If you’re entering your solo traveling era, attending music festivals is a fantastic way to meet new people and enjoy discovering a new country. Many festival options are available, depending on your musical tastes and the countries you find appealing. However, going to a music festival alone can be intimidating. To help you make the most of your experience, we've gathered tips on how to find other solo travelers at music festivals.
Online Groups
Joining online groups before the festival can be a great way to meet people ahead of time and feel more prepared. Search for the festival's name on Facebook or Reddit to find the right group. You can also try the Radiate social app, which is great for festivals.
Accommodations
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Where you'll stay during the festival will impact your experience. Staying in a hostel in the area is generally a good idea for a solo traveler. It is budget-friendly, and you’ll likely meet other solo travelers. Moreover, they might be going to the same festival as you!
Staying at the festival campground can also be a fun option, but do your research beforehand and consider taking safety precautions. There are female-only options at specific festivals that are less daunting for solo female travelers.
Activities
Many music festivals offer more than just music. There are plenty of activities outside of the main performances that will allow you to meet people seamlessly. For example, the Sziget festival offers an area with board games and an area with art activities. Looking at each festival's program beforehand can help you pick which suits you.
Volunteering
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Volunteering at a festival is a great way to save some cash and learn new skills. It is also a great way to make friends, as you’ll likely work closely with other volunteers. Check out Glastonbury's many volunteering opportunities here.
Mindset
Going to a festival and being open to new connections can transform your experience. Smiling at other festival-goers and coming in with a friendly and confident attitude can make a big difference. Finally, dressing uniquely can be a great conversation starter!
Safety Considerations
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Enjoying a festival solo can be a fantastic experience. You can attend whichever artist you like and have more freedom and opportunities to connect with new people. However, safety is still an important consideration. We recommend checking the safety tips section of our Solo Travel for Women blog. Other additional tips include:
- Protect your hearing: Wearing earplugs can be a great way to reduce some of the noise. Earplugs protect your hearing and can be great if you get easily overstimulated.
- Keep your valuables safe: We recommend a fanny pack for easy access.
- Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated: This is especially important for summer festivals.
- Watch your drink: Keep an eye on your drink at all times, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
- Stay connected: Bring a power bank to recharge your phone when needed and download an affordable data plan ahead of time. A functioning phone can help in emergencies (calling a friend, ordering an Uber, etc.).
- Know the festival layout: Familiarize yourself with the grounds to plan your exit if you become overwhelmed.
Attending a music festival abroad can be daunting, but it can be an excellent opportunity to prove that you can thrive outside your comfort zone. Now that you know how to find solo travelers at music festivals, it's time to start dreaming up your next trip! Get ready to make special memories to the beat of your favorite songs.
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