Great video, as always, R.J. I am a flight attendant, and I travel for a living. I second the jacket recommendation. I always have a sweater in my bag, no matter what time of year it is. I usually fly to Europe, and I’ve experienced random temperature drops to around 50 degrees, in August. I also second the Imodium recommendation, but I’d add decongestants/cold medication and painkillers to the list. Most countries don’t have 24 hour Walmarts. Pharmacies close early, like 6 PM, in a lot of places, and in most countries they don’t have drugstores or access to over the counter meds at grocery stores like we do in the U.S. Having a good supply of basic medication with you is key. As far as the flight crew not being able to say anything to you about bringing your instrument on board I would say it’s not something I’d count on. I go out of my way to accommodate instruments since I’m a musician, but a lot of airline employees will want you to check them. Unless you have some kind of premium status with an airline, or purchased a more expensive ticket, you’ll be boarding with the bulk of the passengers in the main cabin. It has become common practice in recent years for airlines to start checking bags as soon they start boarding coach. They don’t even bother to ask the flight crew if there’s still room on board, they just start arbitrarily checking everyone’s bags to avoid a delay at the end of the boarding process. Instruments are a big target for bag checking. The gate agents are probably going to want to check them if they see them, before you even get to talk to the flight crew. Don’t count on using a closet on the plane. Planes used to have big closets on them, but very few do anymore. A lot of airplanes have closets that you couldn’t fit a guitar into even if it were empty, and usually the crew’s bags are in the closets to free up overhead space for the passengers. You’d have a hard time fitting anything larger than a harmonica into most airplane closets once they’re full of bags. Don’t fly with a 10$ gig bag. Get a bag that you’re confident will protect your guitar if it gets tossed about 6 feet and lands on hard surface. The baggage handlers aren’t famous for being gentle with bags, and they’re most likely not going to take any special care with your instrument. This is turning into a book, so I’ll end it here, but those are my two cents as a professional traveler.
ur imodium tip was the most pro level hack of em all! my stomach is like a mesa boogie amp, its VERY TOUCH SENSITIVE and i can assure u, ive had more "traumatic experiences" on the road 2 last a life time lol!!!
Yes, chasing bookings , packing gear , promoting and dealing with un-cooperative people, driving long distance . . that is the work part of it. The Playing music part is fun.
Brilliant! I totally sympathise on sleeping. Can never sleep a wink in hotel rooms - bright, hot, over-soft beds and always some annoying noise you can't trace.
R.J. Ronquillo real talk, when you’re on the highway and nature calls stop at a hotel, not a truck stop or gas station. The hotel bathrooms are always way cleaner than Love’s.
Good advice. Tip for those that can't afford expensive noise cancelling head phones, I recommend the Howard Leight Laser Lite Ear Plugs. I've tried a few ear plugs and these are by far the best. Very comfortable and if you push them all the way into your ears, they cut out almost all normal background noise.
+1 for Reunion Blues gig bags. funny, someone buys a $1000 guitar and wont spend $200 for a gig bag. Flashlight, towel/hanky, and gum. thats all i have to add. Love the channel RJ
There is about a 90% chance that they’re going to want to check your instrument when you fly. Get a really good gig bag. It’s cheaper than getting a new instrument to replace your broken one.
Love how many of your tips related to sleep. Adequate sleep is critical, especially since travel already stresses the body. I’ve been avoiding spending the $350 for Bose, but you tipped me over the decision point. I’ll use your Amazon link to purchase.
As a Guy from Germany i had to google it, i should have listend to your Warning :-D But other than that, those are some great Advises and Tips Keep the great Videos coming Cheers :)
You can have ice and drink the tap water in the UK and Germany too. Both are excellent and made for drinking. Definitely going to invest in the eye mask!
I also carry an Anker charger with a couple 10 ft cables for the preboarding charging of phone and iPad (never know how close I can sit to an outlet). Downloading movies from Amazon Prime and Netflix prior to boarding to watch on long flights is how I roll.
