Touring is one of the best ways to grow your fanbase, test new material, and make lasting memories — but it can also be expensive. Between fuel, food, lodging, and gear, costs can add up fast. That’s why touring smart is just as important as touring hard. This guide breaks down practical tips and tools to help you tour efficiently without breaking the bank.
Plan Smart: Routing and Distance
- Use RoadUNO to build a city-to-city route that minimizes fuel costs and maximizes audience reach.
- Book venues in clusters (e.g., 2-3 shows within 2 hours of each other)
- Avoid unnecessary zig-zagging across the map
- Factor in tolls, parking fees, and time between gigs
Stay Cheap: Lodging Hacks
- Stay with fans, friends, or local bands (network ahead of time)
- Use apps like Couchsurfing, Hostelworld, or HotelTonight
- Share hotel rooms with bandmates and split the cost
- Bring sleeping bags for worst-case floor-crash scenarios
Eat Smart
- Pack a cooler with snacks, fruit, and water
- Skip gas station junk and opt for grocery store meals
- Use apps like Too Good To Go for last-minute cheap eats
- Budget $10-15/day per person if possible
Gear Up Without Going Broke
- Bring backup strings, cables, batteries (buy in bulk before the tour)
- Label everything to avoid lost gear
- Use power strips to share outlets at venues
- Split gear transportation duties between vehicles or members
Maximize Merch (Low Cost, High Return)
- Print merch in bulk before the tour (T-shirts, stickers, etc.)
- Offer bundle deals (e.g., shirt + CD + sticker = $20)
- Accept Venmo, CashApp, and cards via Square or Stripe readers
- Keep a cash box with change for smaller venues
Free Tools You Should Be Using
- RoadUNO: Smart tour assistant that helps you plan fast and route efficiently
- Bandcamp: Great for online merch during and after tour
- Canva: Free poster and social media graphics
- Google Sheets: Budget tracker + show log
- Trello or Notion: Keep your schedule organized
Touring doesn’t have to drain your wallet to be worth it. With the right tools, a focused mindset, and a willingness to hustle smart, you can play the shows you want — and still make it to the next city with gas in the tank.