It all starts with a good rewards credit card

First things first, start earning those airline miles by paying your bills with a credit card that offers rewards points. Why not earn points while paying off your bills? It’s a win-win! We recommend credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture.

Once you’ve got your credit card game on lock, it’s time to take advantage of airline rewards programs. Stick to one or two programs, find the right credit card, and do your best to earn Elite status by meeting credit card spend and flight requirements. Keep an eye out for bonus mile opportunities, use airline and credit card shopping portals, and redeem your rewards wisely.

But wait, there’s more! Keep an eye out for airline promotions through newsletters, social media, airline websites, travel websites, credit card offers, and third-party loyalty programs like Rocketmiles and Points.com. You never know what kind of bonus miles or discounts you might find!

Feeling extra generous? Volunteer to give up your seat on an overbooked flight and receive compensation in the form of travel vouchers. Share those PLUR vibes with someone who may need it and who knows, you might even get a refund for more than your plane ticket was worth.

And let’s not forget about frequent flyer programs. Some airlines offer rewards for things like dining or shopping, so check out your favorite airline’s rewards program to see what other ways you can earn miles.

Finally, keep an eye out for mistake fares on websites like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal. You never know when an airline might make a pricing error, resulting in steep discounts on flights.

The post Tips to Fly for free to a Festival appeared first on Rave Hackers.

Create Bonnaroo Outfits:
Comfy Daytime Edition

Getting outfits together for Bonnaroo is one of my favorite parts of planning for the event. The vibes at Bonnaroo are very hippy and colorful which are some of my favorite fashion description words! With Bonnaroo coming up in a few short months, I wanted to walk through how I plan and purchase the perfect out! I’m a sucker for comfort at any events, and with the extreme heat being comfortable is literally essential.

Get Inspired

If you guessed that the first step in creating any outfit starts with inspiration, you’re right on the money. I love going to different sites to get inspired by what I would want to wear for Bonnaroo! Pinterest is one of my favorite places to start, but I also love checking out Instagram and TikTok! Once I get the ball rolling, I’ll start creating a small little inspiration board. I used to use Canva for this but since the release of FreeForm and the new item selection feature on my iphone, I’ve been using those more. I really lie these to be an inspirational guide more than anything else and I really try to add images, etc. that invoke my desired vibe. Here’s what I came up with for this outfit:

Your “Centerpiece”

Creating an outfit for me always starts with an item that I absolutely fall in love with. I call this my “centerpiece” item and it’s what I base the rest of my outfit off of this item. At Bonnaroo finding something comfortable for the day can be kind of challenging because I’m not a bikini/small outfit kind of person and it’s usually so hot… really all you want is something minimal. So, I typically go for a light pair of joggers or biker shorts on the bottom with a light weight or smaller top, on top. I always look for things that aren’t made of super heavy fabric wise but still offers me some coverage in the places I desire. For this outfit, I found the cutest tshirt during a Valentine’s Day drop from Naked When the Beat Drops.

Buy It Here

Complimentary + Comfy bottoms

In an attempt to avoiding spending literally all of my money on outfits for events, I try and focus on one splurge item (usually my centerpiece) and then I try and purchase or repurpose for the rest of the outfit to be budget friendly. This is usually where my festival basics come into play!

For this outfit since the shirt is pretty bold, I thought a pair of black biker shorts would be perfect. I personally love the Berry x Lulu Lemon biker shorts. Sadly, these shorts aren’t sold anymore but the good news… The regular Lululemon Biker Shorts are a solid 10/10 that I love. I feel like they’re longer than normal biker shorts and don’t “ride up” as much as others either. Not to mention, Lulu has a lifetime warranty so if they fall apart you can always get them replaced making them a worth-while investment for your general wardrobe.

Buy It Here

Accessorize

Accessories are the best way for you to take your outfit to the next level. Sure, this outfit’s cute… but with the right accessories it’s a whole new level of cute chic.

I’m a suckkkkker for a good bucket hat, not only are they functional but they make doing your hair for the event so easy. I usually do hats on the first and last day of events because those are my lazy days Pairing this look with a reliable cross-body ensures you’ve got somewhere for all the festival essentials (i.e., sunglasses, battery fan, and hand sanitizer).

