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Tips for touring the United States?

#22
MalcolmAmos said:
I traveled North America on business. Yes in Detroit be on your guard at all times, however, I found that in Windsor you can stroll the parks after dinner and feel safe. Having the Mounted Police presence does make a difference.

For what it is worth, the Canadians caught on to my seminars much quicker than what happened in the 48. A three day class in the States could be covered in two days in Canada if you had a night homework session after the first day's dinner. Something to do with the schools.

Don't get cut from the herd, as long as you are with people you know - and doing what you are supposed to be doing - you will be OK.

When you go too far into areas you should not be in - you will feel it. Stop and turn around.

North East - Get on with it I'm busy.
South East - Bubba Country, little more lay back. Atlanta is big time shaker and baker territory.
South West - Urban big city - Houston, San Antonio and Dallas much like Toronto. Then there is rural, different audience - adjust.
Mid-West - What have you done for me lately. Chicago and the rust belt - factories in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana that feed Detroit - Corn fields and pig farms. Cincinnati has one of the better music universities.
West - Arizona and New Mexico - Snow Birds. Mexican influence.
North West - Montana and the Snake River country - Beautiful. Rural small towns. Like on the border between Toronto and Calgary.
California - Land of the fruits and nuts. Nothing like it.
Northern California to Washington - Not so many fruits or nuts, almost normal.

That assessment is getting dated, I retired 10 years ago.

Have fun.
Click to expand...
toronto and calgary are 2000 miles apart,but culturally much farther.....everything in america is set up for the car/bus/truck......flat tire on the freeway and a trooper will be there before you come to a complete stop.....i've even seen them helping folks change out the tire....truck stops like flying j ,petro, sapps out west have anything you need and sleeping in the lots is very safe.....i drove all over the us for most of twenty years and never felt uncomfortable except in certain parts of big cities,just like here....best advice seen on the cash register at the boot hill in daytona...."we don't care how you do it up north"....i don't miss the job,but i sure miss the states
 
#24
if you are using a gear trailer---do NOT leave it in any way possible for someone to hitch up and steal. this seems to be a popular m.o.......thieves even will unhook it from your van and steal it.

the most crime-related topics I've heard have 90% been gear being stolen from vehichles
prolly the other 10% would be getting ripped off by promoter of show by not paying.
 
#26
onionpuzzle said:
if you are using a gear trailer---do NOT leave it in any way possible for someone to hitch up and steal. this seems to be a popular m.o.......thieves even will unhook it from your van and steal it.

the most crime-related topics I've heard have 90% been gear being stolen from vehichles
prolly the other 10% would be getting ripped off by promoter of show by not paying.
Click to expand...

My suggestion is get a boot for the trailer. That way even if they cut the lock on the trailer hitch they can't drive off with it.
 
#27
Thievery can come at any time---

---loading in
---loading out
---waiting in the wings to go on
---tearing down
---from the vehicle when eating, sleeping, shopping, inside the venue, etc...

Seriously, with the advent of Craigslist, gear theft has gone up everywhere.
Great way to ruin a tour.
 
#31
Yep in the old days I would be bringing in study material (to Canada). At customs when that became known you went straight into customs inspection. When they finally got around to the question - they follow a list - who will benefit from this material and I answered; "Well the Canadians will benefit." And when they understand how, It's all down hill from there, rubber stamps fly and I'm welcomed into Canada.

Associate I train with answered the who will benefit question with; "Well, I will, they pay me". That answer cost him $75 dollars for a temporary work permit.

Customs both ways are something else, the US guys never smile, but, you already know this.
 
#35
While Canada and the States are different, your statement about the crime and violence here was a bit insulting. Big cities are big cities and you have to keep your wits about you. Winnipeg or New Orleans, it's the same. That being said, don't sleep in rest stops. Always ask the locals about the neighborhood when you get to the club, always, always back the trailer up to a wall or the like when you're leaving it for the night. Also, you can take turns sleeping in the van. One or two guys. Just as a deterrent. I'll think of more in a bit. And don't forget to have fun.
 

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