Coachella 2017 kicks off in April, which means it's time to start getting your ducks in a row for this world-leading music festival. While it’s easy to think that all you have to do is book some tickets then rock up and start enjoying the music, the reality is that you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience if you make sure you’ve got the basics covered. From transport to lodging, attire to emergency supplies, we’ve got all the info you need to make sure your time at Coachella 2017 will be unforgettable in the best way possible.
Getting there
Due to the festival’s location in central southern California, there are a few different places from which you could begin your journey. Many festival-goers, especially those who are flying in to California especially for the event, will be starting out in Los Angeles. It’s only about two and a half hours on the road from L.A. to the festival venue, though that time (and any of the others below) may change due to higher traffic flow. It’s only a little longer to drive from San Diego - the two cities are almost equidistant from Indio, the city in which Coachella is held. Others may choose to start from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas (about a half day’s journey) or drive west for a trip of similar length from Phoenix, Arizona. If, for whatever reason, you’d prefer not to drive, there are shuttles available from several hotels in the area, as well as LAX. For more info on how to get to Coachella, check out the official festival page.
Staying there
On-site camping always sells out really quickly, so if you're keen to take advantage of the full festival experience, book a spot as soon as possible. If you're not that organized (or are looking for a cheaper option) booking a campsite nearby, or renting an RV and parking up at one of the area’s RV resorts is also possible. The Coachella website has a helpful list of campgrounds in the area if you’ve left booking to the last minute. Those who have the funds to live it up large and check into a hotel for a weekend will want to book ASAP, as rooms will be in short supply. If you’re open to slightly alternative accommodation, there are always sites like CouchSurfing and AirBNB which may provide reasonably priced options for those who don’t mind a more social accommodation experience.
What to wear
Coachella fans are famous for their bohemian-chic style, and getting into the spirit of Coachella fashion is a big part of the festival experience - just make sure you balance your cool yet quirky look with a few practical considerations. For a start, you’re going to be on your feet, walking and standing, for around 12 hours every day so leave the heels at home and wear shoes that you know are going to be comfortable for long periods of time. The other major consideration is the temperature. The southern California sun can be brutally hot, so aside from the obvious light clothing, a hat and sunglasses are also highly recommended. As hot as it can be during the day though, when the sun goes down the temperature will drop dramatically. Bringing along a few warm layers is essential to enjoying the popular evening sessions. And remember: as unlikely as it may be, there’s always a small chance of rain, so packing a raincoat or poncho can be prudent especially if the weather forecast looks a little iffy.
What to bring
Most of the things you’ll want to bring along to Coachella are really just common sense items. Sunblock will save you from coming out of the weekend looking like a lobster, a plastic water bottle or a camelpack (empty) allows you to make use of the on-site water fountains rather than spending a small fortune on bottled water once you get there and though you may think ear plugs are unnecessary or uncool, they’ll let you appreciate the music in comfort no matter where in the crowd you are. When it comes to things not to bring, some will be obvious while others may be more surprising. It will come as no great shock to anyone that items like knives, explosives and drugs are banned but you should also be aware that flags, chairs, blankets, instruments and glass or metal water containers are also unwelcome. For an exhaustive list of stuff that you can and can’t bring along, take a look at Coachella’s festival rules.
Coachella 2017 will be here before you know it and accommodation/transport always books out fast, so don’t forget to book your Coachella car rental as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
