The events industry in the US represents big business, with a total market value of $94.8 billion in 2020. Incredibly, this is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13% over the course of the next seven years, before peaking at $538.6 billion in 2030.
This market is driven in part by a range of popular US festivals, including the EDC Music Festival, New Orleans Mardi Gras, and the iconic Burning Man.
Of course, the global festival industry is also continuing to rebound in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, creating ample opportunity to travel the world and take in festivals of different types and flavors.
However, there are several steps involved in booking and organizing a festival trip, many of which will have a cost implication and direct impact on your experience.
So, here’s a step-by-step festival travel guide that’s worthy of consideration wherever you visit in the world!
Getting Started – The Festival Travel Checklist
Let’s start with the boring stuff, as I’m going to lay out a practical, point-by-point festival travel checklist, from the moment you head out to your destination of choice to how you take care of yourself while you improve. This includes:
- Identifying Festivals and Organizing Your Travel Arrangements: Once you’ve identified the precise festival that you’d like to attend, the next step is to organize your travel arrangements. This will most likely require you to book a flight when heading overseas, with online travel agents like eDreams offering access to low-cost flights and package trips to suit various budgets. Comparing prices and holiday options ahead of time can unlock genuine cash savings, while also affording you time to pack appropriately and make other travel arrangements.
- Sign Up to Receive Travel Notifications: As part of your travel arrangements, you should also sign up to receive travel advice email alerts for the country where your festival is being hosted. You can do this through various governmental websites, as this will alert you to any potential changes in circumstances or issues that arrive either before you travel or while you’re abroad.
- Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance: No matter where you’re traveling in the world, you’ll have to invest in appropriate travel insurance before you head overseas. Try to prioritize value for money and coverage over your overall outlay, as this will help you to strike the optimal balance between saving money and safeguarding yourself while traveling. Once you’ve bought insurance, be sure to pack your policy documents while keeping the relevant numbers on your person once you land!
- Jot Down the Local Emergency Number in the Relevant Country: Regardless of where your chosen festival is being held, you’ll need to make a note of the region’s relevant emergency numbers and contact details. This includes the details of the nearest British Embassy or consulate, while I’d recommend taking written notes just in case your phone is lost or stolen.
- Take Other Precautions to Safeguard Yourself: From a wider practical perspective, you should also fill in the final page of your passport with a list of emergency contacts and their relevant telephone numbers. Also, I’d recommend that you take photocopies of your passport; leaving some at home and taking at least one with you just in case your documents are lost while you’re overseas.
While At The Festival – How To Travel Well
Not every festival has been created equal, which means that you’ll have to prepare and pack differently depending on precisely where you’re headed. However, here are some general and universal tips to help you make the most of your trip!
1. Be Sure To Pack Your Essentials
Whether you’re visiting the coveted Leeds festival in England or similar music events throughout Europe, you’ll need to ensure that you pack your passport, debit or credit card (or both) and your tickets. They should be packed securely too, and ideally kept separate from your tent (where appropriate) and sleeping bag. You’ll also need to pack appropriate clothing depending on the time of year, with layered garments offering the most flexibility and utility
2. Keep A Source Of Cash On You And Separate At All Times
Sadly, festivals shine like a beacon to thieves and pick-pocketers, with some events considerably worse than others. So, it’s important to keep a source of cash separate to your main wallet and bank card, as this will create a financial safety net that may come in handy if you encounter a thief or similarly nefarious individual. Also, make sure that you enable contactless on your smartphone, as this creates a third payment source to fund your activities.
3. Pack Light Where Possible
When compiling a packing list ahead of your festival trip, there are any number of things that may be included. Regardless, it’s crucial that you pack light wherever possible, including a lightweight (but durable) tent and sleeping bag that can be packed in a compact and convenient manner. Packing lightweight and layered garments is also highly recommended, especially when visiting locations with variable weather and climate conditions.
