By I had planned to write while I was at Coachella (yeah – like that was ever going to happen). This was a very good idea at the time but then I realised I was enjoying myself way too much and just like that it turned out that I didn’t do a damn thing. Well, I did do something I ate good American food (Bubble Gum Shrimp try it), enjoyed the festival; gambled in Vegas; explored Arizona and caught a good old tan. (I do love catching a tan).
It’s been about a month since I went to Coachella and the reason why I haven’t written anything is simply that I have been debating what I should write about first. I asked my lovely followers what they wanted to hear first between Vegas and #Beychella! I knew the answer was going to be Beychella, but I always like to hear from you guys first. It’s always important for me that I deliver content that you value!! I am pretty sure I will have to write a few articles about the festival itself, so if I haven’t covered everything you want to know, be sure to put your requests in the comments section below!
Since I have been back from America, the question I get asked is “how was COACHELLA” LOL! My immediate response is and always will be that “it was AMAZING”, because it if I’m honest it really was. Coachella in one word was amazing. Now don’t get me wrong there are several other words I can use to explain how the festival was, but I wanted MyBreakingViewers to be the first to know my actual initial thoughts. Now, before I get into the glitz and glam, I thought it would be good to give a personal overview of what Coachella is because I don’t expect everyone to know.
SIDE NOTE: Even if you do know what Coachella is, it may still be useful for you to read this section because I share some general tips for the event itself!
So, what is Coachella?
I like to think all my readers know what Coachella is, but if you don’t do not worry… because MyBreakingViews is going to explain it all to you….
Coachella is a huge festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The festival itself goes on for three days (Fri – Sun). There are two weekends, of which I attended the second week. People often have asked me was I prepared for the second week being that I saw the first week on social media. The answer to that my dear friends, is no. Watching the performances on social media, online whatever the platform, is completely different to experiencing it in person. Trust me!
YThe event has different artist perform at different stages, the Coachella stage being the main stage for headliners (on this occasion it was artists like The Weeknd, Kygo, Beyoncé, Eminem, Cardi B etc.) All other artists are spread around the polo ground. (To give you a more visual idea, for those of you that live in the UK – its like a 3-day Wireless concert but with lots of heat!)
How was Coachella?
As I said before the event was AMAZING. I was in 45 degrees heat daily (I adore the sun). I saw most of my fave artist, was able to explore LA for the first time. Catch a bus to Vegas for a few days and see the famous Grand Canyon.
Coachella provided me with so many opportunities. This of course was only because I wasn’t about to take an 11-hour flight for just the weekend. BUT and there is always a BIG but… I must be honest with my readers and tell you that the event is also extremely exhausting!!! You are constantly on your feet for 6-9 hours a day (this can be dancing, walking to another stage for the next performance). Not to mention you are on the desert, so when the sand starts to blow around your breathing this in and to make matters worst you are dehydrated because of the heat. Tip.. make sure to have something that covers your face like a bandana.
This, of course, is honestly not to put you off, I would never want to that because it really is a lifetime experience that I would recommend for anyone to go too. We have to enjoy ourselves and create long-lasting memories. The performances where just OH MY GOSH I saw The Weeknd (old time fave), Daniel Ceaser, SZA, Khalid (my new crush), Kygo, Ibeyi, Migos, Miguel, HAIM, 6LACK, Cardi B not to mention the incredible Beyonce!!!
Booking Coachella….
I purchased my ticket on 5th January 2018. I’m not sure when the next sale date will be but I will keep an eye out. I had no single idea what I was doing next LOL. People think I plan my holidays … I wish I did, I would most properly save a considerable amount of money! I honestly just do things on a whim and hope for the absolute best and usually, I get that! *Clean hearts always win*
Anyways, I must remind myself not to drift!!
The festival ticket cost me around $504 dollars (I can’t remember the exact figure sorry guys!) which roughly worked out around £373. The tickets without the shuttle bus sold out quickly (but are cheaper). Second tip guys…. if you are going to organise your own travel, my advice to you would get on the website on time and have more than one person looking! The website www.coachella.com is straight forward but the tickets sell fast. I met people that got a taxi of Uber from Palm Springs, which worked out around $40 dollars a day. If you know someone that can drive then this could also work out, but then you must think about who’s going to drive and parking etc.
Shuttle Bus
I know the shuttle bus picks people up from Los Angeles, but as I was staying in Palm Springs; it’s something you would have to research. LA is quite far from Indio, so I would suggest staying close to the festival as possible. After walking 6 hours in 35 – 40 degrees you are completely exhausted, and your feet are in so much pain. Word of advice ladies wear comfy shoes! I saw ladies in heels which is a a big NO NO! And when I say comfy, don’t go and buy Dr Martens like me 2 days prior your leavening date, thinking you can rock them all day. It does NOT work!!
I ended up purchasing the ticket with the shuttle bus, which in my opinion worked out well because we had a shuttle bus that picked us up every day, dropped us back home and it was only an 8 min walk from our hotel! I liked the shuttle bus because it was another expense that I didn’t have to think about, whilst you’re out there you must think about buying food and importantly staying hydrated, which is another expense. I also met some lovely people on the bus, which was nice and with a British accent, it’s always very easy to make friends.
Booking Flights…
You would never believe that it didn’t occur to me that I would need to buy clothes, book a hotel and yeah of course FLIGHTS. You guys know how much I love Skyscanner right? If you don’t get to know. I have used them for pretty much every holiday I have gone too. They should really start paying me!
I was able to get a fight for £480 which was good considering I didn’t book my flight until two weeks prior to the event. Hey, now before you judge me… I’m very lastminute.com when it comes to flying out. I was also contemplating if I should go because of the expense, but I realised if I booked earlier I would have said saved so much money. Another tip… if I was you, I would book my flight in Feb I saw flights for £250 pounds just didn’t purchase because I thought I could get it cheaper. Guys get that barging quick!
There are lots of other websites to use for cheap flights read “MyBreakingViews 10 Travel Hacks in Seeing The World” I’ve mentioned some websites that are good for flight booking! You can thank me later
I would also suggest planning where else you are going to go… depending where you are coming from that is. If you are coming from outside America, you are looking at a 6 -12 flight, so its worth exploring LA or other states around the West Coast. I went to Vegas and Arizona for a few days (route 66), but I will save the stories for another post. Can’t give everything away, now can I?
Booking The Hotel…
My friend pre-booked the hotel and we paid when we got there. We stayed in Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs, which was about 40 mins drive from Indio. I met people that camped, but I personally wouldn’t camp in such heat. I like to take my make up off, have a nice shower and have a bed at the end of the night. That is just me. You may want to camp, but I don’t think it’s any cheaper.
There are also Airbnb options, which I know a few people also used. I’ve heard horror stories of people getting kicked out or worst case the booking gets cancelled last min. I’m sorry I need a bed, so I can’t afford for such events!! I would say, it’s best to agree where you want to stay with whoever you are going with, then agree how far you want to be from the festival, then work out the costs and book from there.
Please note. that although the event itself is quite an expense; it’s not always the best option to go for the cheapest method. I much rather comfortability. I didn’t realise how drained I would be from walking around all day. So, take the advice that you will need to re-charge.
I hope I’ve answered most of questions and if I haven’t, be sure to leave a comment below and I will make sure another post answers your questions!
In the meantime, SHARE YOUR TIPS!!! Is there any festivals you’ve been to that you can suggest to MyBreakingViews.
I love to hear from you all.
MyBreakingViews.
Also Read: MyBreakingViews Travel Diaries : Coachella
What do you think?