Global DJ and producer Grandtheft, perhaps best known for his collaborations with Diplo, is no stranger to life on the road. After playing more than 150 dates in 2013, he kicked off 2014 with a monthly residency at Surrender Nightclub in Las Vegas - and, after playing shows in over 40 different states across the U.S. last year, has no intention of slowing down. Here he shares the survival tricks and travel tips that get him through his hectic schedule.

What are your packing rules for winter trips?

No rules, but I always err on the side of packing light. If I need to get something warmer on the road, I will.

What are some of your essentials for surviving outdoor performances?

Heaters on stage are a must. Usually I need one on my computer so it doesn't shut down; it has happened to me before in -40˚C weather. Fingerless gloves and those disposable boot/glove heaters help too.

How much does music/touring have to do with your travel plans for 2014?

2013 was insane and 2014 looks to be as well, at least as full of touring if not more so. Since it's such a big part of my life, my travel plans are almost always based around my shows. While other people take holidays abroad, it's a holiday for me to be home. I love doing shows abroad but also love being in Toronto, in my house and in my studio writing music!

What was your most memorable trip from the past few years?

 Back in the day, touring as Team Canada DJs, we had to make it from Ottawa to Seattle to play that same night. Flight was Montreal-Vancouver-Seattle so we got up at 6AM and drove my car super slowly through the most insane storm to make it to the airport in Montreal. Our car slid out and within seconds we were playing bumper cars with an 18-wheeler, ON A BRIDGE. My car was totalled but we walked away unscathed. From there, we had it towed to a junkyard near the airport, unloaded our suitcases into a taxi - and left my vehicle there for dead. We raced to the airport, where flight delays added an unscheduled stop in Winnipeg, which forced us to miss our connecting flight from Vancouver to Seattle. The promoter had to pick us up in Vancouver and drive 100mph to try to make the show. Made it to play a 45-minute set. Now that’s some Amazing Race type shit.

What are you favourite cities for winter activities?

Hands down, Banff, AB and Whistler, BC.

What's the best travel advice you have been given lately?

I was stuck at O'Hare airport in Chicago because of horrible weather in December and was looking for the up-to-the-minute status of my delayed flight. The Air Canada representative told me that the status board was wrong. He also said that I could download this free app called FlightView. It rules. It was able to tell me the exact status (on runway, wheels up, location en route, landed, at gate) of the incoming aircraft. It was what he, himself, was using instead of the Air Canada status board system! I've been using the app since. Awesome.

Where can we find you? All-inclusives or off-map adventures?

I'm definitely an off-map kind of dude. But, again, with the insane travel/adventure that makes up my daily life, I have gone for a couple nice short (3-4 day) tropical beach resort trips that were relaxing. For the first time in my career, I am trying to start implementing a couple of days here and there to relax and shut the phone/email off. According to my family and my doctor, it is important for my health. So they say.

Do you try to escape, or embrace the cold?

Embrace Canadian winter and try to have fun. That’s until you unavoidably become crazy miserable; then, you escape directly south ASAP.

Have any of your travels influenced your music?

I find that it's usually eye-opening to get to play music in different places, especially overseas. I always look for regional music. I enjoy being able to chat with local DJs about what their music scene is like and what artists or producers are interesting.

Packing in the winter can be bulky. Where do you trim down to keep it manageable?

No underwear. Freestyle it, baby.

Last words of advice, tools & tricks.

Pack light and avoid checking bags where possible. Download the FlightView app. Also, when you’re flying 150+ flights in a calendar year, try and stick to one airline. Super Elite status cards make travelling a lot smoother.