26 Years on the Road: International Touring Tips from a Veteran Production Manager.

This year marks my 26th year of touring.

By the end of this year alone, I’ll have performed on six of the seven continents and played shows in my 80th country.

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks specific to international travel that I’d like to share. I’ll skip over the generic travel tips and focus instead on advice for navigating global touring.

Power: An International Primer

Let’s start with a quick international power primer—not for equipment or stage power (that’s a whole blog in itself), but for your personal electronics like phones,laptops, and other essentials.

The good news is there are really only 3 variables you need to understand

1. Voltage. In the US, we use 120 Volts AC. In many other countries, they use230 or 240 Volts.

2. Frequency. In the US we use 60hz power and in the majority of the rest of the world, they use 50hz power. (more about this later)

3. Physical Plug. This is the outlet (or socket) that you physically plug into. In the US we typically call these “Edison” plugs. In the UK they use a type G plug and most of Europe is type C or F.

The good news for those that travel is that the majority of consumer equipment(cell phone and computer chargers, etc.) are what they call “Auto Switching.” This means they can run on any voltage or frequency in the world. All consumer US Euro UK electronic devices have a label that will show its operating range. Here is an example:

Look for the input voltage, if it reads something like: 100-240VAC 50/60hz, that means it will work anywhere in the world and you only need to adapt the plug. SK

Ross makes my favorite travel adapter. It’s robust and can adapt to or from almost all plug types. Many of the fancier adapters have extra parts that easily break.

If your device only lists one voltage on it such as: 120V 60hz or 240V 50hz, that means it will only work with that specific voltage and frequency.

Don’t Trust a Transformer

While travel transformers can change voltage, they don’t change frequency.Many appliances—like hair dryers or curling irons—require the correct frequency to function properly. Even if they turn on, they may not heat up. Don’t waste money on a travel transformer—buy dual-voltage appliances instead.

Also, avoid plugging power strips into transformers or adapters. Many power strips have built-in circuitry (surge protectors, USB ports, or lighted switches) that can fry if used with incorrect voltage. Unless your power strip is a basic, non-smart one, it likely won’t work abroad.

Want to know the plug types and voltage for any country? This site is a fantastic reference:https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country

Staying Connected

Most major U.S. cell providers offer international plans, but roaming data can be slow and inconsistent. I supplement my provider’s plan with an eSIM data plan. All modern phones support eSIMs, and setup is simple—you just download an app.They’re fast, affordable, and hardware-free.

In Europe, I currently use the Saily app for eSIM data. Highly recommend.

Health & Meds

An obvious one is to carry all of your prescription medication with you and ensure you have enough for a few extra days if your trip gets extended. Prescriptions should be carried in their original bottles that show the script, dosage and your name. On top of my scripts, I carry a literal pharmacy worth of over-the-counter medicine with me. What is easy to find in the US may not be available OTC in other countries. I have with me; Tylenol, Advil, Imodium, Pepto, Benadryl, Tums, melatonin and a variety of other meds that I may need.

Emergency Cash

I always keep a few hundred U.S. dollars on hand. Cards can stop working or get lost, and cash can be a lifesaver. It’s peace of mind you won’t get stuck somewhere without resources.

Travel Hack: The USB Fan

We’re used to A/C and air flow in the U.S.—that’s not standard everywhere else.One of my top hacks: carry a USB powered fan. I also bring a portable battery that can power the fan for 8 hours and recharge my phone. I never travel without it.Whether on a flight, train, or in a stuffy Euro hotel room, airflow helps me sleep.

Eating Smart on the Road

Staying healthy on tour is tough. I could write an entire blog about that alone. One thing that helps me: always have a plan. I carry a stockpile of protein bars—most in my road case, some always in my bag. It gives me a healthy option when I'm stuck with junk food.

Weather Is Wild

Touring across continents means unpredictable weather. Some of the coldest I’ve ever been was during summer in Europe! On this tour alone (June–July), we're seeing temps from 45°F and rainy in Sweden to 105°F and humid in Italy.Be prepared. Always, This means: Rain gear, a hoodie and even a beanie—all essential, especially for outdoor stage crew.

Final Thought: Perspective Is Everything

Your attitude is a choice. We live amazing lives—traveling the world on someone else's dime, and even getting paid to do it. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s tough being away from loved ones. It’s okay to feel that.

But this life is a privilege.

If you find that time away takes too much of a toll—mentally, physically—be honest with yourself. Maybe international touring isn’t for you. That’s okay. You might be better suited to domestic touring or weekend gigs.

What’s not okay is staying in a situation that makes you unhappy or unhealthy.That impacts everyone around you. Make the changes you need for your well-being. You deserve that, and so does your team.