Coachella 2018: Your survival guide
Coachella season is creeping up fast (I'm sure if you're like me you've been counting down the days). If you're a first timer this year and slightly overwhelmed about planning for one of the worlds biggest music festivals, I feel you. What do you pack? What can you take into the venue? How do you get there?
I have one word for you: Relax. I've whipped up a full-on survival guide, from tips on getting there, do's and don'ts, and planning your day right.
Weekend 1!
I've been lucky enough to experience Coachella twice, (this year being my third) weekend one in 2016 and weekend two in 2017 and I have to say, weekend one is definitely the better weekend. Most artists bring out special guests to perform with them on stage who aren't on the lineup, there's OTT celebrity spotting and the best pre and after parties all happen during weekend one.So with that decision sorted and hoping you've already purchased your ticket, let me get started on what you need to know.
Getting there
If you haven't already bought your plane ticket then I really envy your laid back approach to life - get it sorted at Virgin Australia they offer some great deals and if you can splurge, their business class cabin to Los Angeles is to die for.Flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane land into LAX early morning, you can hire a car at Alamo which I've used every time I've been in LA and road trip about two hours to Palm Springs. (Stop off at Joshua Tree National Park for some Instagram-worthy shots)
You can catch a domestic flight with most American carriers straight into Palm Springs International Airport and there's also a shuttle bus option for about 20USD.
Accommodation
I've stayed at JW Marriott in Palm Desert and The Saguaro in Palm Springs so I really cant give you any advice on what you may need if you're brave enough to camp but head to my pal Evan's page for the best tips on camping.Hotels for me just seems the way to go, although the campers will tell you that you ain't doing it right but to be honest, I need a hotel room with a full pressured hot shower after a long day of dancing in the sun and don't get me wrong, I probably would enjoy camping but I'm too much of a princess to do my hair and make up with a hand held mirror and not have a king size bed all to myself while I recharge for the next day, get me?
If you're reading this for next year - some hotels offer Coachella specials if you get in early, and by early I mean June - when the first release tickets go on sale for the following year. If you buy a full package deal from Coachella direct you get hotels and shuttles included.
If you haven't booked a hotel room yet, you're going to want to do that right now! Make sure to book a location which isn't too far from the festival as the traffic getting in can be a nightmare. Search for hotels in Indio, Palm Desert, Thousand Palms, La Quinta, and Palm Springs.
Airbnb is another option, you can rent a private room or do what I'm doing this year and gather up a bunch of friends and rent a ranch in any of the neighbouring estates.
The day of the festival -
What time to go
The festival starts at 11am but try to avoid the hottest time of the day, you might miss out on discovering some new bands, but you'll have loads more energy going into the night. Personally I think a good time to arrive is 4pm. Chill by your hotel pool as most have pre-parties organised by fashion labels, drink companies, designers etc. Many of the pre-parties outside of the big hotels are not open to the public, but are invite-only or a RSVP is required. It helps to know someone "in the industry" that is somehow connected with the event. That will be your best bet, that said, it is possible to get into some of these parties even if you're not on the list. First you need to know the location, and you'll need to arrive early, Once the events have hit capacity, the security are very strict about not letting anyone else in.
Getting in
If you haven't pre-purchased a shuttle pass from valley music travel, then you won't be able to get on the buses that do the frequent pick ups and drop offs from all major hotels and bus stops. Best bet is to get Uber or you can organise a car and carpool. More info here
Make a plan
Download the festival guide a couple days prior and make your game plan for the day. If you're with a group and want to meet up during the day, agree on a common meeting place for each stage and for the end of the night should you get lost or split up. Don't expect to rely on your phone, since without fail, it'll either be dead or without service. Festivals are about adventure and discovery so don't treat your plan like a work schedule.
Register your wristband
You'll need to register your wristband before entering the festival and word of advice, don't tighten it too much as this thing will be stuck on you for three days and there's no way to loosen it once its been tighten.
Drink water constantly
Don't forget you're in the desert! Passing out is the opposite of fun. Take a plastic bottle with you and refill at the water stations.
Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner
Coachella has amazing food stalls and trucks. With constant walking and dancing you'll need all the energy you can get, so don't skip meals.
What to pack
Sunscreen - Unless you want peek-a-boo tan lines all over your body from your outrageously gorgeous outfit you've put together
Bandana - Many of you may think this is a trendy fashion statement but actually its a necessity - drench it at the water station each time you fill your bottle and use it to shield your shoulders from the scorching sun, and tie it over your nose and mouth when the evening falls and the winds pick up. There's nothing worse than breathing in all that sand!
Apple Pay - Most stores are now cashless, so if you can get apple pay on your iPhone you'll have one less thing to loose!
Plastic water bottle - To refill duh
Portable phone charger - Your phone WILL RUN OUT OF BATTERY
Lip balm - in case you get a smooch, no one likes dry lips
Hand sanitizer - Limited access to sinks, so its probably a good idea
Bandaids - You're bound to get a blister
Gum - Remember that smooch we talked about earlier?
Panadol - The heat and lack of drinking water could give you a headache and we don't have time for that (keep it in original packaging cos those guards will think they are something else)
Oil blotting paper - I want you to shine baby! (Just not all over your face)
DON'TS - Drugs, metal bottles, aerosols, alcohol, food, ecigs, check the website for the full list but you get the gist.
And lastly, have hell of a time!
See you on the polo grounds.
And lastly, have hell of a time!
See you on the polo grounds.
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