Travelling to International Festivals

Travelling Alone vs. With Others:

• Both can be enjoyable, depending on your preferences. Going with others can provide a shared experience and safety in numbers, but going alone gives you the freedom to do what you want when you want.
• If you do decide to travel alone, consider joining online groups or forums of people who are also going to the festival. It can be a good way to make connections beforehand.

Travelling Alone:

• Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of travelling alone is the freedom to follow your own schedule. You can see the acts you want to see, eat when and what you want, and explore at your own pace.
• Meeting new people: Travelling alone often provides more opportunities to meet new people. You’re more likely to engage with locals and other festival-goers if you’re on your own.
• Personal Growth: Travelling alone can be a great opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. You’ll face challenges head-on and learn to rely on yourself.
• Safety Considerations: When you’re alone, you need to be more vigilant about your personal safety. Always let someone know your plans, stay in public places, and avoid risky situations.
• Loneliness: Loneliness can sometimes be a downside of solo travel. However, remember that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your own company, and festivals are often very communal spaces with friendly people around.

Travelling With Others:

• Shared Experiences: Travelling with others means you get to share your experiences and create memories together. You’ll have people to discuss the performances with, and you’ll never feel alone.
• Safety: There’s safety in numbers. Travelling with others can provide a level of security, especially in unfamiliar locations.
• Splitting Costs: You can often save money by splitting costs like accommodation and transportation with your group.
• Group Dynamics: Travelling with others can come with compromises. You may have to align your schedules, and conflicts can arise. Make sure to communicate openly and consider each other’s preferences.

Travelling Alone in a Group:

• There is also a third option – joining a group tour. This can provide the best of both worlds. You’ll have the security and companionship of a group, but as everyone is essentially a solo traveller, there’s often more understanding about individual preferences and space.

Whether you choose to travel alone or with others, both experiences have unique benefits. Consider your personal preferences, the specific circumstances of the festival, and the culture of the country you’re visiting when making your decision.

Identification and Important Documents:

• Always keep your passport, ID, and any other necessary documentation on you and in a safe place.
• Keep digital and physical copies of important documents in separate locations.
• Check if you need any visas for the country you’re visiting and apply for them in advance.

Passport:

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure. Some countries have strict rules about passport expiry dates.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport somewhere safe in case it’s lost or stolen. Also, have a digital copy stored in your email or on a cloud service for easy access.

Visas and Permits:

• Research the visa requirements of the country you’re visiting. Some countries might require a tourist visa, others a visa waiver, and some countries might have special permits for festival attendees.
• Apply for any necessary visas well in advance of your trip to avoid last-minute stress.

ID:

• Depending on the country and the festival, you may need additional forms of identification. Check the festival’s website or contact them for specific requirements.
• A driving license or an International Driving Permit (if you plan to drive) can serve as an additional form of ID.
• If your ID is in a language different from the country you’re visiting, consider getting it translated and notarized.

Insurance Documents:

• Always travel with proof of health insurance. Check to see if your current policy covers you internationally; if not, consider purchasing travel insurance.
• Ensure your insurance covers emergency situations and potential medical expenses in the country you’re visiting.

Other Important Documents:

• If you’re prescribed medication, bring a doctor’s note or prescription slip, particularly for controlled substances.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts, both personal and official (like your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country).

Document Safety:

• Never leave your important documents unattended in your luggage, hotel room, or vehicle.
• Use a money belt or neck wallet to keep your documents safe while you’re on the go.
• Consider a waterproof document holder if you’re attending a festival where it might rain.

Digital Copies:

• Besides having photocopies, scan all your important documents and store them securely online. This way, they’re accessible from any location with internet access.

Remember, the specifics might vary based on the country you’re visiting and their regulations, so always do thorough research before your trip.

Phones and Electronics:

• Check if your phone plan covers international data or consider getting a local SIM card.
• Keep your phone and other electronics charged. Consider bringing a portable charger as festival sites may not have readily available charging points.
• Be aware of pickpocketing. Consider getting a secure bag or pouch for your electronics.

Camping Gear:

• Choose lightweight and easy-to-carry equipment.
• Consider the weather. You may need a waterproof tent if rain is possible.
• A lightweight sleeping bag and inflatable pillow can improve your comfort.
• A headlamp can be handy for navigating the site at night.
• Don’t forget essential toiletries. Wet wipes and hand sanitisers can be lifesavers at festivals.

Tent:

• Ensure your tent is weatherproof and suitable for the climate you’ll be in. A tent with a rainfly can be handy if rain is in the forecast.
• Consider a tent that is easy to set up and break down. Pop-up tents can be very useful in a festival setting.
• Your tent should be spacious enough for you and your gear, but remember you’ll have to carry it, so avoid excessively heavy tents.
• A tent with good ventilation can make a significant difference in hot climates.
• Ensure your tent has a zipped closure for security and privacy.

Sleeping Arrangements:

• Opt for a lightweight sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures. Sleeping bags are rated by temperature, so choose one that suits the night-time temperature of the festival location.
• An inflatable or roll-up mat can add an extra layer between you and the ground, which can be helpful for both comfort and warmth.
• A travel pillow can also improve your comfort. Inflatable ones can save space.

Cooking Equipment:

• Some festivals allow small camping stoves. A lightweight stove can be useful for preparing hot drinks or food. Remember to bring appropriate fuel that’s allowed at the festival site.
• Don’t forget utensils like a pot, cup, and a spork. Opt for durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean materials.

Lighting:

• A headlamp can be incredibly useful for hands-free lighting when navigating the campsite or your tent at night.
• A small, battery-operated lantern can also provide light inside your tent.

Hygiene Supplies:

• A basic toiletries kit is essential: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal hygiene items you may need.
• Pack a microfiber towel. They’re lightweight, compact, and dry quickly.
• Wet wipes can be invaluable for quick clean-ups, especially if shower facilities are limited.
• Hand sanitizer is a must for maintaining cleanliness.

Other Essentials:

• Always have a reusable water bottle. Hydration is key, and it’s more environmentally friendly than buying bottled water.
• A basic first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary personal medication.
• A portable phone charger can keep your phone alive to stay in touch with friends, take photos, or access important information.

Remember to pack wisely, balancing comfort with portability. Also, double-check the festival’s rules on what you can bring before you pack. Some items may be restricted, and it’s better to know in advance.

Other Tips:

• Stay hydrated and bring snacks. Festival food can be expensive, and the availability of water can be unpredictable.
• Always use sunscreen, even if it seems cloudy.
• Bring earplugs and an eye mask for better sleep.
• Research the festival and its location. Know the line-up, the map of the site, and the local laws and customs.
• Lastly, ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers the activities you’ll be doing.

Again, this advice may need to be adjusted depending on the specific festival and location, but these are good general tips to start with. Enjoy the festival!