Buy It All Here

Tie it together with the perfect shoes

Of course, no comfy outfit is complete with out my favorite pair of rave shoes, the platform converse. Shoes really pull your look together overall and you want to make sure that they’re comfy to boot! That’s why I love a good platform- they’re always comfortable and provide a little extra cushion when you’re walking on gravel/rocks! Of course, I chose my go-to platform converse, but this look would also be super cutie with a pair of Dr.  Marten. You can shop my full Dr. Marten’s Festival Shoe Guide to find all the best options.

Buy It Here

Shop the Look

The Shirt

The Shorts

Accessories

The Shoes

The post Learn How to Create Bonnaroo Outfits: Comfy Day Edition appeared first on Rave Hackers.

Start with a Theme

Having a theme can help guide your outfit choices and ensure that everyone in your group is on the same page. Some common themes for rave outfits include neon, metallic, space, and animal print. Choose a theme that resonates with you and your squad, and you’ll be off to a great start. Group themes can be so diverse or super specific- considering some of these themes: sexy rave outfits, neon colors, favorite TV show characters that go to the rave, etc. 

Mix and match

Coordinating outfits doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be wearing the same thing. Mixing and matching different pieces within the same color palette or theme can create a cohesive look. For example, one person could wear a metallic top and neon shorts, while another could wear a neon top and metallic shorts. By playing around with different combinations, you can create a unique and coordinated look that will stand out. Interested in more group outfits? Head over to my favorite mix and match festival outfit brands!

Accessorize

Accessories are a key element of rave fashion, and they can make or break an outfit. From glow-in-the-dark jewelry to fluffy backpacks, there are countless ways to accessorize your outfit. Consider investing in some unique accessories that will tie your outfits together. For couples, matching bracelets or necklaces can be a great touch. For squads, consider wearing matching hats or sunglasses.

Don't Forget Comfy Shoes

Comfortable footwear is essential for any music festival. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. There are plenty of options for both, from glittery sneakers to platform boots. Consider coordinating your footwear with the rest of your outfit, and make sure you’re prepared for a long day of dancing. You can shop my favorite Festival Dr. Martens guide to get the best advice on the perfect shoes for festival season.

DIY Your Outfits

Creating your own outfits is a great way to ensure that your group stands out. You can customize existing clothing items with sequins, patches, or other embellishments. You can also make your own clothing items from scratch, such as a neon tutu or a metallic crop top. DIYing your outfits can be a fun group activity leading up to the festival, and it ensures that your outfits are truly one-of-a-kind.

Consider the Weather

EDM festivals often take place in the summer months, so it’s important to consider the weather when planning your outfits. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for hot and sunny days, while jackets and hoodies can come in handy for cooler nights. Be prepared for rain or other weather conditions by packing a poncho or waterproof jacket.

The post How to Coordinate Outfits For a Festival appeared first on Rave Hackers.

How to Style Your Own y2k Outfit for Festival Season

Y2K fashion is finally back! As someone who did grow up during the 90’s there’s something so nostalgic about seeing these trends back in action. And honestly, even better than before! What’s even better than seeing them IRL though? Seeing them out in the festival fields So get ready, I’m sharing all the tips to make your own amazing Y2K theme festival outfit! This is just one of hot festival fashion trends for 2021!

Start with a mood board

I start almost all of my outfit ideas with a mood/inspiration board! It really helps getting into the zone so you can make a really “put together” look. Of course, it’s not a must, but like I said, it makes things a little easier!

I’m personally a fan of utilizing a mixture between Pinterest and Instagram to get a well rounded mood board. These pictures range from accessories I love, total outfits I want to try and re-create, etc. Once I have all the pictures, I just put them into a big board in Canva, Word, Pages, PowerPoint, whatever works for you! The goal is to be able to see all your favorite pictures to refer back to while you’re shopping. Here’s an example of my Y2K festival outfit inspo board!

Build Your Outfit

Boot cut & bell bottom pants

Big bottoms are a big staple in Y2K fashion, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re back! Think boot cut bottoms with a high-waist (which is so flattering so who isn’t for it?). Right now there are tons of different brands that are giving you big bottoms- whether they’re boot cut or just straight up bell-bottoms. Oh, and don’t forget- there’s also the cut-out bell bottoms that really hit their stride in 2019-2020.

Where to Shop the Looks

Elsie & Fred

Lo-Fi Dream Oversized Baggy Trousers are the iconic look for y2k. Get your vapor wave aesthetic on and pair these babies with a cute underbust and pasties combo or an adorable cropped tank top.