Great Tips! I spend a lot of time sleeping in hotels in the daytime. An Eye Mask is a lifesaver! I usually turn the tv on real low too to drown out housekeeping in other rooms. Just put it on a channel that you want to watch ;)
Bro thats so true. A neck pillow. With my band i travelled once far. And i remember putting when not used in my guitar case. Pillow is essencial. Important for rest. Without rest, no Show
Good tips and hilarious! I am going to seriously consider those eye blackout mask. I too finally broke down and got the bose headphones. I ended up getting a travel sound machine that has been very valuable but if space is limited your solution is better.
Not to blow smoke up your ......, but if there was one guy I’d like to play guitar like, you’d be that guy. I like your guitar demo videos. Hell, I want a Eastwood Airline guitar because of you. Keep it up!
1 roll of tough plastic packaging tape ; for the Quick repair of most things inc leads ,chargers,Baggage +the security of taping yr locks on anything that might get pilfered in the hold /transit at airports etc etc. oh and.....splint a broken wrist or worse ! A sharp finger-nail will normally tear off neatly just what u need . Cheers+Cinzano
Hey RJ, you can drink the tap water in Scotland! It's good. Please come and visit us, the water is potable, and so is the whisky - I'll stand you a round or two!
Nice work. You could get one of those Leatherman bracelets that is TSA compliant that has all of the screwdrivers and stuff on it (no knife of course), but they are like $150 I think.
Literally watching this on a bus with a tempurpedic neck pillow behind my lower back for lumbar support; watches RJ tell me to do what I’m already doing. 😂
Got to your video and thank you for excellent tips! I'm retired now; but I've worked overseas for many decades with lots of adventures in eating/drinking everything. .. sometimes with dire consequences. With access to google, I'd suggest to "read up" on the country, city, and especially local customs. Definitely, make sure your smart phone works where you're going. Not to be personal, but are you of Filipino descent? I'm one "Pinoy".
Man, I’ve only toured the states, but given my stomach and the issues it’s presented, I want to double 👍 the Imodium suggestion. Just....yeah, traumatic. -Aaron
Having viewed numerous RJ videos, I had an inkling that this guy is funny, but goddamn! He's fucking hilarious. Comedy chops almost equal to guitar chops. Intentionally or not, this makes for a great audition tape for any of a variety of entertainment venues.
Yes, I've never had damage. Granted I don't tour with a Les Paul or anything with a 17 degree headstock angle. I try to carry on my guitars every time, and if I can't, I make sure the gig bag is very protective. You can stuff clothes in them for more padding.
@@RJRonquillo Good to know! And if the thought of putting a gig bag in checked luggage causes stress and a weird feeling in the stomach... Imodium to the rescue!
I am a flight attendant, and neck pillows are the number one item we find left behind on airplanes. There’s usually at least one left on every flight, and sometimes 6 or more of them lying around.
Hi RJ quick question getting ready to go to Indonesia, I need to get a travel size 220/120 converter for charging phones etc. what do you recommend? Thank you
I believe most electronics like phones and computers run on both voltages, so you just need an adapter. I use this if I need voltage conversion - amzn.to/2YC0peG
This is the best one I’ve found. www.amazon.com/Skross-World-Travel-Adaptor-3/dp/B002UDA3IY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=skross&qid=1558973454&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 Also, I’d recommend one of those outlet expanded adapters, like this: www.amazon.com/Outlet-Extender-Night-Cruise-Travel/dp/B078SLTZWB/ref=zg_bs_6396125011_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X983ZK937T3DZEJ5D6Z3 A lot of hotels only have a single outlet by the desk, and I usually need to plug in 2 or 3 things at a time.
Hey man awesome tips, thank you. I have a question. As a musician travelling with a guitar on multi-airline flights, which of the baggage policies apply? Like i'm traveling from Washington DC to Adelaide in Australia, with two connections: First flight is with United which is friendly with guitars as carry-on baggage, but the second flight is Qatar which I know makes you check your guitar, so not sure which rule will apply, could you please clarify this? thanks in advance.
Great question. If you are carrying on your guitar in a gig bag, you should be fine, as long as the plane isn't a small commuter plane. Qatar let me carry on my guitar, but it was a transcontinental flight, and a big plane. Just make sure your gig bag is fairly protective just in case you have to check it. Mono and Reunion Blues are good choices.
