The musical festival season is upon us and horrendous stories of toilet nightmares and not washing for 3 days emerge. We read a lot of reports in online magazines and newspapers regarding how to prepare in advance for surviving the festival season – what to do if you over indulge in beer and the standard good hygiene codes and conventions.
However, it’s not just music festivals where one needs to plan ahead regarding looking after yourself as the same thing kind of applies to film festivals too. Whenever I’m going to a film festival I always prepare a key packing checklist.
For anyone who knows me, perfume is my vice. I get through around 2-3 (large) bottles a month of Britney Spears’ Midnight Fantasy perfume. Also, to be honest, during a festival it’s more. Since I’m out for 12 hours or more per day, I constantly need to freshen up, so I always take about 2 bottles with me.
Below are the key items on my list. You will more than likely already have some of these on your list. However, if you don’t, feel free to include them, as they may come in use! ?
- Melatonin – You can order this online and in capsule supplement form. Obviously film festivals take place all over the world and when traveling to the U.S. & Canada, I rely on it to get my body clock in synch with their timezone to enjoy the time I’m there without feeling drained. This is also a godsend to help you not to fall asleep during films.
- Multi-Vitamin – I eat very healthily generally, both when at home and at festivals. However, I always take more with me when I’m travelling and in a different time zone.
- Business Cards – Obviously you’ll pack these, but again, always take more than what you need.
- A Free Spirit – Remember you’re not in the office or a routine; go with the flow, and see and enjoy what opportunities are presented to you.
- Additional Phone Chargers & Continental Plug Adaptors – One for the hotel room and one for when you’re out and about on the move.
- Tourist guide to the city you’ll be visiting – For me, 99% of the time at festivals are for work purposes. However, I sometimes spend an additional day exploring the city I’m visiting, and the best attractions to visit, before travelling back.
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