with doors carefully shut, shades drawn to keep in the heat, and the thermostat turned down (typically 55 degrees is a good balance between preserving fuel and avoiding frozen pipes).
The Homefront in Winter
It’s also important to remember your own home if you’re going to be away during the cold.
Take time to winterize your home by:
- Sealing up any drafts.
- Adding insulation or heat tape (install this carefully so you don’t start a fire!) to any pipes that might freeze.
- Setting the heat to that 55-degree compromise that keeps things from freezing but doesn’t rack up a huge utility bill. Check with your Texas electricity provider regularly to see if your power bill is in balance with your spending while you’re away.
- Asking a friend or relative to check in on things from time to time to make sure everything is copasetic.
Along with winterizing your living space, consider installing a smart home system. This can allow you to turn lights on or off, check video feeds, and monitor your home’s temperature.
If the furnace pilot light goes out, you’ll know instantly. If your sump pump stops working, you can see what’s happening in real-time. Having a quality smart home system provides great peace of mind as those frosty miles go by.
Finally, if you didn’t bring your four-legged pal along for your adventures, you’re going to want to have a good plan in place to keep them happy and warm while you’re away. If a friend or family member is watching them, make sure that they have a warm, cozy place to keep your pup and a good way to let them stretch their legs when its cold out.
Consider purchasing pet insurance, too. A pet can get into all sorts of trouble in a strange place, especially when they’re cooped up and can’t go outside to stretch their legs much. Having insurance set up avoids any awkward money questions if your pet’s guardian needs to take them to the vet if and when an emergency crops up.
Staying Safe During Winter Tours
Being on tour requires a lot of preparation at any time of the year. During the winter, though, it’s especially important to think ahead. Carefully prepare for driving in snowy conditions, cleaning up that winter mess at each lodging, and leaving your homefront safe and sound.
Having these winter preparations in place will enable you to launch into your wintry adventures with peace of mind and a focus on the music-filled days that lie ahead.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee
