Title: Tips for the Road: Smart Spending (And Saving) While Touring
Hi there! Over the years, I’ve experienced various touring styles. I’ve lived on boats and trains, and I’ve had week-long stays in hotels. But I’ve also experienced the not-so-glamorous side, like doing van and box truck tours which can absolutely flip your world upside down.
When it comes to splurging, here’s what I found to be good investments:
1. **Daily Contacts**: Yes, these little guys can get costly, but the convenience they offer is priceless. Imagine not having to worry about your contact case tipping over in a constantly moving bus, or the extra steps to clean and disinfect them. Just pop them in the morning and toss them out at night.
2. **All-in-One Razor**: Initially, I thought my friend’s Schick Intuition razor was an unnecessary expense. But when I was trying to pack a razor and shaving cream into my cluttered luggage every day, I saw the value. It saves so much space and hassle!
3. **Quality Luggage**: Your luggage is bound to take a beating on the road. Investing in good luggage can save you a lot of trouble, especially during those frantic rushes to get to the next location. Light luggage can also be a lifesaver for frequent flyers, along with an easy-to-organize carry-on for swift security screenings.
4. **TSA Precheck**: For us frequent flyers, TSA Precheck is a gem. It’s only $85 for five years, or $17 a year. That’s a small price for the convenience it offers.
5. **Swap Liquids for Solid Bars**: Spilled liquid products in your suitcase are a nightmare waiting to happen. So, if there’s a bar version of your essential product, go for it! From shampoo to fabric softener, these can be a real space and mess saver.
Now, what about savings? Here are things I learned from experience you can skip:
1. **Snacks**: I found that while a snack or two in your bag can work, most of the time, you’ll find plenty of food options at the hotels and theaters.
2. **Neck Pillows**: It might just be my personal preference, but a real pillow works better for me than any neck pillow ever did. Besides, carrying a pillow with you isn’t as much of a hassle as one might think!
These are my personal tips from the road. What about you? What do you splurge or save on during tours? Share your experiences!