INUVIK - Kristian Binder knows that travelling across the nation for live concerts can take its toll on a person, but for this 25 year-old fan, it's all worth it.

Kristian Binder is a music enthusiast who enjoys travelling to live concerts. He just returned from a series of shows in three separate cities. His best advice for anyone looking to catch live acts is to be prepared. Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"Live shows are an experience like no other," said Binder.

For Binder, just listening to a released album or recorded live show just doesn't cut it.

"Being in a large crowd is great, especially at festivals," he said.

"You're surrounded by a lot of people who are there for the same reason you are. A good time."

Binder said he has seen more than 40 live shows, including festivals, which can showcase as many as 20 acts per show.

"I think it's been nearly 40 shows now, with the majority of them being in the last seven years," said Binder.

Planning to travel for the shows takes some careful planning, but Binder said it all depends on the number of shows you want to see.

"The last trip I went on was only planned three weeks ahead of time," said Binder.

The trip was a two-week voyage across Canada and into the United States.

"We hit three cities, Edmonton, Toronto and Nashville," he said.

This trip was something special for Binder that he had been awaiting for many years.

"Darren Hayes is one of my favourite acts," said Binder.

"He was playing live in Toronto, which was his first performance in Canada in the last six years."

Binder said that the trip came together so fast, he literally heard about the show one day and had tickets for it the day after.

The trip then expanded with other shows and a festival that were taking place in the same time as the Hayes Toronto gig.

"Trips like this start with a focal point and branch out from there," he said.

"I've had to extend a trip before, but this was the first time I hit multiple cities."

Binder said the inspiration for the trips comes from his love for the music and a drive to experience it live.

"It's just nice to see a band you love play live music," he said.

"Seeing the band come on stage for the first song is always a huge rush for me."

Binder said that even the best trips can fall apart if not planned correctly.

"If you plan a trip well, it should go smoothly," said Binder.

During his last trip out of town, Binder had a piece of luggage go astray during connecting flights.

"I lost my luggage for a bit, but that sort of thing isn't exclusive to this style of trip," he said.

Meeting bands and attending backstage parties is something that Binder wants to do, but the opportunity comes rarely.

"You have to really want to hang around for a while at the performer's exit for autographs and stuff," said Binder.

"You hear of people meeting musicians, but it's mostly luck."

Binder said that travelling to watch his favourite musicians is rewarding because of the memories. He added that anyone can take the time out to catch a good live show.

"If it's something you want to do and it's possible, then go for it," said Binder.

"Seeing live shows is as valid as any other holiday."