Essential Travel Tips from Vance Joy

How long have you been away?

I’ve been on the road since April and touring with Taylor Swift since May. This month we kick off in Australia – we’ve got shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

What’s your approach to packing?

I’ve been more methodical recently. Before a trip, I’ll have everything perfectly set out. The more I travel, the more I become like George Clooney in Up in the Air. I like having a sense of control over my life. I think it’s a way of mentally surviving.

Do you pack lightly?

I don’t need much; four or five items get constantly washed and reused. It’s military style. Spartan.

Roll or fold?

I’m a folder.

What do you never leave home without?

I’ve started wearing this cologne by Le Labo that I really like so I bought some extra supplies in LA, like I was preparing for a natural disaster. But there’s nothing, really, that I wouldn’t be okay without.

Have you ever missed a plane?

No. I think that’s mostly to do with having a day-to-day manager. I’ve had some close calls but she’s got me organised.

What’s your routine at the airport?

Once I’m checked in I always sit down in a restaurant for a bite. I’ll also buy a couple of litres of water and something sugary. 

And on the plane?

I drink a lot of water and I use noise-cancelling headphones. I’ll download a series the night before if I’m organised; otherwise I listen to old recordings or look at photos on my phone. That’s kind of cool because there’s no internet so you won’t get distracted. When you have no stimulus you just have to make it work with your own thoughts.

What’s the last book you read on a plane?

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. It was my companion for a couple of weeks and I loved it.

What about the last movie?

Muppets Most Wanted with Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey. I was laughing out loud; I thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Aisle or window?

Depends on how cramped I am. I get up quite a few times to use the bathroom so an aisle is the safer option. But sometimes the window is just better to lean on.

Are you a chatty seat buddy?

Typically, no.

What if your seat buddy is someone famous or fascinating?

It hasn’t happened yet. When it does, hopefully I’ll rise to the occasion.

How do you deal with jet lag?

If I’m tired I just fall asleep. I know I might wake up at a time when it’s not normal to be awake but sleeping is sleeping so I just sleep. I’m not going to fight it – eventually you’ll correct yourself.

Do you drink alcohol on the plane?

I never drink on the plane and I don’t eat heavy meat meals. I steer away from creamy desserts as well. I try to keep it simple.

What do you wear on the plane?

Jeans and a T-shirt. You know people who travel a lot and they have a designer tracksuit and that kind of stuff? I don’t have any of that. I don’t think I look good in tracksuit pants.  

A deluxe edition of Vance Joy’s chart-topping Dream Your Life Away is out now with 20 songs across two discs and behind-the-scenes photos.