Since experiencing a surge in popularity over the past decade, festival season always seems to be in full swing. From Coachella and Lollapalooza to Outside Lands and Afropunk, festivals across all genres and continents have stolen the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Caught up in the excitement of festivals old and new, it’s easy to let planning fall to the wayside. While you could show up to the next festival sans plan in place, it’s well worth it to be prepared before you go. Here are some of our fav tips that’ll help you make the most of your music festival vacation.
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Keep Your Belongings Safe
There’s no feeling quite like being in a crowd of fellow music festival lovers, soaking up the music, vibes, and good times. Unfortunately, with big crowds come issues with theft and the accidental misplacement of your belongings. It’s important to think about how you’re going to safeguard your stuff – especially if you’re heading to a larger festival like EDC or Stagecoach. Do not carry an open bag, and do not carry your phone in your pocket! It’s too easy to drop or lose something when you’re caught up in the music and dancing in a full crowd of people. Go for something small and compact instead, like a crossbody belt bag. This way, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the safety of your belongings!
Plan Your Festival Style
Music fest vacays are a time to have fun with your fashion as much as they are to enjoy the music! You don’t need to be the costume type; explore what festival outfits work for you. Play around with color, texture, fit, and accessories that match your style and the aesthetic of the festival you’re heading to. Make sure you pay attention to the weather, too. Many of your fav fests take place during spring or summer months, so it’s a must to plan your outfits in a way that keeps you warm at night and avoids dreaded sunburns, like lighter-colored clothing, layers, and fun hats. And don’t forget to pack that sunscreen!
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Have Treats on Hand
Don’t take candy (or food) from strangers; bring your own CBD gummies and snacks. It’s always a good idea to forgo taking any treats from people you don’t know at a festival. Instead, make sure to pack your bag with small items to snack on, and head to a food stall if that’s accessible to you. Just don’t forget to eat – you need that energy to dance the night away!
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Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things to remember during a music festival is to stay hydrated – especially if you know you’re going to be enjoying a few drinks. It may seem insignificant compared to everything else going on at the fest, but with all the dancing and walking, you’re going to need it. Bring your own water bottle or buy one at the fest that you can refill at a water refill station.
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Plan Accommodations for Your Music Festival Vacation
You typically have two options with your accommodations: camping on-site or a hotel. The latter gives you small conveniences, like a bed, privacy, and a secure spot for your belongings. Others choose to go for the camping option for a different type of festival experience, or if they’re sticking to a vacation budget. The accommodation you choose is ultimately up to what you feel comfortable with. However, if you do decide to car camp, don’t forget to bring essentials you may need at your festival (think: tent or cot) and be aware of your property.
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Pick Your Shows
At first glance of the fest lineup, you’re likely going to want to see every act you possibly can. While you could frantically run from stage to stage to catch your favs, you don’t want to miss great parts of their shows during your trip around the festival grounds. Before you go to your dream music festival, decide what acts you most want to see, and commit. If you’re heading with a group that wants to see different acts, pick a meet-up spot where you can reconvene after your chosen act is over.
(Photo by Wendy Wei on Unsplash.com)
Don’t Forget the Little Things
You want to pack your travel bag lightly for a festival, but you don’t want to leave out the things that everyone else forgets. Some items that might come in handy include hand sanitizer, tissues, aspirin, bug spray, and a portable phone charger. Your festival packing checklist may not be fun to think about, but you’ll be glad you packed them later!
Enjoy the Music and Vibes at Your Music Festival Vacation
Music festivals are the ultimate chance to experience an unforgettable vacay, communing with like-minded festival lovers from around the globe. From planning your festival outfit to figuring out accommodations, a little bit of planning will go a long way for your fest. Pick your festival, pack your bag, and enjoy the music and vibes.
(Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash.com)
For More:
- On our site: A Rock Concert Vacation: Road Trip Like a Rock Star
- On our site: 5 Top Music Festivals in Australia
-All photos as credited. Cover photo by James Genchi on Upsplash. com