R.J. Ronquillo yeah, makes sense. I guess it’s based on the band, how big they are, and number of gigs too. It’s great that you can combine your passion with making a great living. Congrats, you are crazy talented and I love your content!
I have ALWAYS enjoyed your product demos. AND the demos never really provide a chance for your own personality to shine through, since you let the product do the talking. This video, for me, catapulted you from “what an amazing, tasteful guitarist. I wonder if he talks to his band mates?” status to “This guy is unbelievably cool! I want EVERYONE to know him!” And to that point, I will be sharing this video with all of my non-musician colleagues who travel, because they will love and learn from this. Thank you!
As a working musician, I have to transport, set up, and tear down my equipment. I have always said that "I get paid for setting up and tearing down my equipment, and I play for free."
Please don't tell me you don't know the difference between Sweden and Switzerland, cause you sure drink the tap water up here in the north :D All jokes a side, love watching your vids!
Man I dreamed with you last night... we were shooting each other like cowboys across the street then you've thrown a golden sharp pointed smoke granade and invaded home.. I had to surrender. Hope this never happen! Cheers from Brazil
@@RJRonquillo Seriously, you gave some great information about touring, I remember going out to New Mexico to play another Caravan club, my lead singer already told me to bring a jacket, and I definitely needed it at night! Thank you for the great tips, & you're welcome 🇺🇸🦅🎸🤓🏁
Absolutely love this! 🔥 This makes me want to book my next trip asap. Definitely going to subscribe. We just started a couples travel vlog so this is motivation! Check us out! We're a smaller channel but hoping to grow and support other channels with travel inspo like this one!🧡❤️💛💚💙💜
Great video, as always, R.J. I am a flight attendant, and I travel for a living. I second the jacket recommendation. I always have a sweater in my bag, no matter what time of year it is. I usually fly to Europe, and I’ve experienced random temperature drops to around 50 degrees, in August. I also second the Imodium recommendation, but I’d add decongestants/cold medication and painkillers to the list. Most countries don’t have 24 hour Walmarts. Pharmacies close early, like 6 PM, in a lot of places, and in most countries they don’t have drugstores or access to over the counter meds at grocery stores like we do in the U.S. Having a good supply of basic medication with you is key. As far as the flight crew not being able to say anything to you about bringing your instrument on board I would say it’s not something I’d count on. I go out of my way to accommodate instruments since I’m a musician, but a lot of airline employees will want you to check them. Unless you have some kind of premium status with an airline, or purchased a more expensive ticket, you’ll be boarding with the bulk of the passengers in the main cabin. It has become common practice in recent years for airlines to start checking bags as soon they start boarding coach. They don’t even bother to ask the flight crew if there’s still room on board, they just start arbitrarily checking everyone’s bags to avoid a delay at the end of the boarding process. Instruments are a big target for bag checking. The gate agents are probably going to want to check them if they see them, before you even get to talk to the flight crew. Don’t count on using a closet on the plane. Planes used to have big closets on them, but very few do anymore. A lot of airplanes have closets that you couldn’t fit a guitar into even if it were empty, and usually the crew’s bags are in the closets to free up overhead space for the passengers. You’d have a hard time fitting anything larger than a harmonica into most airplane closets once they’re full of bags. Don’t fly with a 10$ gig bag. Get a bag that you’re confident will protect your guitar if it gets tossed about 6 feet and lands on hard surface. The baggage handlers aren’t famous for being gentle with bags, and they’re most likely not going to take any special care with your instrument. This is turning into a book, so I’ll end it here, but those are my two cents as a professional traveler.
Awesome list RJ! Thank you!
ur imodium tip was the most pro level hack of em all! my stomach is like a mesa boogie amp, its VERY TOUCH SENSITIVE and i can assure u, ive had more "traumatic experiences" on the road 2 last a life time lol!!!
Yes, chasing bookings , packing gear , promoting and dealing with un-cooperative people, driving long distance . . that is the work part of it. The Playing music part is fun.
Brilliant! I totally sympathise on sleeping. Can never sleep a wink in hotel rooms - bright, hot, over-soft beds and always some annoying noise you can't trace.
Super Spectacular! Love the shirt!
🔴 What are YOUR travel tips and essentials? Let me know!
