by Kathleen Kralowec

Remember your first rave? The people, the music and visuals, the natural and the not-so-natural high?...Or do you not remember anything about that one? Maybe you just have yet to forge those memories. So here are a few things to keep in mind if you should go festival-hopping in Europe this summer, whether you're new to raves or you've got some experience, or if you'll just be partying in a different country than you have before. 

Escaping society and rejoicing in nature's freedom means the weather's a lot more in control of your experience. The general rule of rave-weather is expect the unexpected: hot and cold extremes can happen in any region, and as experienced festival-goer Dana Wilson reminds us, even disasters are possible, citing the 2005 Glastonbury Festival flooding. Remember that rain turns to mud, and wind blows light, non-strapped-down-things around. Gregg McWilliams of HostelFest.com says to look at archive photos of previous years' fests, to see what past attendees have had to endure to have a good time.

Be ready to deal with the local wildlife: bring insect repellent for the little guests that get in the party for free. As far as bigger critters go, theft is always a risk, so don't leave your stuff where it could be interpreted as "lost" or for-grabs.

Even with these variables, festival-goer Jakub Trauber advises us not to plan too much. "At a festival, it's best not to come with any expectations. When you come expecting something, or prepare a long while, most of the time things will go completely otherwise." Be prepared to improvise - and to come with a sense of humor.

So what should you bring to a festival besides an open mind? Wilson says to bring fun stuff as well as the necessities: "Baby wipes, sun screen, rubber boots, a cloth/blanket to sit on, sunglasses for any occasion, Frisbee or outdoor sporting activity, small first aid kit including blister remedies."

McWilliams suggests bringing an umbrella, waterproof tent, food and water. "You got to take water for many different reasons like cleaning yourself, washing dishes, as well as drinking... Toilet paper for a variety of fun things, but most importantly to keep the booty in order after eating those wild berries. Bring along some warm clothes for the romantic evenings and the confusing early mornings. Take matches or lighters, and always more than one... Extra socks are a good idea... they can be used as gloves too and that looks really cool if they're red or striped. Dried foods like beef jerky, nuts, dried fruits, salt for seasoning, etc. because they're good and secondly they aren't messy."

While communication skills are important, Trauber says you don't need any special phrases before going to a fest. "Plenty of things can be solved by nonverbal communication, and quite often this can be quite fun... Certainly a basic knowledge of English is advantageous in every festival, but it's not a prerequisite."

Hostelfest.com is great resource for Europe's music festivals. Their website advises knowing a few local phrases in order to take care of your basic needs. We've assembled a few you might need:
-Where's the toilet?
-Is there a toilet?
-What happens if I combine (this) and (this)?
-Got a light?
-Got a cigarette?
-I'll trade you (this) for (this).
-Which way to the city/ my tent/ my car?
-Help! I've lost my keys/ my beer/ my friends/ my sense of direction.

Czech translation

- Jsou tady toalety?

- Co se stane pokud zkombinuju (to) a (to)?

- Mas cigaretu/ohen?

- Vymenim s tebou (tohle) za (tohle).

- Kudy do mesta /k memu stanu /k memu autu?

- Pomoc! Ztratil/a jsem me klice, moje pivo, me kamarady, orientaci.

So why do people go to outdoor festivals? "You get to see and be with people that are completely relaxed and into their environment, be that the nature or entertainment component," says Wilson. "It also brings out the humanity in people, which doesn't present itself as frequently in city life."

 McWilliams adds, "expect to have a life changing experience... These things are addictive and once you've done one you usually don't want to stop."

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