Shop The Look

Tiffany Jean Designs

Bells have been on-trend for a while now, but Tiffany Jean is taking them to a new level! She's meshed the trends of split cuts and fun patterns into a must have outfit staple for this year & to totally pull your Y2K outfit together!

Shop The Look

Go Guy

If you've seen the Festival Fashion Trends for 2021, then you know floral patterns are hot this year and these pants are the perfect example. Snatch these babies from Go Guy if you're looking for a comfy, yet flattering fit.

Shop The Look

Tops

There’s so much diversity when it comes to a Y2K top. Depending on your comfort level, you can go a ton of different routes with tops. I always recommend though, if you’re going with a baggy/bigger bottom, go for a smaller, tighter top. For a Y2K festival look go for, halter-tops, asymmetrical sports bra cut tops, or even pair with a bodysuit! Don’t prefer that much exposure on the top? Opt for a cut bra/crop top with a mesh cover-up or even a tank with a bustier!

Where to Shop The Looks

No Such Soul

Halter-tops are so comfy and the perfect addition to Y2K. Really any top with cinches, ties, or knots will keep you par, but these tops from No Such Soul offer the support you need while still looking cute with various ways to "style" them.

Shop The Look

GO Guy

Asymmetrical sports-bra cuts are the perfect thing if you prefer a little more coverage/support (like me) but still want something cute and edgy. Go Guy asymmetrical cuts are so flattering and comfy to boot!

Shop The Look

Loonigans

The t-shirt with a half-cup bra on top is such a Y2K vibe. Take it to the edge with this amazing bodysuit and half-cup bra from Loonigans. Pair it with a cute pair of pasties and some basic bells or cargos and we're officially creating the ultimate retro vibe.

Shop The Look

Mini Skirts

Although I’m a pants girl myself, we can’t ignore that mini skirts are hot hot hot this year! From tie-up minis, to cinch ups, to straight up skater minis. There’s something for everyone- if that’s the route you want to take. Minis are amazing when paired with a pair of thigh-high boots and an asymmetrical cut top with a shrug. 

Sweet N' Spicy

Previously known as Pretty Little Plurmaid, Sweet n' Spicy hit the ground hard with the launch of their new label! Think colors, tie ups, amazing patterns and so much more. Another amazing things about Sweet N' Spicy is that their cuts and fabrics are to die for- think hardy seams, amazing coverage, and soft fabric.

Shop The Look

Sassy Pants

We all know I love this store- the colors, the patterns, the owner- they're all amazing! Although you can order almost anything via customs, this brand brings the heat when it comes to y2k inspired vibes from the prints all the way to the cuts. Serve yourself some y2k goodies at this shop!

Shop The Look

Pretty In Punq

Colors are in no shortage with this amazing brand! Not to mention, cuts and styles that are perfect for any body type! Pretty in Punq gives you a little bit of everything with their mini-drops, so if you have your eye on something, make sure you get your hands on it fast! You won't regret it.

Shop The Look

Mini-Bags & Accessories

A Y2K festival outfit isn’t made until it has the perfect accessories to complete it. During that era, accessories were a must- and a lot of them were so cute how could anyone say no? I’m thinking gummy/acrylic accessories, mini bags, fishnets, gloves, and furry hats. Don’t be afraid to go out of the box with these!

Chloe Louis designs

A shop that makes the cutest furry accessories- I highly recommend checking out this shop! They do ship from the UK, so account for shipping time accordingly, but don't let it deter you- the fuzzy hats and bags will punctuate your y2k festival outfit!

Shop The Look

Go Guy

Although not a store that's all about accessories, when they throw their hat in the ring- it pops! This mini bag absolutely screams Y2K with the cow print pattern and acrylic chain. Look at some of the other items they have on selection at their site!

Shop The Look

Nomad Kandi

A shop that I feature so much, but I truly love everything I've bought from them. There is tons of variation, but it all screams raver with me and y2k! With so much variation, the possibilities are endless for any outfit (y2K especially though!).

Shop The Look

Shoes

Shoes always make the looks, so you already know y2k shoes are about to pop off! When it comes to Y2K the first thoughts that always come to me and chunky Dr. Martens, fuzzy, platform sandals, and even just cute white high-tops and sneakers. But of course- comfort all else sis. You won’t go wrong with any of these options when it comes to getting the best rave shoes!