R.J. Ronquillo real talk, when you’re on the highway and nature calls stop at a hotel, not a truck stop or gas station. The hotel bathrooms are always way cleaner than Love’s.
a good sleeping bag if possible for those sketchy roadside motels and comfortable shoes
@Rhett Shull Oh totally, and pro pro tip: the ones by the pool or conference rooms (if there's no conference going on) are usually the "better" ones.
Definitely the Imodium!!
For everyday and travel: High quality pillow and well cushioned, supportive footwear! :)
Good advice.
Tip for those that can't afford expensive noise cancelling head phones, I recommend the Howard Leight Laser Lite Ear Plugs. I've tried a few ear plugs and these are by far the best. Very comfortable and if you push them all the way into your ears, they cut out almost all normal background noise.
ronquillo for president!
Yes!, & Guthrie Trap for vice president!
R.J. your are awesome. Thank you.
Awesome!
+1 for Reunion Blues gig bags. funny, someone buys a $1000 guitar and wont spend $200 for a gig bag.
Flashlight, towel/hanky, and gum. thats all i have to add.
Love the channel RJ
Great tips! Yes flashlight is always good to have, I've been in hotels during power outages.
There is about a 90% chance that they’re going to want to check your instrument when you fly. Get a really good gig bag. It’s cheaper than getting a new instrument to replace your broken one.
RJ, we might be brothers, I need every single thing you mentioned to get a good sleep on the road and even at home! Great vid!
I‘ve toured, and I travel A LOT for work and this is spot on!
Love how many of your tips related to sleep. Adequate sleep is critical, especially since travel already stresses the body.
I’ve been avoiding spending the $350 for Bose, but you tipped me over the decision point. I’ll use your Amazon link to purchase.
I put off trying the Bose headphones for 16 years - the comfort really makes a difference on long hauls.
Awesome videos Cheers from Texas!!!!!
Love the sleep headphones.
Thank you RJ. Good info.
Thanks
Man, you’re the best! My experience says you’re 100 percent right
Awesome video bro. Yes that Imodium is 100% the best. Started getting bloated on a plane and it was NOT the business.
You should be a neck pillow salesman. haha on the sleep callopse.
Always useful info - thanks RJ!
As a Guy from Germany i had to google it, i should have listend to your Warning :-D
But other than that, those are some great Advises and Tips Keep the great Videos coming
Cheers :)
The old North Star Bar. One of my all-time favorites. They served great beer before having great beer was a thing.
You can have ice and drink the tap water in the UK and Germany too. Both are excellent and made for drinking. Definitely going to invest in the eye mask!
good shot dude! you are a clever cat!
Cool. Let us know more on traveling with guitar and gear. Cause it is always an issue.. thanks..!!
Excellent tips!
I also carry an Anker charger with a couple 10 ft cables for the preboarding charging of phone and iPad (never know how close I can sit to an outlet). Downloading movies from Amazon Prime and Netflix prior to boarding to watch on long flights is how I roll.
Just ordered the mask! Thanks.
Great Tips!
I spend a lot of time sleeping in hotels in the daytime. An Eye Mask is a lifesaver! I usually turn the tv on real low too to drown out housekeeping in other rooms. Just put it on a channel that you want to watch ;)
Some great stuff covered here, I find as I'm travelling more these days I can put this stuff to use!! Cheers on a great vid RJ!!
Bro thats so true. A neck pillow. With my band i travelled once far. And i remember putting when not used in my guitar case. Pillow is essencial. Important for rest. Without rest, no Show
Love it!
Good tips and hilarious! I am going to seriously consider those eye blackout mask. I too finally broke down and got the bose headphones. I ended up getting a travel sound machine that has been very valuable but if space is limited your solution is better.
LOL ! This was great ! :-)
Not to blow smoke up your ......, but if there was one guy I’d like to play guitar like, you’d be that guy. I like your guitar demo videos. Hell, I want a Eastwood Airline guitar because of you. Keep it up!
Love this video RJ! Insightful and funny! :)
1 roll of tough plastic packaging tape ; for the Quick repair of most things inc leads ,chargers,Baggage +the security of taping yr locks on anything that might get pilfered in the hold /transit at airports etc etc. oh and.....splint a broken wrist or worse !
