5 ways to make traveling with a ukulele a breeze
Who doesn’t love spending a lazy day at the beach? The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the smell of salt in the air, the feel of sand between your toes… it’s all incredibly relaxing. And what could make a day at the beach even better? Playing some ukulele, of course! Traveling with a ukulele makes your vacation even more fun!
There are plenty of benefits to playing ukulele on the beach. For one thing, it’s a great way to pass the time. Whether you’re waiting for your friends to show up or just want to take a break from swimming, playing some ukulele is a great way to entertain yourself. Additionally, playing ukulele on the beach can help you relax even more. But traveling with musical instruments makes for additional challenges.
Tips for traveling with a ukulele
If you’re planning to take your travel uke with you on vacation, these tips will make it easier. If you’re traveling by plane, make sure to measure your ukulele before you go to the airport. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on item are 22″ x 14″ x 9″, so your uke will need to fit inside that. If it’s too big, you’ll have to check it as baggage. Ask the flight attendants for help if you can’t fit your ukulele in the overhead bins. Also, consider paying for priority boarding to make sure that you board early enough to fit your ukulele in the overhead bin before other travelers fill up the bins.
Once you’ve got your uke and case sorted out, the next step is to decide how you’re going to carry it. If you’re just walking around town, a backpack or soft gig bag will do the trick. But if you’re going on a hike or any kind of adventure, you’ll need something more sturdy. A padded ukulele backpack case is the best option for this, as it will protect your uke from bumps and scratches.
When you’re packing your ukulele, make sure to put it in a safe place where it won’t get jostled around. The last thing you want is for it to get damaged in transit. If you’re using a hard case, you can usually put it underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. If you’re using a soft case, make sure to put it in a overhead compartment.
Here are 5 tips for making traveling with a ukulele a breeze:
1. Make sure your ukulele fits in carry-on
Planning to take your ukulele with you on your next flight? If so, make sure you choose a model that will fit in your carry-on luggage. The standard size for carry-on baggage is 22 inches, so look for a ukulele that falls within this range. Your typical soprano ukulele is 20 inches, so this could fit into your carry-on luggage. If you’re planning to pack your ukulele in a personal item such as a backpack, you’ll have to choose something smaller. Ukuleles that are 17-inch in length or less are best, as some airlines such as United Airlines have a 17″ maximum for personal item such as backpack. With a sopranissimo-sized ukulele, they’re small enough to fit in most bags without taking up too much space. For example, the Ohana O’Nina Sopranissimo Ukulele is 17″ long, so could fit in your backpack.
You can also select a ukulele with a body that is thinner. This Kala travel thinbody tenor ukulele has a pickup, and is extra thin, so it’s easier to pack into your suitcase. This is my main travel ukulele and I love it!
2. Select a ukulele made from a strong material
When choosing a ukulele, be sure to select one that is made from a strong material. This is especially important if you’re planning to travel with it, as it will help protect your instrument from any bumps or scrapes. A solid wood ukulele is a good option, as it is both durable and has a pleasant tone. Solid spruce top is also nice. If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, consider a laminate ukulele. These are made from multiple layers of wood, so they’re not as prone to warping or cracking.
Although they’re not as popular as solid wood or laminate ukuleles, there are some ukuleles made from plastic. A plastic ukulele usually less expensive, and can be a good option for kids or beginners. They’re also lightweight and easy to transport, making them a good choice for people who are on the go. Some of the clear ones are also super fun looking, and great for if there is a chance that they’ll get wet, like at the beach for example.
Another consideration about materials has to do with the quality of the tuning pegs and the overall construction. Some ukuleles stay in tune more easily than others, so this is something important to consider when reading reviews and doing research on different ukuleles.
3. Choose a comfortable carrying method
When choosing a ukulele backpack, it is important to consider convenience and comfort. A bag with a single strap may be easier to carry initially, but it can quickly become uncomfortable. A backpack, on the other hand, evenly distributes the weight of the ukulele, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods of time. In addition, a backpack provides easy access to the ukulele, so you can grab it and go when inspiration strikes. For these reasons, a ukulele backpack is the more convenient option.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a ukulele backpack. First, consider the size of the ukulele you’re planning to carry. A backpack that is too small will be uncomfortable and could damage the instrument. Conversely, a backpack that is too large will be cumbersome and difficult to carry. Second, take into account the type of material the backpack is made from. A backpack made from a sturdy material will better protect your ukulele, while a lightweight backpack will be easier to carry. Finally, consider the features of the backpack. Does it have multiple compartments for storage, for example, to carry your tuner and picks? Is it comfortable to wear? Does it have padding on the straps for comfort? Answering these questions will help you choose the best ukulele backpack for your needs.