Dr. Martens

We all know I stan Dr. Martens forever- but I promise they'll be the best investment of your life! Not only are they beyond comfy (regardless of style) but they're beyond durable. Not to mention, new styles and collaborations to give everyone a little something special.

Shop The Look

Uggs

Uggs is an amazing brand- not only do they have great customer service but their product is almost always a great addition to anyone closet! Their new lines are a total blast from the past with the platform sandals, flower prints, and fuzzy feels.

Shop The Look

Naked Wolfe

A brand I obsess over on the regular- you cannot go wrong with a pair of sneeks from Naked Wolfe. Not only do they offer a vibe that's unmatched, but their shoes are so comfortable. You won't even realize you're in a pair of plats! Although the price point is a little higher- it's worth the investment to have comfortable shoes.

Shop The Look

And there it is! Festival season is finally here which means it’s time to get those festival outfits together and boogie a little! If you enjoyed the content, make sure you get added to the Hacker List for access to exclusive content, EDM news, and more. Drop a comment below for your favorite outfit item from this haul! Need a little help getting your festival fashion footing? Head over to my beginners festival fashion post to dip your toes in.

Festival Outfit Guide

Brand's Catalog

The post How to Create a Y2K Outfit for Festival Season 2021 appeared first on Rave Hackers.

Travel Tips & Tricks for Lost Lands

Something I’m noticing as a trend this year is that the Lost Lands team is making a lot of improvements! One of those improvements appears to be their routing/traffic control. With that being said, there are TONS of resources available to you all on Rave Hackers AND on their website when it comes to Lost Land travel. They’re even nice enough to give us turn by turn directions on the website.

Another thing to keep in mind, when looking at their new map, is the actual traffic pattern. Review the entrance locations so you can better understand what wait times may be like once you get in line. As a pro tip, always be ready to sit and wait for a while.

Something new, and note worthy, in 2023 is that music on Friday will start 2-hours earlier than it has in the past. This is in the hopes to better handle the foot traffic coming across the main road separating the campgrounds and festival entrance. Another worth while mention is there will also be the implementation of a foot bridge that goes over the main road to help with traffic and pedestrian flow.

West Bound Traffic

For those of us that are traveling from the East, we are going to be taking EXIT 132. This is awesome since it looks like this line is pretty short! However, I’m sure a large number of people will be going West Bound! Plan accordingly, people.

Where To Meet With Your Group

Gas Stations

Same deal- these are all great options to meet up, get last-minute things and squad up. Not to mention they’re close to the exit, well lit, and they’re easy to find!

• BP – 2455 W. Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701
• Shell – 2655 W. Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701

 

Food Supplies

Sadly, there aren’t a TON of really ‘convenient’ options in terms of Walmart/Kroger/etc. going through Zanesville. Of course, you can plan to pick one a little farther out and that would be totally fine! However, I did find two that were a little more off the beaten path that are close to Zanesville/still ‘sort of’ on the way!

• Walmart – 2850 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701
• Walmart – 2850 Maple Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701

This is the map from 2019 as the 2021 flow hasn’t been released. However, assuming it will be similar this year!

East Bound Traffic

For those of you that are coming from the West, you’re going to be taking EXIT 129. Be aware- this exit is where ALL GA traffic is going to be routed through. If you’re camping in Jurassic Glamping, Easy-Close & Quiet Camping, you’re going to be in for a wait if you decide to take this exit.

My recommendation for those of you who picked those above three options: DO NOT GET OFF AT EXIT 129. If you drive about 10-15 minutes PAST Legend Valley continuing East, you’ll come to the OH-668/N. Brownsville Rd exit. TAKE IT AND TURN AROUND. This will position you going WEST, which, according to the above map, is likely going to have a MUCH lighter traffic flow than at Exit 129.

Where To Meet With Your Group

Gas Stations

Obviously, these aren’t the only gas stations you can stop at! However, I always like ones that are not only well lit, but are close to the exit so the detour doesn’t take a lot of ‘extra’ time. Plus, they’re way easier to find!

• BP – 10679 Lancaster Rd., Hebron, OH 43025
• Shell – 9702 Hazelton-Etna Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062

 

Food/Supplies

When gearing up for a festival, I almost always need to stop and get some items. Whether that be extra zip ties, perishable foods, etc. Or, if you don’t want to meet at a gas station, a close Walmart/Kmart/etc. is another great option to suggest! (With usually more parking space too!)

