Touring overseas might seem like a dream, especially when you’re going to places you’ve never been to and doing what you love. However, it can be more complicated and risky than touring in your home country. If you’re thinking of booking an international tour, consider these three things:
Don’t view tour as a vacation
Touring, while fun and exciting for many musicians, takes tons of work to pull off. You might have a day off here and there to explore, but the majority of your time will be spent traveling, hanging out in green rooms, and loading your equipment in and out of venues. If you can view international touring with a music-first and let’s-enjoy-ourselves-when-we-can mindset, you’ll be far happier than if you go into it thinking it’ll be a fun vacation.
It’ll be a challenge to earn money on tour
It’s unfortunate, but many bands actually struggle not to lose money while touring internationally. Get into the mindset that you and your band members will lose money before you play your first show. Some other significant costs to consider include: shipping your instruments or renting them, visas, renting a car or van, etc. Here’s a consolation – international touring can be expensive even for well-known, successful artists.
Be aware of international rules and regulations
Depending on where you choose to tour, some locations have strict rules about foreigners coming into their countries and working, and require bands to get permits before performing. Ignoring some of these rules could result in fines or even being banned from entering the country. Do plan ahead, because failing to do this can cost you money, time, and peace of mind. International touring gets much more complicated the more countries you visit, so keep this in mind if you’re thinking about doing this.
This is definitely not an argument against touring in different countries. If you reign in your expectations, plan ahead, and can make the finances work, doing this could lead to huge opportunities for your music.