A sharp finger-nail will normally tear off neatly just what u need . Cheers+Cinzano
Imodium has saved my life in a couple of tours hahahahaha
#1 item packed.
Hey RJ, you can drink the tap water in Scotland! It's good. Please come and visit us, the water is potable, and so is the whisky - I'll stand you a round or two!
holy cow, those casino buffets
Nice work. You could get one of those Leatherman bracelets that is TSA compliant that has all of the screwdrivers and stuff on it (no knife of course), but they are like $150 I think.
I couldn't sleep with "deep sleep playlist", I always sleep with progressive rock or heavy jazz playlist. One or two tracks can get you sleep 😁
Literally watching this on a bus with a tempurpedic neck pillow behind my lower back for lumbar support; watches RJ tell me to do what I’m already doing. 😂
Great tips! Any updates on your custom Novo guitar?
Going to pay them a visit soon!
Bro, props on the Imodium!! I keep in my gig bag in case of gastric distress... Or as I call it, a "shituation!"
I took 2 trips to oakland by plane. 1 in 2008, and 1 in 2009.
Yass 😁
Got to your video and thank you for excellent tips!
I'm retired now; but I've worked overseas for many decades with lots of adventures in eating/drinking everything. .. sometimes with dire consequences. With access to google, I'd suggest to "read up" on the country, city, and especially local customs. Definitely, make sure your smart phone works where you're going.
Not to be personal, but are you of Filipino descent? I'm one "Pinoy".
Yes I am!
Very cool! Music is in your blood!
Bose are okay, but if you want the best go with Bang and Olufsen H9s. They are the fantastic for travel and the newest version has 25hrs of use!
Man, I’ve only toured the states, but given my stomach and the issues it’s presented, I want to double 👍 the Imodium suggestion. Just....yeah, traumatic.
-Aaron
Having viewed numerous RJ videos, I had an inkling that this guy is funny, but goddamn! He's fucking hilarious. Comedy chops almost equal to guitar chops. Intentionally or not, this makes for a great audition tape for any of a variety of entertainment venues.
Very practical. But you're totally comfortable with checked gig bags instead of a hard case?
Yes, I've never had damage. Granted I don't tour with a Les Paul or anything with a 17 degree headstock angle. I try to carry on my guitars every time, and if I can't, I make sure the gig bag is very protective. You can stuff clothes in them for more padding.
@@RJRonquillo Good to know! And if the thought of putting a gig bag in checked luggage causes stress and a weird feeling in the stomach... Imodium to the rescue!
I vote for including the UK in the safe list 🤣 our water is super fresh. Our raw veg is clean AF. And our ice? Pleeeeease. 😎
I don't think I ate one salad there last year. I think I lived on doner and chips lol!
...and Pizza Express pizza.
R.J. Ronquillo and kettle chips 😁
Hiw did you hold onto that neck pillow for that long. Hahaha. I've lost about 6 of those.
Probably cuz I don't wanna lose an $80 neck pillow lol
I am a flight attendant, and neck pillows are the number one item we find left behind on airplanes. There’s usually at least one left on every flight, and sometimes 6 or more of them lying around.
The Comodium tip should be numbers 1 through 10. Well, maybe we can just skip #2. 😄
That and something for heartburn are a must for me.
Any concern over constant BT exposure or noise pollution with the sleep head band????
No concern.
I just ordered a Manta sleep mask... gonna be kicking myself for not getting one sooner, I'm sure.
Hi RJ quick question getting ready to go to Indonesia, I need to get a travel size 220/120 converter for charging phones etc. what do you recommend? Thank you
I believe most electronics like phones and computers run on both voltages, so you just need an adapter. I use this if I need voltage conversion - amzn.to/2YC0peG
This is the best one I’ve found.
www.amazon.com/Skross-World-Travel-Adaptor-3/dp/B002UDA3IY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=skross&qid=1558973454&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Also, I’d recommend one of those outlet expanded adapters, like this:
www.amazon.com/Outlet-Extender-Night-Cruise-Travel/dp/B078SLTZWB/ref=zg_bs_6396125011_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X983ZK937T3DZEJ5D6Z3
A lot of hotels only have a single outlet by the desk, and I usually need to plug in 2 or 3 things at a time.