• Walmart – 2793 Taylor Rd. Ext, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

You’re almost there fellow bass lovers! Lost Lands is almost here, which means it’s time to focus on preparing for an amazing event! Check out the rest of the Lost Lands Festival Guide to make sure you’re ready.

LL Festival Essentials

LL Festival Guide

The post Lost Lands Travel Need-to-Knows appeared first on Rave Hackers.

Now that we’re all gearing up for Lost Lands and brushing off our neckbraces- let’s talk turkey. Buying tickets are obviously the most important part of a festival (duh). I’m walking you all through the different ticket options, as well as some of the camping options for Lost Lands! They even added in some new camping tiers, as well as AN EVEN EARLIER early arrival pass.

PSA: ALL CAMPING TICKETS ARE SOLD SEPERATELY FROM YOUR ENTRANCE TICKET.

PAYMENT PLAN:

GROUP 1: Ordered between Feb. 25th- April 12th

• At purchase: pay 34% of total order + 20$ payment plan fee
• July 17th: 33% of total order
• July 31st: 33% of total order

GROUP 2: Ordered between April 13th- June 14th

• At purchase: pay 34% of total order + 20$ payment plan fee
• July 17th: 33% of total order
• August 14th: 33% of total order

GROUP 3: Ordered between Jun 15th- July 31st

• At purchase: Pay 50% fo total order + 20$ payment plan fee
• August 14th: Final 50%

Lost Lands Tickets

General Admissions

Obviously, this is the most basic ticket package that you can get. Tickets are $249 (before fees) and grant you access to ONLY 3 days of the festival, a pair of high fidelity earplugs and an official Lost Lands pin.

If you plan on arriving on Wednesday or Thursday, YOU MUST purchase the respective early arrival ticket AS WELL.

VIP Admission

A step up from General Admissions, this package gives fellow headbangers a little more luxury. These tickets are $374 (before fees) and give the holders 3-day access to the festival. This package also includes VIP viewing areas at both stages, VIP fast-entry lane, exclusive bathrooms, food and alcohol vendors, and of course a pair of high fidelity earplugs, and an official Lost Lands pin.

If you plan on arriving on Wednesday or want to arrive Thursday/go to the pre-party YOU WILL need to purchase the Wednesday/Thursday early-arrival add-on.

Early Entry Add-Ons

Pretty straight forward, but for the sake of ease and less confusion, I’m adding these into the ticket options! These passes are REQUIRED if you and your friends plan on arriving early. Each person that plans on arriving on Wednesday or Thursday must have their own early arrival pass.

Wednesday, Early-Arrival

For this year, Excision has added an EXTRA day to the festival. Although it seems a little extra (considering there aren’t any events/music/installations at this particular venue), it’s a great option for those of you who like to set up camp early and chill. This option is $79 (before fees) and DOES NOT grant access to the venue Friday-Sunday.

For those of you arriving on Wednesday, you DO NOT need to purchase an early entry pass for Thursday. Your Wednesday pass gives you entry to Thursday events, INCLUDING the Pre-Party.

Thursday, Early-Arrival & Pre-Party

Just like last year, headbangers are able to head over to Legend Valley on Thursday. And just like last year, there is going to be a huge pre-party for everyone with the appropriate tickets! For those of you who AREN’T hip, this pre-party is basically all of your favorite artists going b2b2b2b2b2b2b2b2b2b ALL. NIGHT. LONG.

These tickets are $59 (before fees) and give you access to set up your campsite and location on Thursday. They also give you access to the pre-party! This pass is required EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT CAMPING. Think of it as your pre-party ticket.

Parking Pass Add-Ons

For those of you who are camping, you only need ONE camping pass PER CAR that you plan to camp next to. I.E. If four people are in a car, only ONE camping pass is required, and FOUR tickets (GA or VIP) are required.

For those of you who don’t need to camp next to their car, or are camping in quiet camping, someone else’s tent, etc. but need somewhere to park your car, this is the add-on you need. This ticket is $49 (before fees) and gives you somewhere to park for the entire weekend. This pass is also good for those of you who are choosing to arrive early (Wednesday/Thursday).

RAVE HACK: For those of you who don’t want to park, or camp next to their car, I highly suggest checking out the shuttle options available!

Miscellaneous Add-Ons

Here are some additional Lost Lands tickets add-ons. These are not required for anyone to buy, but it’s to know they’re available!

