Seeing your favorite bands and artists often involves a lot of travel. Festivals, an outdoor concert, or a stadium tour, these events are rarely on your doorstep. Often, travel is a part of the experience too. Excitement can, however, quickly turn stressful without proper planning, especially if you’re going abroad! As someone who has attended numerous overseas festivals, here are the things I think you really need to know about when it comes to packing, safety, comfort, and staying in touch with those at home. So without further ado, in this post, as part of our travel blog section, we’ll explore what you need to know when traveling to concerts and festivals.
Packing the Festival Basics
In my experience, I like to pack in three different sections:
- Must-have items
- Festival gear
- Digital prep
So, firstly, the must-have items are your tickets (often digital ones these days), passport, travel insurance, cash, and cards.
With all that sorted, you need to consider the more practical things for going to a festival or concert: a power bank, a reusable water bottle, earplugs (if it’s too loud or if you’re with snorers!), a rain poncho (you’ll thank me), and some sunscreen.
Next, digital preparation. This means saving any offline maps you might need, downloading venue apps, and having your travel confirmations saved.
Quick Tip: Secure documents and valuables in a cross-body bag or belt.
Watch this video for some more tips:
Staying Connected Without the Stress
Connectivity is important—as you’re probably very aware! You want to make sure you can navigate around, meet friends easily, and also share experiences. Now that eSIMs are widely available, you don’t need a physical SIM when traveling abroad. You can organize it before departure and compare plans in advance so you can make sure you have reliable data abroad. Check NordVPN’s Saily review to find out more.
Don’t forget, if you are using data abroad or public Wi-Fi, it’s a good idea to protect yourself with a VPN. Pairing this with an eSIM keeps your data safe.
Comfort and Safety Tips On-Site
Festivals are usually outdoors and often in seasons where the weather is likely to be hot and sunny. With this in mind, be sure to pack the essentials to stay safe in the sun. A hat, SPF, and a refillable water bottle are a must. Be careful when consuming alcohol, too. This can lead to dehydration and forgetfulness about safety in the sun.
Another thing to consider is staying safe with friends. Festivals are busy, and phone signals aren’t always the best when so many people are trying to use them. Before you get going, come up with a plan in case you get separated. Find a meet-up point where you can see each other clearly.
As for security, card payments are usually safer than carrying cash. Especially ones linked to your phone or smartwatch that require biometrics to work. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you in a zipped bag and watch for pickpockets.
Finally, avoid unsecured Wi-Fi to keep your personal data safe. Use a VPN for payments, especially.
Watch this video for some more tips:
Planning a Smooth Journey
Travel troubles can dampen your mood before you get there, so plan ahead. Check any train or bus timetables you might need, or book private transfers for convenience.
When you arrive at your accommodation, make sure you’ve kept confirmations of your bookings—have a digital and a hard copy just in case you can’t use your phone.
As mentioned, travel insurance is a must. Get this as soon as you book the concert or festival because it will protect you in case you can’t go and not just for things that might happen once you’re there. Make sure the cover is adequate for your needs and declare any existing medical conditions to protect yourself.
Note: Festivals can be unpredictable. Prepare for delays, weather changes, and long queues!
Making Music the Main Event
To summarize: Pack smartly, plan for reliable connectivity, and be safety aware for a smooth and positive festival experience. Remember, the right tech can help (an eSIM if you’re abroad and a VPN). By preparing in advance, you can focus on what really matters once you’re there—the music, the moment, and the memories.
🎸 Festival & Concert Travel FAQ
1. What should I pack for an overseas festival or concert?
Bring your travel essentials first: passport, tickets, travel insurance, cash/cards, and ID. Add practical items like a portable charger, reusable water bottle, earplugs, SPF, a hat, and a lightweight rain poncho. Keep everything safe in a zipped cross-body bag or money belt.
2. How can I stay connected while travelling abroad for a concert?
eSIMs make it easy to get reliable data without buying a physical SIM at your destination. Set one up before you leave and compare plans for the best value. Pair it with a VPN to protect your personal data when using mobile networks or public Wi-Fi.
3. What safety tips should I follow at busy festivals?
Arrange a meeting spot with friends in case phone signals fail. Keep valuables close in a zipped or cross-body bag, and stick to card or contactless payments rather than carrying large amounts of cash. Stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun.
4. How can I make my journey to a festival stress-free?
Book trains, buses, or transfers in advance and double-check timetables. Save booking confirmations both digitally and on paper. If you’re staying overnight, confirm check-in times and keep emergency contacts handy.
5. Do I really need travel insurance for concerts and festivals?
Yes! Good travel insurance protects you before and during the trip — from cancellations to medical emergencies or lost belongings. Buy it as soon as you secure your tickets so you’re covered if you have to cancel.
6. What’s the best way to protect my phone and payments?
Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, especially when banking or shopping online. Use a VPN for an extra layer of safety, and enable biometrics or a passcode on your phone and smartwatch.