Hey man awesome tips, thank you. I have a question. As a musician travelling with a guitar on multi-airline flights, which of the baggage policies apply? Like i'm traveling from Washington DC to Adelaide in Australia, with two connections: First flight is with United which is friendly with guitars as carry-on baggage, but the second flight is Qatar which I know makes you check your guitar, so not sure which rule will apply, could you please clarify this? thanks in advance.
Great question. If you are carrying on your guitar in a gig bag, you should be fine, as long as the plane isn't a small commuter plane. Qatar let me carry on my guitar, but it was a transcontinental flight, and a big plane. Just make sure your gig bag is fairly protective just in case you have to check it. Mono and Reunion Blues are good choices.
"but by god," I LOLOL'd =)
"gawd"
Yes, Imodium....
Hey man, UK is one of those countries
Don Ron-Teal-io can sell ice to Eskimos.
Just curious. I know travel and playing live is a great benefit but can you make good money touring? I ask because I have no clue :)
Yes you can make a great living, depending on the level of touring.
R.J. Ronquillo yeah, makes sense. I guess it’s based on the band, how big they are, and number of gigs too. It’s great that you can combine your passion with making a great living. Congrats, you are crazy talented and I love your content!
I have ALWAYS enjoyed your product demos. AND the demos never really provide a chance for your own personality to shine through, since you let the product do the talking.
This video, for me, catapulted you from “what an amazing, tasteful guitarist. I wonder if he talks to his band mates?” status to “This guy is unbelievably cool! I want EVERYONE to know him!” And to that point, I will be sharing this video with all of my non-musician colleagues who travel, because they will love and learn from this.
Thank you!
Thanks Tim!! 😀👍
Where did you get your wallet - the one you have in your back pocket on all the Vlogs?
As a working musician, I have to transport, set up, and tear down my equipment. I have always said that "I get paid for setting up and tearing down my equipment, and I play for free."
Absolutely great video. This is the stuff needed to avoid a shitty travel - yeah pun intended.
Haha Neck pillow salesman . Catch you later Mr. Ronquillo...
Please don't tell me you don't know the difference between Sweden and Switzerland, cause you sure drink the tap water up here in the north :D
All jokes a side, love watching your vids!
Which is the one with holes in the cheese?! ;)
i'm 10 minutes in and this whole video is basically a headphone commercial.
Man I dreamed with you last night... we were shooting each other like cowboys across the street then you've thrown a golden sharp pointed smoke granade and invaded home.. I had to surrender. Hope this never happen! Cheers from Brazil
😂😂
Your neck pillow ended up costing 0.0168598 per day @ this time ⌚😂... I got one for Christmas 🤶🎄
Thank you for that calculation! haha
@@RJRonquillo Seriously, you gave some great information about touring, I remember going out to New Mexico to play another Caravan club, my lead singer already told me to bring a jacket, and I definitely needed it at night! Thank you for the great tips, & you're welcome 🇺🇸🦅🎸🤓🏁
Summary:
You must posses the skill of being able to sleep anywhere , anyplace , anytime.
(Also....take that shower whenever you get the chance)
This guy could sell me anything
Haha R Jemima 😆
Absolutely love this! 🔥 This makes me want to book my next trip asap. Definitely going to subscribe. We just started a couples travel vlog so this is motivation! Check us out! We're a smaller channel but hoping to grow and support other channels with travel inspo like this one!🧡❤️💛💚💙💜
RJ great video man BUT THE SHIRT BRO......really??
I'll go shirtless next time.
Hey RJ! I sent you a message via your webpage about private lessons.......no reply? wuwt?
Hey Tony, I don't think I saw it, sorry! - I'm not teaching private lessons at this time, but possibly in the future if I can get some free time.
Thanks RJ! ....too bad! keep the vids coming
Lol... A neck pillow.
traumatic experiences..., see david lindley "cat food sandwiches"
we follow your channel for videos like this one...please stop selling pedals....please
I'll try to do more of these!
Lamest sugestiions I ever heard
Excellent tips!