Coachella is approaching, and the anticipation is real. Through spending weeks planning outfits, listening all of the artists on the killer lineup for months, and planning out every last detail of your trip, Coachella is going to be the experience of a lifetime. Nonetheless, there are still a lot of important aspects to consider once you get there! Here are some tips to make your trip as memorable as possible:
1. Wear comfortable shoes.
Do not wear new shoes! Last year on the first day I wore brand new sandals that gave me blisters, so I ended up barefoot (nothing wrong with this). Stick to the shoes you know you can last in for 12+ hours.
2. Be prepared for the weather: hot all day and freezing at night.
A lot of people think that the desert is hot day and night, but it gets pretty cold. Granted, there will be tens of thousands of people packed into one place, making it more bearable -- but when you're waiting for your ride when the festival ends, it wouldn't hurt to pack a small sweater.
3. Plan out your rides.
If you aren't camping, I can tell you firsthand that waiting for an Uber or a Taxi after the festival can take hours. After a long day that's the last thing you want to do -- a shuttle pass or planning a different ride ahead of time is a good idea.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
A bottle of water on the grounds is reasonably priced at $2, and they have many refill stations! Or, bring your own water bottle (empty). It's going to be hot and you're going to dance a lot -- hydrate as much as possible.
5. Bring a portable charger.
There are a few charging stations with outlets, but basically only the indoor outlets actually work. I would bring your own portable charger. The cell service takes a while because everyone tries to use it, so your phone may also die quicker.
6. If you really want to see a certain artist, get to their set early.
Think about it -- thousands and thousands of people are on the grounds, and the tents and stages fill up fast. If you are dying to get a good spot for Disclosure, go to where they're performing even 30 minutes in advance.
7. Bring cash for food.
You aren't allowed to bring your own food onto the grounds -- luckily, Coachella has many tents with delicious food options. Basically all of them accept cards, but I'd bring cash because it's easier and you can keep track of the amount you're spending.
8. Designate a meeting spot.
Especially if you're going with a big group of people, it is vital to decide on a meeting spot if you want to go to certain performers together or to reconvene. The festival is huge, and it is super easy to lose your people.
9. Enjoy it.
Coachella will leave you with lifelong memories. Go to as many performers as you can, even if you don't know who they are! Try the food. Visit all the different booths. Explore the grounds. Take pictures and videos. Cherish the experience, because it is absolutely unbelievable.
