ShannonTouring_12-20-13_MAINTouring is a great way to see the world and to perform in exciting new cities. I have danced all over the world and have made lots of great memories dancing in beautiful theaters, but tours can also be very challenging and demanding.  I am going to share a few tips I have picked up over the years for making touring easier.

– Compression tights and tuba grips are wonderful to help reduce inflammation on airplanes.

– Ask for ice when you need it. Hotel front desks, theaters, and even airlines will provide you with a bag or bucket of ice if you ask them.

– When you get to your hotel or apartment, take a 20 minute lukewarm salt bath. A lukewarm shower will work if you do not have a bathtub. This helps to prevent jetlag! Your body absorbs about 80 percent of everything you put on it, so the easiest way to become rehydrated internally after a flight is a nice lukewarm salt bath. Make sure it’s lukewarm but not hot because a hot shower will actually dehydrate you.

– Get used to the new time zone on the first day of your travel and get plenty of rest. The best time for deep sleep is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. This is not always possible since performances often end late but try your best to get as much sleep as possible.

– Find grocery stores and good restaurants near your hotel and theater so that you can stay well nourished. Always pack a few of your favorite snacks or power bars to have in case of an emergency!

– Make the hotel room comfortable by unpacking your things. I also always bring a picture of my family to make me feel more at home.

– Make a list of all the sights that you want to see, and try to plan your trip so that you can see as many of them as possible. Use buses, taxis, or trains to get around the city to save your body and make sure you wear comfortable shoes so you don’t wear out your feet.

– Remember to always leave a little extra room in your suitcase in case you go shopping!

Knowing these simple tricks has helped me enjoy my tours to the fullest and perform at my personal best. I hope they will work for you!