Music Music’s Hot List List series is sponsored by Pricelina where you can book your next music travel adventure.
Nobody knows how to travel like DJs and musicians. Planes, trains, cars… yachts! There isn’t a mode of transportation that these artists don’t love to both ride and perform in. That’s why when we thought about who to reach out to for expert travel advice for this year’s Music Travel Hot List, DJs and artists like techno master Paul Kalkbrenner, tech-house and R&B DJ Myles O’Neal, genre blender BL Suede, vibe king Le Chev, Piano House maestra LP Giobbi, and the multidisciplinary artist and musician East Forest made sense.
These are the people who live for the road—the crazy ones, if you will—transporting from club to club, party to party, country to country, constantly on the move, which only adds extra weight to their advice. Some of the following advice is geared toward people just dipping their toes in, but a few artists offered some gems that are sure to resonate with anyone who loves a life on the road.
Let’s dive in.
Leave your phone at home. Try it for one night. Because eventually, everywhere you go, all your other friends will be taking photos, and you might ask for them. I understand, especially if you grew up with a phone, what it’s like to drop it. But if you have a phone in your pocket with internet, how independent, how under the radar can you really be? Digital detox is so essential, especially at the club. Live in the moment—no one on the phone, no one texting with anyone who’s not at the party, no one taking photos. Everyone just raving.
BLUEDE : Don’t let socks and underwear take up space and leave work at home
Don’t worry too much about socks and underwear. Socks can take up a lot of space, and you can always buy a pack of socks somewhere. Pack a few pairs, but you don’t need one for every day. Maybe bring a couple and then share them around a bit. This really helps keep your bag tight and packed.
And another thing, leave work at home!
When you’re just starting out and you’re hungry, you might say to yourself, “Oh, I’ll bring my studio gear. I’ll bring my microphone. I’ll record on the road.” You won’t record on the road. It’s never going to happen. As much as you plan to work in your downtime, it won’t happen. You don’t need your audio interface. You don’t need your MIDI keyboard. Just keep it simple, because if you end up traveling with all that stuff, you’ll end up losing it.
Keep space for your attacks.
Le Chev : Ask the locals
Get out there and ask the locals what’s going on. If you follow the internet’s advice, you’ll have basically the same experience as everyone else, so ask the locals, “What’s up, where are the sandwiches, where do I go?” And you’ll have a much more unique and memorable local experience.
Also, learn a little of the language, even just saying “please, thank you” and “can I have another drink?” It will go further than saying, “I only speak English.” If you learn a little, you’re showing some courtesy and will likely earn a little more favor.
East Forest : Rest and take care of yourself
Recognize that moving at a constant fast pace—especially when you’re covering a lot of ground—doesn’t always feel natural, and it’s okay if it feels challenging. Travel can be inspiring, but it can also be draining. Put your mental and physical well-being first. Prioritize rest, nutrition, and moments of stillness. The journey is much more meaningful when you’re not running on empty.
Never check a bag. If you check a bag and it’s not there when you land, it can ruin your entire trip. Always keep everything packed, travel with the basics, and you’ll realize you have everything you really need. I’ve done two-week trips with just one piece of luggage—it forces you to be intentional. Stick to neutral pieces that you can mix and match and keep your essentials. Less stuff, less stress.
Choose an airline and hotel brand you travel with consistently and stay with to start earning points and status. Especially on long international flights, you’ll have opportunities to upgrade your seat for more space or even deposits. Building points and status through brand loyalty really pays off!
