Going to a concert can be an amazing experience. For me, it is a time where I can see my favorite artists, my idols, perform live. These performances provide you with such an adrenaline rush that makes it such a 'feel good' moment. Without a doubt, these experiences will be unforgettable. However, they should be unforgettable in a good way. In all honesty, I have not been as prepared as I could have been for most of the concerts I attended. Here are some tips from my experiences that should help you have a great time at your next concert.

First things first, have a concert-day-plan ready. This should be done at least a week before the concert. You should know who you are going with and what time your group would like to arrive for the concert. If you have tickets with a designated seat number, you should be safe arriving 30 minutes to an hour before the concert. However, be prepared for parking mayhem. You may have to walk a great distance from where you park to get to the venue. If you have general admission tickets, your spot in the crowd is not guaranteed. If you would like to be in the front row, be prepared for a sleepless night. Many venues allow you to arrive as early as 6 AM for a 7 PM showing. In this case, be prepared to spend the entire day waiting for the show.

My next tip for you is the essential items you should bring to the concert. Number one, water. If you plan on staying at the venue all day, it is important that you stay hydrated. Many venues only allow you to bring one unopened bottle of water, so make sure you have money to buy more water. Insufficient hydration will most likely lead to passing out. If this happens while you are in general admission, you will most likely be escorted out by security for your safety. Number two, sunscreen. Many concerts that I have been to where held at outdoor venues. If you plan on being at the venue all day, I advise you to apply sunscreen once or twice an hour. Failure to do so will result in sunburn, or even sun poisoning. Number three, money. As I have mentioned before, you will need money to buy water in order to stay hydrated. You will also need it to buy food. Do not go all day without having something to eat. You will also need money to buy band merchandise before or after the concert. Number four, an external battery for your phone. The last thing you need to happen is for your phone to die while you are taking pictures during the concert. Lastly, make sure to keep all these items in a drawstring bag for safekeeping.

My last tip for you is to befriend other concert-goers. Strike up a conversation with someone next to you in the crowd before the show starts. Ask them when they became interested in the band or what their favorite song from the band is. Share concert stories with each other. Not only will this help time pass by faster, but you will also have a new friend to share this great experience with.

Concerts should be a fun experience. You finally get to see a great band perform incredible songs. Don't let things like dehydration and sun poisoning ruin your day. Follow these tips to ensure that you have a superb time at your concert.