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Heading overseas to dance in the desert at Coachella, get muddy at Glasto, vibe out at Bali Spirit Festival or get lost in the fantasy of Tomorrowland? You're not alone. Thousands of Aussie travellers jet off each year chasing big beats, bucket-list artists, and that once-in-a-lifetime crowd energy.
According to this 2025 study, festivals and events are one of the fastest growing motivators for global travel, with some music festivals attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. But between the glitter, tunes, and tent villages, it's easy to forget that things can go sideways. We're not here to kill the vibe — just to help you keep it going strong, safely.
Here’s your ultimate pre-festival checklist so you can focus on what matters: tunes, mates, and making memories (not hospital visits).🎟️Plan ahead like a pro
Don’t just book the ticket and wing it — festival survival starts before you pack your bum bag.
- Scope out the site: Know your terrain. Is it a desert, a forest, or a mud pit waiting to happen?
- Brush up on local laws and entry rules: What flies at Laneway might get you kicked out in Belgium.
- Where are you crashing? Make sure you've sorted your accom and know how to get to and from the — especially if you're camping.
- Buy tickets from legit sources: Dodgy scalpers = no entry and a lot of tears.
🧳Pack smart, play harder
This isn't your average weekender. Packing right can save you a lot of hassle (and cash). The essentials:
- ID, a copy of your passport (physical or digital), and any required visas
- Portable charger/power bank — because your phone will die mid-headliner
- Reusable water bottle (hydration>dehydration)
- Festival app (if available)
- Earplugs (save your hearing, future you will be grateful)
- Poncho (when in Europe, expect rain)
- Mini first aid kit & hand sanitiser
- Sunscreen, hat & sunnies
📶Stay connected (literally)
Whether it’s to find your crew or post that main stage selfie, staying connected is key.
- Pick up a local SIM or portable hotspot
- Set a backup meeting point in case you get separated (you will)
- Share your itinerary with someone not at the fest — just in case
👀Keep an eye on your surroundings
Big crowds, limited lighting, and general festival chaos can get overwhelming — and risky.- Stick with your crew when moving through large crowds
- Use a torch (or your phone) at night to avoid tripping hazards
- Trust your gut — if a situation feels off, bounce
- Never accept drinks (or anything else) from strangers
⚖️Know the rules - local & festival
Just because it's legal in Aus doesn't mean other countries allow it — or that specific festival.
- Always check local laws and keep these in mind at all times — there are no get-out-of-jail-free cards regardless of if the heat or crowd mentality have impaired your judgement
- Read the festival's terms (yep, even the fine print)
- If you get into legal or medical trouble overseas, it can get very messy, very fast — and expensive
🏥If things go pear-shaped
Even the best-prepped festie can hit a snag. Here's how to be ready if things go sideways:
- Know where the medical tents are
- Save local emergency numbers in your phone
- Some festivals are miles from proper medical help — if you have a serious injury, response times may be long
🧳When travel insurance can be handy
We're not saying "bad vibes", but here's when travel insurance might come in clutch:
- Festival or event cancelled and this was your sole reason for travelling? You may be able to recover some non-refundable costs
- Lost luggage or stolen items? Your policy may offer cover
- Overseas medical bills? Depending on the scenario, you may be covered
Just remember: no policy covers you if you're doing something illegal (like taking illicit substances). In addition, intoxication and reckless behaviour may exclude you from being covered — if you are injured or become ill and alcohol is found to be a contributing factor, that may result in an insurance claim being declined.
Always read the PDS to know what's included before you go. We know it's not the most exciting read — but it's worth it to know what you're covered for.
🎧Final setlist: Go hard, stay safe
Festivals are the stuff travel memories are made of — new mates, epic moments, maybe a few questionable dance moves. A little planning goes a long way to making sure the only thing you bring home is a banging story (and maybe a bit of glitter in your bag forever).
👉If Need to get your travel insurance sorted before you go?
Check out your options with Travel Insurance Direct.
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.
Take a look at our range of plans and what we cover to see if a TID travel insurance plan may suit your next festival adventure.
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions outlined in the PDS. Consider the PDS & TMD and if this product is right for you.