Advice needed: Traveling Europe with my Guitar

[Doc_Metal]

Hey all!
I am excited for a vacation coming up in Europe! Problem is, it's 3 weeks and I obviously need to bring a guitar! The flight to is virgin Atlantic and they are very accommodating with instruments. However, the little planes and trains in between countries may be a little less accommodating and I am wondering if there will be a substantial risk of loss, theft, or damage. Has anyone else traveled between European countries with a beloved guitar?

I have a Washburn rover travel guitar, Mandolin, or a cheap takamine that I could take in place of my Taylor 310. But let's be real, the 310 is a gift from heaven and everything else pales in comparison :-p

Thanks!


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[Silly Moustache]

"The flight to is virgin Atlantic" ..... I think destination country/ airport might be more helpful.

"However, the little planes and trains in between countries may be a little less accommodating and I am wondering if there will be a substantial risk of loss, theft, or damage".

Yes, they may well be less accommodating. Smaller planes may have less room.

Trains? Less of a problem, but each nationality will have a different attitude ...depends where you are going,and how you negotiate with the officials.

"I am wondering if there will be a substantial risk of loss, theft, or damage".

When you travel with an instrument there is always a risk, so I don't really understand your question.

[Doc_Metal]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

"The flight to is virgin Atlantic" ..... I think destination country/ airport might be more helpful.



"However, the little planes and trains in between countries may be a little less accommodating and I am wondering if there will be a substantial risk of loss, theft, or damage".



Yes, they may well be less accommodating. Smaller planes may have less room.



Trains? Less of a problem, but each nationality will have a different attitude ...depends where you are going,and how you negotiate with the officials.



"I am wondering if there will be a substantial risk of loss, theft, or damage".



When you travel with an instrument there is always a risk, so I don't really understand your question.

Of course there is risk. I guess I am looking for similar personal anecdotes and the outcomes/experiences.


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[sdelsolray]

Perhaps you could fit several stops at some acoustic guitar shops into your itinerary instead.

[Doc_Metal]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

Perhaps you could fit several stops at some acoustic guitar shops into your itinerary instead.

Yes, that's a good idea.


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[kkrell]

I travelled with a Dread-sized guitar in Europe at one time, for about 2 months. Yes, the possibility of theft is an issue. Difficult to drag around everywhere you go if you have to keep an eye on it. It wasn't pleasant carrying, or finding a safe place to stash it, while hitting the pub, the restroom, or awkward tourist sites. The main thing is carrying the extra weight around. It's going to depend on what level of travel you're used to: Are you going to be in one place for a long time, and what quality of establishment? Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Hostel or Tent?

Also, depends on how deep the field is.

[GmanJeff]

Why be bothered? Hauling a guitar around, and keeping an eye on it, is a huge inconvenience. In the cost-benefit calculation, unless you're playing it professionally while travelling, I can't see any good reason to do this. Leave it behind and enjoy the trip - you'll survive just fine without touching a guitar for a few weeks.

[Steve DeRosa]

Bring (or buy before you go) a small CF instrument (Rainsong Shorty, CA Cargo, etc.) - no questionable woods/animal products, impervious to temperature/humidity changes, durable, and a heluva lot of tone in a small package...

[phavriluk]

I've found that running out of hands is a serious misery, and it don't take much. Suitcase, backpack, and I'm already up to wanting three hands. And then the serious nuisance of securing the instrument and stowing it and preventing damage. And it is a theft magnet, and travel implies lots of time spend in public places with crowds of folks, not all of whom are safe to be around. And do you want to leave the instrument in a hotel room?

I think whoever said leave the guitar home and visit European guitar shops had a really good idea. OP already knows what his guitar sounds like. The opportunity to learn what others sound/look/feel like beckons.

I've found that travelling with the least amount of baggage a dandy idea.

[ManyMartinMan]

Trains are not an issue. Smaller Euro carriers, like Ryan air, rigidly enforce carry-on size and quantity. Theft is only a problem if you leave your stuff unattended - like everywhere else. I would echo that unless you're going to be playing professionally, enjoy the freedom of traveling with a duffle or small suitcase. Hauling a guitar everywhere with you can really stifle anyone else's (and your) trip.

[Toby Walker]

Trains can be an issue, especially if they're packed. In those cases the attendants may require you to store your guitar at either end of the car, which is basically an open luggage compartment where anyone can snatch that instrument!!

The smaller airlines also may be an issue, as the overheads on many of them can't fit an acoustic guitar.

If you absolutely must bring a guitar, then use a small sized, travel guitar, preferably one that folds up like the Voyage Airs. I've traveled all through Europe with those and have never had a problem. Besides, they're light.

[futboljim]

I agree with Toby - do it with a travel guitar. I did a bit with a voyage air, and now have the journey carbon fiber. Very happy with both, but as great as the voyage air was, the journey cf is even better. It's traveling with me and the family to charlotte this week, and generally lives in the back of my car - ready to be played at any moment!

Enjoy your trip!

[frankmcr]

Another vote for leaving your guitar at home. Instrument cases really do attract robbers, more than just ordinary luggage. Hardshell guitar cases are big and heavy and a pain to carry around (and a guitar can be damaged even in a hardshell case). Leave the guitar at home and enjoy the freedom of not having to lug it with you everywhere and/or worry about it being safe where you left it.

And if you must play guitar during those 3 weeks: hang around guitar stores, go to music venues, meet local guitarists and play their guitars. That will leave you with a lot better memories than running through a train station with backpack, duffel bag, guitar case etc.

[SunnyDee]

Originally Posted by Doc_Metal

Of course there is risk. I guess I am looking for similar personal anecdotes and the outcomes/experiences.


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Yes, I was just traveling there last year around Ireland, UK, and Spain for 5 months with my Martin. I was coming from Uzbekistan and then going on to Mexico so plenty of flights. The trains (you take it with you) and buses are fine, though the bus stops are a little scary because you pretty much have to put it under the bus and anyone could grab it, but nobody seems inclined to do that. The cheap little airlines seem to hate luggage and seem to charge a lot for anything you are not holding in your hand or pocket, and you have to check it. I pack the heck out of it, shoving all my extra clothes in the spaces so it can't move, putting a bungee chords around the neck of the case to keep it closed, and covering the "Martin" tag with a lefty sticker (seems worth a shot). It was heavy and a little nerve wracking, but we survived. If I were right-handed, I'd be more inclined to find one at my destination.

[Side1LedZepIV]

Have you thought of taking a harmonica? You could even play it on the trains, planes etc!