Travelling with vinyl
Buying vinyl while on vacation is as beautiful as it can be stressful. Should you put your records in your suitcase? Do you need to declare them at customs? Some do's and don'ts for globetrotters.
Visiting record stores whilst on holiday is a great way of getting your hands on releases that may be hard to find or simply unavailable in your city. Apart from the obvious advantage of saving on shipping costs, bringing back home a vinyl-shaped souvenir can add special meaning to your trips and make them even more memorable.
Online resources abound on how and where to find the best record shops around the world (and if you’re after something more special, I highly recommend the book “Around the World in 80 Record Stores” by
).However, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of guidance on the actual logistics of putting records in your luggage and making sure they stand their best chance of surviving the bustle and hustle of airports and busy train stations (thanks a lot for suggesting this post,
).Therefore, I have decided to compile the below guidelines, inspired by my own personal experience travelling with vinyl throughout the years. As always, your specific circumstances may mean you will have to adapt some of these rules, and a certain degree of common sense is always advised.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
Where to pack your records
As I explain below, I like to pack my records in my carry-on (rolling) suitcase. For obvious reasons, you should keep liquids and creams (even if in a sealed bag) as far away as possible from your records — ideally in a separate carry-on bag.
While some people prefer carrying their records separately (i.e. by hand), in my experience this can get a bit tricky. You will need free hands to show your documents at various stages of your trip as well as to place your items in the scanner when clearing security. Plus, a standalone plastic or tote bag is easy to leave behind if you’re in a rush (or when your name gets called out on the dreaded tannoy).
If your records are new, keep them in shrink. Always make sure your records are placed in a plastic or tote bag with nothing else (other than records) inside. If the material is flimsy, maybe double up with a bag of the same size (or bigger). If you can close or seal this bag, even better.
Cushion blows and avoid pressure
Where exactly in your suitcase should you place your records? Once inside a plastic/tote bag, you should strategically place your records in a way that will keep them more or less firmly in place without adding too much pressure on top. The fundamentals of vinyl storage apply (particularly in relation to undue weight/pressure).
Some people like to keep their records at the very bottom of their suitcase, whereas others prefer placing them at the very top. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods, neither is ideal, in my view.
For me, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle of my suitcase, near the top. I tend to put miscellaneous items at the very bottom, followed by a layer of neatly folded clothes covering the entire surface. I then place my records (inside their plastic/tote bag) above this “cushion” of folded clothes, with another, much thinner layer of neatly folded clothes on top.
Ultimately, it will depend on how much else you are carrying and whether it’s only clothes or a combination of items of different shapes and sizes (like shoes or books, for example).
You should make sure the surface both underneath and above your records is as even and flat as possible.
After trying many different methods throughout the years (and suffering from the odd bent corners and slightly damaged records), this method has consistently given me the best results all round.
You want to strike the right balance between cushioning the odd blow and not adding too much pressure on top of your records.
Travelling by plane
Always carry-on: I like keeping my records in my carry-on suitcase, and I tend to avoid putting them in checked baggage. You want to minimise the risk of careless handling (it’s no secret that checked baggage gets tossed around virtually everywhere). This also helps you remain in control of the whereabouts of your records at all times.
Easy with your movements: Air travel is not always a straightforward process (getting to the airport, clearing security, checking your departure gate, finding your seat, and so on). It can be easy to forget you’re carrying records. Be particularly careful when putting your carry-on in and out of overhead compartments.
Sorry, sir, is that a pizza in your suitcase? In the unlikely event that your records should raise suspicion (for example, if they don’t come out clearly in the scanner) and you are asked to make them available for inspection, always remember to take the time to put them back in your suitcase following the “layering” guidelines above. If you’re pressed for time, at least try to stick to the principle (i.e. cushioning blows without adding too much pressure).
When travelling internationally, you don’t normally need to declare your records at customs if they are for personal consumption. Always make sure you keep all receipts, just in case. If you intend to resell your vinyl straightaway, you should familiarise yourself with export/import rules, which will vary across jurisdictions.
Travelling by train
Avoid unprotected overhead compartments: Unlike planes, overhead compartments on trains (at least in Europe) tend to be narrow and unprotected (i.e. no protective door or cover). Add this to the unexpected and brisk movements of a train, and this can very quickly become a recipe for disaster. Make sure the suitcase or bag carrying your records is secure and stable wherever possible (this may mean sacrificing your own legroom).
Keep an eye on your bag: Trains can be a bit less safe than planes, especially as passengers get on and off throughout the journey. Never lose sight of the bag or suitcase carrying your records.
Mind the gap: Be extra careful when getting on and off the train. Vinyl records are fragile and there is obviously an added risk when moving them around crowded stations and trains.
Travelling by car
To boot or not to boot: If you are travelling with a suitcase, you should pack your records using the layering method described above. You should put your suitcase in the boot (or trunk, for my American friends). If you are travelling light, keep your records in a plastic or tote bag with you inside the car.
Careful with sunlight and heat: Remember that extreme heat and sunlight can be really bad for your records. Try to avoid leaving your car parked in direct sunlight for extended periods when there’s vinyl inside. If this is not possible, consider keeping your records with you in the shade.
I hope you have found these guidelines helpful. What’s your experience travelling with vinyl? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading or listening. See you around and, as always, happy spinning!
😂 More records than clothes... that’s the way to go!
Sage advice! As someone that's worked in aviation for almost 30 years now, I can confirm that luggage gets banged up at almost every step along the way. Not always due to carelessness or negligence, but because of the machinery of luggage sort systems and the way luggage is loaded onto aircraft.