 Most festivals are not representing historical and religious occasions any more. Now it is popular to celebrate something like arts of food, beer, music, film, literature, tomatoes, camels and so on. If you want to become a festival-goer you can base your trip around any concert or another cultural event.
If you have never been to the festival, you should try at least to get there to experience the general vibrations and consider your first likes and dislikes for the next trips. Do not overwhelm yourself and your schedule. Determine who you are most keen to see and put up with the fact that you won’t be able to catch all and do all you’d like to. If you want to visit the festival successfully make a prior research. You can benefit a lot from knowing how to get tickets, where to stay and when to go. Look through the program and decide which performer you want to see.
It is very important in some cases to get to the event earlier. For example, to get a glimpse of a movie star in Cannes Festival or to mind a sport in a Campo square of Siena so you get a good view of the horse races.
Do not forget about next things while planning your “festival” vocation:
1. Tickets. There is usually a great demand on tickets for popular events. Try to buy them or at least book as soon as possible. There are different conditions of buying tickets at different festivals, but usually you have a choice either to buy a one day pass or a multiple day pass. If tickets are sold out for the event you wanted to attend, find out about last-minute tickets or wait-list tickets. If you have some press or professional accreditation it can help you to score entry.
2. Food and overnight stay. Arrange accommodation in advance as hotels usually get booked out really quickly before important events. Sometimes it is a good idea to rent a house or apartment together with your friends. Food and drinks can be low-quality at large events.
3. Health tips. Make sure you have an insurance which will work during your vocation. It is easy to get injured in the crowed so get to know the location of exits and first aid facilities. Consider the possibility of weather changes and dress appropriately. Try to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid long stay at the sun, so provide yourself with a hat and sun screen.
4. Security. Festivals attract lots of people and therefore a number of pickpockets. Keep your belongings with you at all time and be cautious with people around you.
5. It is easy to get lost in a crowd. Arrange the place of meeting with your friends in case any of you get lost, before entering the festival area. Consider walky-talkies as a good way of keeping in touch.
6. While packing, avoid caring bulky gear into the festival. If you really have to provide yourself with anything before you arrive it can be probably snacks and water bottles. In case you are planning on camping you will need a tent, sleeping bag, a camping chair and a ground sheet. You can consider also some cooking utensils and stove if you plan to cook.
| 
