
I glanced at my pocket calendar map of the U.S. the other day, the one in which I shaded in every state I've traveled to, lived in or just passed through. My current count of visited states is 21 (yes, I've gained another since last I spoke about this!). All but six of those state visits had to do with some sort of musical event.
Yes, there are those who have been critical of me for traveling so far to attend a concert. If all that travel were solely for that purpose, then the criticism may be justified. Maybe. Usually though, there's a lot more to it than taking in a show.
First, some of us just love the experience of travel. I don't love the airline delays and cancellations or the threat of dire weather (which 9 times out of 10 I've had to call in my effective prayer warriors to pray off for my flight time), but flying to me is one of the best experiences in the world when you don't have all that to worry about. For that matter, so also are most travel experiences where I, a freeway chicken, don't have to drive. Second, fans make friends all over the country. Email and message boards make it easy to stay in touch, but how much more fun it can be if you get a chance to actually meet and spend time with those friends.
What is the most logical occasion to bring those elements together? Why, a concert, of course.
Here are a few tips from a seasoned concert traveler to make your journey enjoyable:
- Plan for extra time. If you're behind the wheel, traffic happens. So does getting lost sometimes. If you're flying, remember those infamous delays.
- Take good notes. I do a lot of concert reports for my website. Rather than just write about the concert. I try to include a few details about where I went and how it enhanced the overall experience. That gives you much more to say to people about it besides "it was great".
- Do your research. If you are going to be standing in line to get in to a show, be sure you're dressed for it. Comfortable shoes are a no-brainer. So are the right clothes if you're waiting outside. I remember going to a show in the South where there was a cold snap and many people were enviably eyeing my Minnesota parka.
- Be flexible. It might be worth giving up one night of beauty sleep to fellowship at the popular eatery after the show. You never know who you might spot.
And most of all…don't leave home without your tickets.
Happy travels…and enjoy the show!
Wendy Vickers
http://www.wendyv.com
http://www.embraceencouragement.com
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