Coachella Checklist: 13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going To Coachella
Going to Coachella 2k18? You're welcome in advance for this Coachella checklist for 2018.
Coachella is not always all sunshine and daisies (or should I say flower headbands). Here are the things I wish I had known before my first Coachella experience.
1. Make a plan.
With hundreds of musicians to see, art to admire, and food to enjoy, Coachella may be the busiest 72 hours of your life.
Make sure you come up with a plan of who you want to see BEFOREHAND, so you're not sprinting from stage to stage to see your faves.
2. Sunscreen will be your best friend.
It's easy to forget that you're literally in THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT. Enough said.
Bring sunscreen, people. Trust me.
3. HYDRATION = SUCCESS
This is probably the single most important thing to remember: Drink. Water.
Once again, you're in the middle of the desert dancing around in 100 degree heat, (and let's be real, you're probably drunk, too) - all of these factors can be a recipe for disaster if you don't stay super hydrated.
4. It's actually a fashion show...
Coachella is so fashion-oriented that it literally has it's own style now... "That outfit is so chella".
Trying to fit in and dress cute while also remaining comfortable is a tricky and delicate task, so be sure to plan your outfits approximately a year in advance, just to be safe.
5. There's a lot of waiting involved.
Getting on the shuttles, line. Getting into the festival, line. Getting food, line. Going to the bathroom, line. Getting water, line. Seeing an art exhibit, line.
I could go on but I think you get it.
6. You've never experienced this level of exhaustion.
For some reason, no one ever talks about the miles-long trek you have to endure to get in and out of the festival grounds ON TOP OF the miles and miles you'll be walking during the festival.
Make sure you wear comfy shoes and bring your pedometer - get those steps in, girl!
7. The Sahara tent is actually just a rave.
When most people think of Coachella they think of flower headbands and girls frolicking through the desert listening to Indie ballads... but that's just the half of Coachella.
If you're looking to get your rave on, head over to the Sahara tent where you will be sure to find some PLUR friends, light shows, and symphonic bass.
8. Bring a portable charger.
Nothing is worse than that stomach-dropping moment you realize you're alone and your phone died. We've all been there.
Bring a portable phone charger because the desert sun seems to drain your phone battery faster than your energy.
9. You're going to have to pick between some of your favorites.
The worst part about having the BEST lineup at Coachella is having all the headliners at the same time...
You're probably having a Sophie's Choice moment right now deciding between which artists to see...WHY COACHELLA, WHY?!?
10. Coachella is one giant photo-shoot.
If you didn't Instagram it, did you even go to Coachella?
No Sarah, no you didn't.
11. Introverts be warned...
Looking for some alone time? A chill moment to enjoy some music in solidarity?
No problem! Just ignore the 100,000 people surrounding you, squished into the crowd like sardines. NBD.
12. You may never feel clean again...
Okay...that's a bit of an overstatement.
But seriously, at the end of the weekend, you will be DYING for a shower to get all that dirt, sand, dust, and sweat off your body. Did I mention other people's sweat? Yummy.
13. The post-Coachella blues are REEEAL.
Despite all of these less-than-favorable factors, Coachella is still the best weekend of the year, HANDS DOWN.
Nothing is more depressing than waking up the morning after Coachella and realizing you have to wait another 363 days. ALRIGHT PEOPLE, let the countdown begin!!!
What are your favorite Coachella moments? Let us know, and SHARE with your friends!