Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just play music as a hobby, taking your instrument with you on a trip can be a difficult experience. Between trying to keep it protected, staying aware of temperature changes that may damage it and worrying about it being lost or stolen, it can add unneeded stress and worry. However, that doesn’t mean you need to go without doing what you love. In fact, there are many ways you can continue to work on your talents even when you’re not able to bring your instrument along.

Travel Instruments

Travel instruments are wonderful to bring along to make sure you don’t lose any progress you may have made. Because these instruments are often smaller than their original counterparts, they can also save you the cost of an added luggage item if you’re flying. On top of that, products such as travel guitars not only make traveling easier but also make less noise than a regular guitar, making it ideal for hotels, family vacations or even long rides on trains or subways.

Local Music Stores

If you’re going to a popular city or visiting family in another town, local music stores can be a great place to kill some time. Not only can you spend a few hours playing around with their instruments and talking to others with the same passion as you, but you may even end up finding that specific guitar pick or capo you were looking for. Local music stores are often hidden gems that can be found in any town you pass through.

Take a Break

This may seem counterintuitive, but research suggests that vacations increase productivity. Spending quality time with family, friends or even yourself can boost creativity and help you refresh your mind and body to do the best work you can when you return.

Whether your trip is for business or fun, taking along your instrument isn’t always practical. By finding novel ways to flex your music-making muscles while you’re away, you can continue to do what you love without worrying about your instrument getting damaged or stolen.