Prehistoric Merch Bundle

Are you a huge merch lover? You already know I’m a sucker for anything merch so this option was super appealing to me. If you already plan on buying lost lands merch, ‘buy ahead’ with this add-on and save a little extra on it too. You get an exclusive pre-order colorway 2019 T-shirt, Excision drawstring bag, and an official Lost Lands pin all for $49 (before fees). Also to note- you pick up this bundle at the MAIN merch booth inside the venue.

Charging Lockers

Charging lockers are great for not only charging your phone somewhere safe but also have somewhere to store you ‘extra’ things. For $50 (before fees) you can reserve your locker for the entire weekend! There are three options available to choose from:

• GA Festival – this is a 3-day locker rental INSIDE the festival grounds
• GA Tent Only Camping – 3-day locker rental in General Admission Tent Only camping
• Tent Only Close OR Glamping – 3-day locker in Tent Only Close Camping OR Deluxe & Basic Glamping

NOTE: Sadly there aren’t any options that allow you to purchase a locker inside the event and in camping areas if you want one for each you’ll have to purchase two passes (one for each area you want a locker in).

The post Lost Lands Tickets appeared first on Rave Hackers.

Master’s guide to traveling to bonnaroo

BELOW I’M PROVIDING ALL THE TIPS, TRICKS, AND TOOLS THAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY (AND STRESS FREE) PLAN YOUR TRAVEL TO BONNAROO!

DRIVING

This is one of the the most popular options for Bonnaroovians. Most people will drive in, either in their cars, RVs, uHauls, etc. There are tons of perks to camping on The Farm, primarily that there’s good vibes 24/4 and music that whole time to boot. However, there are certain things to know when it comes to camping at Bonnaroo.

CAR TRAVEL DO’S

• Designate a place about 30 minutes-1 hour away to stop, re-arrange your car and goods to ensure a quick and easy car check (coolers accessible, glass thrown out, etc.). This is also a good time to meet up with your group. See below
• Ensure that everyone that wants to camp together get in line TOGETHER and stays TOGETHER. If you come to an intersection or break in traffic, make sure that WHATEVER car is leading the group, tells the officer/person controlling flow that you have “X” number of cars to they don’t cut you off!
• Be prepared to wait it out. Unless you’re going to camp out at the entrances, you’ll likely have at least some wait. For 2020 our Bonnaroo-Gods have added a second entrance so ‘hopefully’ this year it won’t be so long!
• The campgrounds fill from front to back, so the earlier you arrive the closer to the entrance you will be. No more guessing and praying that you don’t get stuck in one of the far pods. (RIP though because it will happen eventually!)
• Once you make it to the turn styles (aka: the gates to the festival) be prepared for security checks. Worry not, we’ve planned for this! Be PLUR, you’re being checked by one of your fellow festival-goers!
• Make sure you pack snacks and accessible toilet paper for the wait in the car. Depending on how long you’re in the car… you’ll thank me.

CAR TRAVEL DOn’tS

• PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT CUT PEOPLE OFF IN LINE! When you see the line, please drive to the back. We’re all waiting in line- don’t cut others off, pretty please.
• Avoid taking back roads unless being directed there by Bonnaroo security. There are a lot of random roads that lead to… well… no where.
• Do not expect to be able to ‘save’ camping spaces once you’re inside the grounds- the Bonna-crews are on their shit when it comes to filling the grounds. This ain’t their first rodeo and they’ll close any gaps that arise.
• Don’t freak out about security at the gates. Every year bomb dogs, and drug dogs, are on-site walking through the lines. They do randomly pull people for full car checks, however, these are very few and far between! More about all of this here.

GETTING YOUR GROOP TOGETHER

Outside of just organizing yourself, most people tend to run in groups. This means that you have several cars that are trying to coordinate together. The good news? It’s easier than you think! With some key tools/applicatons, as well as a little fore-thought planning to organize your group will be easier than EVER!

