10 Top Tips for Festivals Abroad

Image: Hideout (source)

There's no shortage of choice when it comes to fantastic foreign festivals on offer this year. 

From Suncebeat, Hideout and Fresh Island Festival on the stunning Adriatic shores of Croatia (see Inspire Me: Croatian Festivals for more info), to Annie Mac's incredible Lost & Found in Malta and Bilbao BBK Live up in the Spanish mountains - there's plenty to go at with something to meet everyone's needs.

All feature unreal line-ups in the most idyllic of surroundings, marrying the festival and holiday experience together without flaw. With the opportunity to enjoy different cultures on offer as well, the international festivals tick all the boxes for a getaway with a musical backdrop.

It’s worth bearing in mind though that with other countries come different rules and laws. What may be perfectly legal in UK may incur fines in another country or result in an arrest, or even a prison sentence.

With all that in mind, we've compiled 10 top tips for you to consider, before you set sail on your foreign festival adventure.

All are supplied by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help you ensure you know exactly what to expect, what to prepare for, and don’t accidentally end up ruining your festival experience!

10 Top Tips for Festivals Abroad

1. Make sure you get comprehensive travel insurance which protects you and your festival kit, as well as everything you want to do while you are on holiday. Planning on hitting the slopes? Fancy engaging in some water sport activities? Or perhaps you're just looking to hire a moped to help you get around... whatever your plans, make sure you're correctly covered. 

Given the currently dire state of global affairs, it might also be worth looking into splashing out a little extra for a policy that covers you incase your holiday is cancelled due to Coronavirus, and/or you need to be repatriated whilst abroad. 

2. It's also probably a good idea to check the latest government guidance on travelling abroad during the pandemic. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website will detail a list of countries that are allowing visitors and from the UK and which destinations you can and cannot travel to. Additionally, you may need to take a Covid test and provide a negative result prior to travelling. Head to www.gov.uk for more information.

3. If you are travelling to a European destination make sure you take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, if you have one that is. As a result of Brexit and the UK leaving the European Union last year, travellers can no longer apply for an EHIC card. However, the UK government has recently introduced its own replacement insurance card - the Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC, entitling travellers to treatment and medical care in hospitals around the world. You can apply for a GHIC card at - www.gov.uk.

4. Before you go, check that your passport is still valid - some airlines require you to have a minimum of 6 months validity in your passport at return date. Make a note of your passport number and consider taking a photocopy with you in case you need to show them.

5. Once you arrive, keep your passport and possessions secure. As you would in the UK, be alert and vigilant at all times. Some festivals provide a lock-up for important items.

6. As always - avoid any involvement with illegal drugs. The penalties are severe and could include the death sentence. Legal systems in foreign countries vary greatly so do not put yourself at risk.

7. If you are drinking alcohol, know your limits! Remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun to avoid a visit to the medical tent or worse, a trip to the hospital.

8. Festival sites may not have easy access to ATMs, so make sure you take enough money and have access to emergency funds.

9. Make the most of being abroad - research local laws and customs and learn a few phrases. The locals will appreciate your efforts and it will help to ensure that you don’t find yourself in trouble accidentally.

10. Make a note of the number of the nearest British Consulate and familiarise yourself with what they can and cannot do to help in case of emergencies. Remember, you can also call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.

For more information check out the FCO travel advice on a country-by-country basis at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

To find out what Foreign Festival tickets are available, as well as line-ups and travel information, check out our unique Festival Finder.