Are you gearing up to hit the road for your next music festival? There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a pre-festival road trip, where every mile brings you closer to the vibrant beats and crowds. But why wait for the festival gates to open to start the fun? Kick off the festivities from the moment you buckle up with our ultimate pre-festival road trip guide. Whether you’re cruising a few hours from home or embarking on a cross-country journey, here’s how to make every moment count and start your music festival experience on the right note.
1. Plan Your Route with Fun Stops
Before you hit the road, take a moment to plot a route that’s lined with off-the-beaten-track and intriguing stops. Fancy a quick hike to stretch your legs? Or what about that famous hole-in-the-wall diner known for the world’s best pancakes? Apps like Roadtrippers or Google Maps can help you find those hidden gems that could offer you a scenic stretch or an unforgettable meal.
2. Build the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist
A great playlist can turn a long drive into a rolling festival. Start a shared Spotify playlist and invite your travel mates to add their favourite tracks. Mix it up with songs from the festival artists to get everyone in the spirit. Imagine cruising down the highway as your pre-festival hype track blares through the speakers—it’s like you’re starting the party early!
3. Pack Smart and Early
Kick off your packing with essentials to avoid the dreaded last-minute pack panic. Make a checklist that includes your festival outfit, comfy shoes for dancing, snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and camping gear if you’re staying onsite. Double-check for your tickets, ID, and reservation confirmations—better safe than sorry!
4. Capture Every Moment
Why wait to start making memories? Charge up your GoPro or smartphone and capture your road trip with photos and videos. Whether it’s a funny sing-along or a breathtaking vista, these snapshots will be treasures you can keep forever.
5. Dive into Games and Stories
Long drives are the perfect time to dive into classic road trip games. How about a few rounds of “Would You Rather,” “Pub Quiz” style trivia, or the always hilarious “License Plate Bingo”? For quieter moments, cue up some interesting podcasts, audiobooks or interviews with your favourite artists. It’s a great way to learn something new or spark interesting discussions with your crew.
6. Be Roadside Ready: Emergency Kit
No one likes to think about them, but hiccups happen. Equip your car with an emergency kit including jumper cables, a tyre pressure gauge, a flashlight, and a basic toolkit. Throw in extra water and a blanket too. It’s all about peace of mind as you cruise towards festival fun.
7. Schedule Regular Breaks
Plan your breaks at spots that offer more than just a restroom. Look for local parks, interesting landmarks, or just a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic. Stretching your legs with a short walk or quick game of frisbee can recharge everyone for the next leg of the journey.
8. Embrace Spontaneity
Sometimes the best memories are unplanned. See a sign for something that sparks your curiosity? Go check it out! Being flexible can lead to some of the most memorable detours. Trust me, you might discover your new favourite spot just by following a whim!
9. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Keep your energy up by preparing some meals in advance that are easy to eat on the go. Think sandwiches, wraps, or even hearty salads packed in cooler bags. This way, you can avoid the fast-food trap and keep your nutrition on point during the journey. Staying well-fed and hydrated makes everyone a happier traveller.
10. Theme Your Ride
Why wait until you arrive to get into the festival spirit? Decorate your car with window markers, flags, or magnetic signs that show off your festival excitement. This not only makes your vehicle easy to spot in a crowd but also can spark conversations at rest stops or while stuck in traffic.
11. Pack a Separate ‘Day One’ Bag
Pack a small bag with everything you’ll need for the first day—like your festival ticket, outfit and accessories, and festival backpack. This way, you won’t have to rummage through all your luggage as soon as you arrive at the festival site and jump straight into the fun.
12. Have a Backup Plan
It’s always good to have a plan B in case of unexpected events such as severe weather or road closures. Have apps ready on your phone for last-minute lodging or alternative routes.
Let’s make this road trip a story to tell at the festival! Roll down those windows, let the breeze in, and crank up your epic playlist. We’re not just heading to a festival; we’re creating moments all along the way. Safe travels, and see you on the road!