How to Travel With Your Ukulele

“How do I keep my ukulele safe during travel?”

This is a question you may have found yourself asking recently, especially during spring break, and with summer not too far off. Traveling with your ukulele makes sense if you’re a musician on vacation: it’s small, light, and easier to bring in the car or on a plane than, say, a grand piano. Travel takes preparation (no one wants to forget socks or a toothbrush, after all), and adding a ukulele to your packing list is no different. Ensuring your instrument makes the trip safely is key, and we have some tips to make your uke a seasoned (and safe) traveler!

Stow It Safely

A ukulele unprotected is a ukulele more likely to be damaged. There are a few places and situations where you might not expect your ukulele to be at risk!

In The Car

The inside of a hot car can easily hurt the integrity of your beloved uke, even on days that are merely warm. Excessive heat can warp the wood on the top and fretboard, causing intonation issues and poor play experience.  Heat can also weaken the glue that holds parts like the bridge, which can pop off your ukulele if it has lifted too much and render it unplayable without professional repair. Take your ukulele with you when you leave the car!

On A Plane 

Afraid to be apart from your ukulele while it sits under the plane? Don’t worry! Airlines are required to allow instruments as carry-on items, as long as they fit safely in overhead storage (having a case is highly recommended for this; see Get The Right Gear for more!). If you board your flight early enough, you can often find a spot for your uke. For even more information on traveling by plane with your instrument, visit the American Federation of Music on their website.

Out and About

A good rule of thumb for keeping your uke safe is “in your case, on the stand, or in your hand”. It’s easy for a ukulele leaning on a chair, for instance, to slip and fall. If your uke needs to be set down for a moment, and a case or stand isn’t available, lay your ukulele down carefully on its back. We recommend a flat surface where it won't be accidentally stepped on or sat upon.

In Your Case

When your ukulele gets stored in its bag or case, make sure to always zip up or latch! Leaving your bag or case partially open can lead to accidental tumbling ukuleles and unfortunate scratches and dings (not to mention the sound of the crash can turn heads.)

Speaking of cases...

Get the Right Gear

No packing checklist is complete without a healthy supply of accessories and gadgets. With the right tools, the journey with your ukulele can be fun, easy, and give you peace of mind.

Bags and Cases

Without a doubt the MVP of safely vacationing with your ukulele is the right bag or case. This is the best line of defense between playing bliss and a broken uke. But knowing the pros and cons of each can help you pick what’s best for you.

Bags, such as the Transit Series Gig Bag and the Sonoma Coast Series are soft shelled, and boast plush interiors, ample storage space from zippered pockets, and shoulder straps for convenient carry. 
Cases, such as the Tweed Archtop Ukulele Hard Case and the Black Archtop Hard Case are hard-shelled, meaning improved structure and impact protection. These cases also have latched closure, and plush interior to hold your uke in place.

Humidifier

The ideal safe zone for a ukulele is an environment with 45-55% humidity. Tonewood needs a certain amount of moisture to avoid complications that can occur from dry wood. Dry wood can warp, shrink and worse yet, crack! Wood dryness can occur due to air conditioning during the summer and with indoor heating during the winter. A ukulele humidifier like the Humilele is a valuable tool for keeping your uke tonewood in optimal condition when its not being played.

Extra Strings

Like extra socks, a set of extra strings can save you in a tight situation! Kala offers a wide selection of strings to get you back to playing after a surprise string break. Not sure what strings to get? Check out our String guide: Ukulele Strings 101 on the Kala blog!

Kala App

Backing tracks, play-along tutorials, a built-in tuner, and more is at your fingertips with the Kala App! Featuring plenty of free features, as well as a subscription option to expand your access to 1000's of ukulele play-along songs. The perfect all-in-one uke companion! Get the Kala App today.

Extra Options

Depending on your needs, or where you might be vacationing, some more items that may be helpful are Ukulele Straps, a Clip-On Tuner, or even some Instructional Books for learning songs on the go.

Key Takeaways

• For maximum protection, make sure your uke is always either in its case, on a stand, or in your hand!
• The right gear, like a sturdy case or bag, can give you peace of mind while on the road or in the air.
• Traveling with your uke should be fun, not terrifying!

With a little planning and the right mindset, your ukulele can become the perfect travel companion. Embrace the spontaneity and let the small instrument be your soundtrack to big experiences. Happy strumming on your adventures!