If you want to protect your ukulele well, you may want to consider a hardshell case. Having a hard shell case will protect your acoustic instruments better, but it may be more difficult to fit into the overhead locker for the flight. But with the hard-shell case, it will be better protected.
4. Pack your ukulele in a safe place
When traveling with your ukulele, it’s important to pack it in a safe place where it won’t be damaged. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Choose a sturdy case or gig bag that will protect your ukulele from bumps and bruises.
– If possible, pack your ukulele in a carry-on bag so you can keep an eye on it during travel.
– Cushion any sharp corners by wrapping them in clothes or placing them in foam padding. This will help prevent the finish from getting scratched. I like using clothing or jackets since I already need to pack them anyways, and try to travel with only carry-on, not checked baggage.
By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your ukulele will arrive at your destination safe and sound.
5. Label your ukulele with your contact information
If your ukulele gets lost during travel, having your contact information on it will increase the chances of it being returned to you. There are a few ways to do this:
– Use a luggage tag and fill in your contact information. These can be attached to the outside of the case or gig bag.
– Write your contact information on a piece of paper and slip it inside the ukulele case.
No matter which method you choose, make sure your contact information is legible and up to date.
Best Travel Ukulele
What are the best travel ukeleles? It depends on your price point, and what size you want to buy. Here are my top picks.
Flight Travel ukuleles
Flight has a huge collection of travel ukuleles, and some have amazing artwork on them. Travel Series – Flight Ukuleles (flightmusic.com)
Their travel ukuleles are thinner than normal, and come in soprano and concert size.
Vorson AUG24 ABS Concert Ukulele
The plastic ukulele with ABS is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and durable instrument. This ukulele is made with a high-quality plastic that is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The body of the ukulele is also reinforced with metal to ensure that it will last for many years. The plastic ukulele with ABS is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and durable instrument. This ukulele is made with a high-quality plastic that is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The body of the ukulele is also reinforced with metal to ensure that it will last for many years. The neck of the ukulele is also made of durable plastic, and the fingerboard is lined with metal frets. This ukulele also has a built-in pickup so that you can amplify your sound if you need to. The plastic ukulele with ABS is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and durable instrument with a very low price.
Amazon.com: Vorson AUG24 ABS Concert Ukulele, Red : Musical Instruments
Kala KA STTU-T Solid Spruce Travel Tenor
This is the best tenor travel ukulele. The Kala Solid Spruce Travel Tenor ukulele is the perfect instrument for taking on any adventure. The thin body and arched back design make it light and portable, while still delivering a huge sound. The ultra-thin Travel line is built to go anywhere, and with its easy-to-use features, this tenor uke is perfect for anyone from beginners to experienced players. Whether you’re taking it on a hike, to the beach, or just to your weekly jam session, the Kala Solid Spruce Travel Tenor ukulele will be your new best friend.
Solid Spruce Travel Tenor – Kala Brand Music Co.
Kmise travel ukulele
The Kmise Tenor Travel Ukulele is a great choice for musicians on the go. It’s compact size and light weight make it easy to take with you wherever you go, while its zebra wood top and sides give it a stylish look. The Tenor Travel Ukulele also features a celluloide abalone soundhole rosette and binding, chrome closed machine heads, and a natural matte finish. Its Aquila strings from Italy provide a great sound, and its 18 cupronickel frets make it easy to play. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Kmise Tenor Travel Ukulele is a great choice for any musician.
Conclusion
When you travel, there are always new experiences to be had. You get to explore different cultures, meet new people, and try new things. But sometimes, it can be hard to fully immerse yourself in a new place. One way to help you feel more connected to your surroundings is to bring an instrument with you when you travel. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, playing an instrument can help you feel more grounded in your surroundings. It can also be a great way to meet new people and connect with the local community. And of course, it’s a great way to pass the time on long journeys. So if you’re looking for a way to enrich your travel experience, don’t forget to pack your instrument.
These tips for traveling with a ukulele will help you travel with ease. With a little planning, you can bring your instrument with you wherever you go and avoid any stressful situations. If you’re a traveling musician, it can be difficult to find the perfect ukulele bag. However, with these tips and tricks for packing your instrument safely during travel, you’ll have no problem reaching your destination without damage or worry about theft of your prized possession! With this in mind, make sure to label the case or gigbag with your name and contact information in case it gets lost. And, finally, choose a backpack style ukulele bag for comfort on the go!
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