Festival survival guide (a starting point)

Welcome to my festival survival guide, including the dos, the don'ts and the best ways to stay clean and safe during the festivities!

Camping
There's plenty to research when it comes to festival camping. Whether you're bringing your own tent, glamping or using a vehicle.
If you're taking your own tent and gear, you'll need to check weights and sizes, making sure they comply with festival guidelines. If you're travelling via Air, for example, you'll need to make sure you book the right sized backage and that weights comply with flight restrictions.
If you're glamping, check out prices and location of pre-set up tents/ homes to make sure you're getting the best deal, but also to make sure you're aware of the surroundings you are being placed in.
There are ways to keep things as easy and as simple as possible, perhaps by bringing a pop-up tent, using lylows as mattresses and of course checking the festival website to see if you can purchase any of these necessities at a good price.

 Food & Drink
In relation to camping, you'll need to make sure you are staying hydrated and feeding yourself properly. Festivals cna be dirty, and weather can create dehydration problems. You must also take in to account that you are in an arena where outside food and drink is sometimes prohibited, so making sure you are well fed and watered for the day is essential, as this can be vital in order to stay well and in health throughout the days.
It's also worth checking, if you're camping particularly, what you're allowed to bring into the grounds with you. Taking note of any shops in the area or grounds, and any food/ stands and prices of those will also prove very useful, especially when working out a budget.

Keeping Clean
Obviously it will be hard work, especially depending on weather conditions. My advice is to pack sanitizer, femmefresh, roll-on deodorant, small bottles of shampoo and body wash, a bar of soap, baby wipes and possibly dry shampoo. Another essential I like to have is a foldible toothbrush, obviously with toothpaste!
I will pack a razor, depending on the length of the festival, but don't worry if you can't fit these things in as there should always be a shop on-site or nearby to purchase these.
Most festivals have showers, in the hotter climates these are mainly communal. Of it is hot, you spend a lot of time wanting a shower anyway just for some relief, so staying clean shouldn't be a problem. If it's cold howeever, it may be the last tuing you want, but for the sake of your campmates and overall bodily health, I'd make sure you're having a wash down as festivals can be a breeding ground for germs 😂.

Weather
If hot, please remember suncream. I can't stress this one enough, sun burn is not fun for anyone in your group. You'll be in pain, they'll have to listen to you moan, and in a tent it's so uncomfortable. If you're unlucky and get burnt, I suggest Greek yoghurt and eucalyptus from the supermarket. Apply aftersun each night, even if you've not been burnt, as it keeps your skin looking healthy. Also, rememeber hats and sunglasses, although these use fall into festival fashion category, and so shouldn't be an issue.
If it's cold/rainy try and bring some sort of umbrella. I don't think gloves and scarves are necessary, but something like a monkey hat or beanie won't go a-miss. Pack plenty of fleeces and if you can extra socks and blankets. I personally think wellies are the best foot wear, however, timberland and Dr Martens boots work too. As far as coats go, I prefer the use of a light anorak, such as a pac-a-mac that's easily put away and doesn't take up too much space.


Something Extra
Here just a simple list of little bits and pieces I bring along to festivals.
° a flag
° a speaker
°foldable or blow up chair/rubber ring (usually bought on arrival).
° pack-away cooler for drinks
° bucket hat (essential festival wear 😂)
° disposable camera
° portable charger
° earplugs
° swimming gear
° card game
° cups and shot glasses
° extra money (just in case).
° first aid kit
° tablets (such a paracetamol, pro-plus, lozenges, and ibruphon). Watch out if travelling with these!
°walkie talkies


So there you have it, a short guide to festivals, staying clean, and what to bring. Of course, there's much more to take into account, but this is a good starting point for research, which depends on where you choose to go!

Thanks for reading 🏕️