Touring can be an exciting experience, but it can also be physically demanding and unpredictable. Long travel days, late nights, and unfamiliar environments can take a toll if you’re not prepared. A personal touring checklist helps artists look after their own wellbeing while on the road. By planning ahead for personal items, health, organisation, and performance preparation, artists can stay comfortable, focused, and ready to deliver their best performance at every show.

Use this checklist to help you prepare to tour, from what to pack to things to remember while you’re on the road.

• Make sure you pack the essentials:
  

• Passport or ID (especially for flights)
• Phone charger and power bank
• Headphones
• Toiletries
• Comfortable clothes and spare socks
• Earplugs (for sleeping or loud venues)
• Laundry bag
• Water bottle
• Medication and basic first aid
• Gear & instrument maintenance tools (strings, picks, sticks)
  
  

• Practice setlist regularly
• Keep important documents backed up digitally
• Save venue addresses and contacts in phone

Health and wellbeing

• Get enough sleep where possible
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat proper meals when you can

Performance preparation

• Vocal warm-up routine (if applicable)
• Instrument maintenance (if applicable)
• Mentally prepare before shows

Organisation

• Keep personal expenses tracked
• Know daily travel schedules

Personal balance

• Take breaks when possible
• Spend time outside the venue environment
• Stay connected with friends/family back home
• Take moments to enjoy the cities or towns you’re visiting

Use our checklist to make sure nothing is missed as you prepare and head out on your next tour.