Do you go record hunting while you are on a trip?

I used too. I would look up addresses for a store or two when we traveled. But with record shops closing up I don't bother anymore. It was usually my favorite part of a trip. I have great memories of repeatedly going to Yonge street in Toronto. Then sadly watch the shops close one by one with each new visit. Our trip to the UK was fun but one major shop had just closed in Picadilly Circus before we arrived. Went to a nearby HMV that was okay but I was disappointed the other store (which looked way bigger) was now empty. That's the way it is.

 

Only when I'm travelling out of the country. Japan is especially good for discs not readily available in the US.

 

If she who must be obeyed will allow it

 

As mentioned in this thread, I always make it a point to visit at least one Tower Records when I visit Tokyo. Japan also has a burgeoning craft beer scene so I have all my bases covered!

 

I ALWAYS look for record stores while I'm traveling. A fresh source of records, particularly if I'm in a foreign country.

 

I used to when it was just me, or with my wife. But now that trips have the kids along with us I don't. I remember finally finding McCartney's Unplugged vinyl release on a trip to Ottawa Canada within the year it was released. The big record stores on Yonge Street in Toronto were always a must stop anytime I was in town there.

 

I went on a cruise round the Baltic 2 weeks ago. I found a shop in Tallin, Estonia called Lasering that had a decent selection of used LPs. I bought two.

The most records I have ever bought in one shop was in Amoeba in San Francisco...

 

The first time I went to Paris, France, late '70s, I found a small record section in a back room of a clothes boutique. I came away with several French copies of Jefferson Airplane lps, and a French 7" of Patti Smith's Gloria. No problem bringing that all back on a ferry, but when I buy vinyl in America I have to think about the weight. I always bring records back in my carry-on bag, would never trust them to my checked-in luggage.

 

Going away next week and knowing the area already, I have visited a nice music shop where it took me at least a minute to grab a handful of CDs I couldn't leave. When I was in there, I was thinking "Better not get started looking through the LPs." I use Amazon a lot, but it's still fun. That day that ends, I can't think or see it quite yet.

Whenever I'm travelling for a few days, I'll do the rounds of the charity shops or whatever and often come back heavily laden...

 

I go on trips to hunt records.

 

If there is a store in the area I have heard good things about, I'll make a special trip there. If I happen to just see a store I'll check it out. I got lucky once at a Sam Goody that had some Audio Fidelity gold discs, sealed, that were years old but still marked with the original price. I think that was in San Diego.

 

Almost always.

 

All the time

 

Zia's in Vegas.

 

Absolutely.

I feel certain you won't find too much that isn't available online but for me that's not the point.

It's as much experiencing the local vinyl/music scene and talking with other like-minded folks about our hobby. Years from now I won't remember if I got the new (fill in the blank) on Ebay or Amazon but I will remember getting that Canadian pressing of Rubber Soul in Montreal or FFS on red vinyl in Vienna.

And yeah, it's that important to me. Music experiences are very valuable.

 

Always and I have often found great stuff.
One of my most memorable visits to a backstreet record shop was in Menton (French Riviera near the Italian border). This was in about 1992 or something and vinyl was history. This shop had a back room with tons of vinyl that the owner was selling off really cheap. I could have bought a hundred or more but I had to settle with about 10 (from memory: Harvest, Reactor, American Star 'n' Bars, Rust Never Sleeps, Physical Grafitti, Tres Hombrés, Déguelo, El Loco,...)

 

When the boyfriend and I went to Barcelona, I ended up stopping into three record shops! He's really not a vinyl fan, but he knew I couldn't help myself! I was looking to see if I could find anything that was harder to find in the US (and easier abroad!) - Walked away with three LPs (didn't have a bunch of suitcase room, you know!) including Maxwell - Urban Hang Suite! So I was happy!

 

Yes, we've been to Austin, San Diego, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco over the past three years. I've gone record shopping in each city. Some really good stores in those towns.

 

ALWAYS!

 

Every album time.

Waterloo Records was great when I was in Austin on business.

 

Yup, if I have enough time and cash, I ALWAYS look for record stores to hit when I am planning a trip.

 

Definitely. Its mandatory for me.

 

Sorry for your disappointment. If you are searching online you may find info about record stores that are no longer in business or have moved. When in doubt send an email to make sure before you leave on your trip. Based on comments on this Forum Manhattan and Virginia don't seem to be great places for finding CDs, used or new anymore. Record stores are in more out of the way locations so they don't have to pay high rent.

 

You know it. Record stores, thrift shops, flea markets, yard sales...

 

Yep, did it last week when I went to Christchurch (Penny Lane Records).