Travelling vs. Festivals

At the moment I’m packing for the amazing-ness that is Glastonbury festival next week. I know, I’m mega excited. And it has occurred to me how similar going travelling is to going to a festival….

You have to pack for all weathers. Funnily enough the changeable weather in England is equal to having to pack for visiting multiple countries.

You have to balance out practicality vs. fashionability with your outfit choices. I’ve always had the problem of packing sensible clothes for my travels that are also on-trend. Same applies to festivals – how am I going to make this pac-a-mac look cool?

Wireless Festival 2013 - Good sunnies go a long way. — Wireless Festival 2013 – Good sunnies go a long way.

You need a lot of Batiste. Personal hygiene takes it’s toll at festivals. And you’ll find yourself washing your hair sporadically when faced with hideous hostel bathrooms. Pack that dry shampoo, gurl.

You need to think about security and watch out for pickpockets. Thieves tend to operate in those places you have the most fun and forget about being safe. Way to rain on our parade, criminals.

You shouldn’t bring valuables. See above. Keep it to a minimum.

You need to be able to comfortably carry all of your belongings. Sometimes you get off of a coach and it’s a long walk until you find a hostel. At festivals you also get off a coach and it’s a long walk until you find somewhere to pitch your tent. You better get used to carrying it all.

You are permitted to wear swimwear as underwear. A bikini top is just more comfortable than wearing a bra in general, but for some reason it’s only socially accepted in these situations.

Festival atmosphere at Vang Vieng, Laos.

You want to have fun, party and meet new people. There’s something about festivals where everyone is generally friendlier, more approachable, and having the absolute time of their lives! Just like a Koh Phangan beach party or tubing in Laos… This atmosphere makes them the best places for a good time!