ORGANIZING YOUR GROUP

• When it comes to getting everyone ‘together’ I recommend utilizing GroupMe. Outside of several other great reasons, this application allows you to add as many people as needed and create moderators/admins. You can add, like, 150+ people to one Group. You can even get a share-able link!
• If you’re camping in GA, you’ll need to meet up with your group before getting in line! No saving spots- yanno!
• For those of your taking multiple cars, designate one person that will be responsible for communicating updates on TOA to the group/any set-backs/delays, etc. All these people should be in an independent group chat to prevent miscommunciations/etc.
• For those of you Groop Camping you’re able to show up whenever which is great. but make sure you plan out HOW you want to organize the campsite (cars around the outside tents in the middle, cars on one end tents on the other, etc.) so you have a plan as people arrived staggered
• Groop camping, unlike GA, has assigned spots for each Groop so make sure you know which number you are so you can tell the Roo Ground Teams for assistance.

SHUTTLES

This is a GREAT option when it comes to traveling between Nashville and the Farm. These are perfect for either getting a ride to and from the Airport (BNA), or commuting from Nashville every day of the festival. When it comes to travel to Bonnaroo, the creators of the festival have pulled out every stop they can to make it easy and dependable to get to and from the festival. You’ll see when you get there that they have this system down to a science. Continue learning about Bonnaroo below!

(click for more information)

Airport shuttles

These will pick you up and drop you off from the Nashville Airport (BNA)

Shuttles & Tickets

Essentially these will bring you to the farm and back from Nashville every day of the festival (GA & VIP options available). More in-depth about this option here.

Ride Share

Every year Bonnaroo offers buses from different cities throughout the Southeast and Midwest! Not only do they have buses, but they also set up a carpooling service! So dope, I know. We’re still waiting to hear about how it’s going to be for 2019 so subscribe so you’ll know when they give us those deets!

(airport shuttle schedule from previous years)

The post Travel to Bonnaroo appeared first on Rave Hackers.

After attending my first festival I looked back on it fondly, but also realizing that I spent WAY too fucking much! I couldn’t believe it! And what did I spend it on mostly? Food. So, this post is all about how you save at festivals when it comes to festival food vs bringing your own food! I’ve taken my total from my first Bonnaroo and compared it to my 2nd Bonnaroo. Sadly, I don’t remember what I bought in 2017 but I saved my list for 2018 so you guy can see some of it! Disclaimer: I pretty much only ate from the festival the first year. Learn more about Bonnaroo here!

After attending my first festival I looked back on it fondly, but also realizing that I spent WAY too fucking much! I couldn’t believe it! And what did I spend it on mostly? Food. So, this post is all about how you save at festivals when it comes to festival food vs bringing your own food! I’ve taken my total from my first Bonnaroo and compared it to my 2nd Bonnaroo. Sadly, I don’t remember what I bought in 2017 but I saved my list for 2018 so you guy can see some of it! Disclaimer: I pretty much only ate from the festival the first year. Learn more about Bonnaroo here!

Food

Below is a comprehensive list of all the food supplies that I bought for my second Bonnaroo. My first year I didn’t really bring any food aside from alcohol and snacks- let me just say these things WERE NOT sustaining. Check out my list from 2018 though! It’s great and I tell you about how I used it too!

Supplies List:

Refrigeration

So you’re probably wondering well this all sounds great, but how exactly are you going to keep all this food good for a couple day, middle-of-the-summer-heat music festival? Good question, there are a couple different choices- check it out below

Supplies List:

Utensils & Cleaning

Make sure you keep it clean while you’re at the festival too. I’ve quickly come to realize that it’s easiest to clean the utensils right after you’re done using them (and letting your food cool off anyway). I use the aluminum foil method (below), however, you can also always use a splash of water, soap and paper towel to clean it off quick. Make sure you have something to eat your food with & on though. 

Supplies List

Summary

So, there’s a decent amount of things here, and I’m sure you’re wondering if this really works or not. I took all the money that I spent at 1 festival last summer (2017) with more or less buying food within the festival for the majority of my meals, and compared that amount to the same festival that I attended this year (Bonnaroo 2018). Check it out below:

Bonnaroo 2017: $438.56

Bonnaroo 2018: $242.53

So as you can see, I managed to save like 230 bucks and that wasn’t even trying my hardest to be frugal about spending (sometimes you just need your drunk-chies right?). So I can only imagine how much more money I could have saved if I had made it more of a point to not go get that the funnel cake AND the corndog. But hey, it’s a festival, we can indulge ourselves a little, right?

What do you do to save money on food at festivals? I feel like food is one of the easiest things that we can control ourselves, so why not do the most you can (while still keeping it healthy too?)

Share YOUR hacks below!

The post 11 Tips to Save Money on Food at a Festival appeared first on Rave Hackers.

