The 3 Best Ways To Save Money When Your Band Hits The Road
Touring as a band is exciting but it can also be expensive as the challenge of managing tour expenses adds up quickly. Luckily, there are ways to save money when touring. Saving money on tour means you can focus more on your music and fans, and worry less about finances.
Most musicians understand the frustration of life on the road when the money isn’t stretching long enough. If you aren’t careful with your money, your tour income will be lower than your expenses. In this article, we will go over some tips to help you save money when out on tour.
1 - Transportation
Transportation is a major expense when touring, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing comfort or reliability. Vans are often preferred by bands for having plenty of space for their gear and being affordable. Buses offer more room and comfort but at a higher price.
Each option has its benefits, depending on your budget, the size of your band, and the amount of equipment you need to carry. Speaking of equipment, investing in second hand ATA cases like these can also save you money and fit neatly inside a van or bus.
Saving on fuel is another way to cut costs. Driving efficiently, like avoiding rapid acceleration and heavy braking, can help. Planning your route in advance also makes a difference. There are apps you can use that will give you the best route for fuel efficiency.
2 - Accommodation
Finding affordable places to stay is key to saving money on tour. Hostels, budget hotels, and Airbnb are great alternatives to traditional hotels.
Hostels can be very budget-friendly, especially if you're okay with sharing space with others. They often have common areas where you can relax and meet new people. Budget hotels offer private rooms at a lower cost than luxury hotels.
Airbnb can be a good choice too, as it provides a variety of options, from shared rooms to entire homes, often at prices competitive with hotels. Traveling during the off-season can also lead to significant savings, as prices are often lower. Planning ahead and being flexible with your accommodation choices can greatly reduce your touring expenses.
Staying with locals or fans is another popular way to save. It's a unique way to connect with your audience and create a network of supporters.
3 - Food and dining
Everybody is familiar with the starving artist clichè. However, the reality is that people want to eat when they’re on tour and that costs quite a bit of money. If you have access to a kitchen at your accommodation, take advantage of it to prepare meals in advance so you don’t have to eat out all the time.
Finding affordable places to eat is easier with apps and resources designed to help you discover good, cheap food wherever you are touring. There are apps that will help you buy takeout food that was not picked up at restaurants for a seriously discounted price.
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