If you’re all about the bass, your travel plans for 2019 are probably dominated by music festivals.
And if you’re ready to branch out to attend global gatherings in unfamiliar locations this year, you might need some insider advice about what to pack, cuisine to sample and pitfalls to avoid.
So here are three travel hacks for 2019’s top music festivals that will harmonize your audible adventure plans for this year.
- Tartan Heart Festival, Scotland
The annual Tartan Heart Festival is held each August near beautiful Beauly in the Scottish Highlands — possibly one of the most stunning locations in the world.
And 2019’s lineup includes Jess Glynne, Chvrches, Elbow, Glasvegas and retro Ska favorites The Selecter, so there’s a little something to suit everyone.
However, if you’re tempted to visit the most scenic part of the UK (in the author’s humble opinion!), beware the vicious Highland midge.
These critters aren’t as harmful as mosquitoes, but they travel in thick swarms and their bites leave your body red and blotchy — so stock up on Smidge repellant when you arrive and you’ll keep them at bay.
And finally, buy as many cans of Irn Bru soft drink as you can fit in your backpack. Apart from tasting ten times better than Coca-Cola, it’s the world’s best hangover cure.
- Rebel Salute, Jamaica
If you love roots reggae and want to chill out until you’re completely horizontal, Rebel Salute might be the world’s most laid-back music festival.
Held each January over two days in Jamaica’s rural St. Ann parish, this year’s line-up includes rising star Koffee, veteran Tony Rebel, awesome Agent Sasco and the majestic Jesse Royal.
There’s no alcohol allowed at this Rasta-run event, but there are plenty of herbal and vegan products on the premises.
And unlike their European equivalents, Jamaican festivals start late and night and continue til the sun rises — so be prepared for the best night-shift ever.
If you’re travelling from the US, find airport parking at Looking4.com to stash your ride safely until you return home (feeling completely blissed-out).
- Glastonbury, England
Glastonbury’s arguably the world’s most famous music festival and is renowned for eclectic lineups that allow revelers to groove to everyone from Tom Jones to The Prodigy over the same wild weekend.
Held at Worthy Farm bear Pilton in Somerset, this is another UK festival with a rural setting and an unmistakable hippy vibe. There will be 175,000 attendees this year, and these impressive numbers mean that the site effectively becomes a small town for the duration.
However, there’s also a family feel and plenty of activities for older kids who might want to party with their trendy parents.
It sells out pretty much instantly, but you can sometimes grab Glasto resale tickets nevertheless — keep an eye on the official site to stay informed.
That’s our list — but please add your own 2019 festival picks and travel tips in the comments section.