First of all, let me just say that you by no means need to get these things all at the same time. Camping gear can be a pretty penny on your wallet- determine the things that are going to be essential before you go splurging on all the extra things that are fun, etc. I’ve recently found myself in need of replacing some of my music festival essentials but can’t commit hundreds of dollars on my wallet, so this is how I got my festival gear without breaking the bank! 

Tents

This is going to be a festival essential if you’re going to be camping. I quickly learned after my first festival that the best route to go was having a tent that was easy to set up for one or two people and only took us 5-10 minutes to set up. (Our first tent was an 8 person Coleman tent, it took us 5 people and almost 30 minutes, i.e. this is not the option you want for a festival).

When you’re making a purchase, make sure you know what you need from your tent. So, for example, my list looked liked this:

• Spacious enough for me, boyfriend & bags
• Rain tarp & semi-rain proof
• Mesh walls/breathability
• Easy to set up for 1/2 people in 5-10 minutes
• Sturdy in inclement weather

If you’re like me, then you probably have no idea in your head how big an actual 10 x 10 space is- head over to your local sporting/camping store and check out their tent options. Make note of the sizes that they advertise and what really fits in that space! This year, I went to REI and really fell in love with their Co-Op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent (2017), but at a price of $219, I couldn’t convince myself to commit. It was spacious enough that I knew I would be comfortable in it’s 96x56x42 size, so anything around there would work. I decided that Amazon was going to be the best bang for my buck so I started going through their options and finally fell in love with their Coleman Sundome 6-Person.  It’s affordable (at $78 for the 6-person and $50 for the 4-person) and a great addition to anyone’s gear. (It also got some great reviews from fellow festival goers so you already know it can hold up!)

Sleeping

Getting good and enough sleep during a festival is essential to being able to last for 2-5 days with constant raving. I’ve explored different routes when it comes to how to sleep and what to sleep on at a festival. The air mattress ended disastrously every night, the cots are great options if you’ve got the room to bring them along because they can double as chairs during the day, but this year I’m going to be limited on space so I went ahead and just snagged a general, ‘all weather’ sleeping bag by Ozark from Walmart for $15. To go along with it I’m bringing along my yoga mat as something to sleep on! I got mine from TJ Maxx for about $20.

Lanterns/Lights

I learned at my first festival that although there are lights surrounding the campgrounds, those lights don’t do a lot inside your actual campsite. Getting some good lighting options is going to make your life so much easier so this year we’re bringing along a couple different options. 

This year, we’re bringing along our trusty Ozark Trail 300-Lumen Lantern. It’s been with us for a while, but it sadly doesn’t provide enough light outside, so we use this bad boy inside the tent! 

For outside you can go a couple different routes, bringing along battery-powered twinkle lights is always a great and creative option, but if you’re looking for something a little easier and practical, decide on a lantern with about 700 Lumens or more! That’ll give your site plenty of light. Try staying away from a propane lantern- safe yourself the hassle and potential of running out!

Chairs/Sitting

So, I usually just steal the foldup chairs that my parents have in their house- they’re a little old and dusty but do the trick to save the money. Although I’ll still be bringing along my favorite of those chairs, I also enjoy having somewhere else to sit and even lay down on during the day. This is usually where I put my favorite outside/camping/decorative blankets. To have a more accommodating outside sitting space I’m splurging on a shade tent. Having somewhere covered but where you can still see outside and feel the breeze is too nice. It’s also a great place to transition in and out of your tent under, but also a great spot to keep your chairs and things covered. I decided to grab myself one of the Coleman Instant Screenhouses off Amazon for a cool $64.

Summary

So, lets just look at the total end of this shopping trip:

Tent – $77.80   •

Shade Tent – $64.00   •

Sleeping Bag – $15.00  •

Lantern (700 lumen) – $25.00  •

Total – $181.80

So, in total, I’ve spent about $180 to get all the camping gear that I needed/wanted. Keep in mind that the original tent I fell in love with was about $220, but for less than that I’ve outfitted an entire campsite, and I managed to even snag a tent that was larger than the one I initially loved from REI.

So what do you guys think? Where do you usually go to find the best options for your camping gear? Drop us a comment!

The post How to Buy Festival Camping Gear Affordably appeared first on Rave Hackers.

SUPPLIES YOU NEED

1. Perler beads
2. Ironing paper – You can buy these separately or within a perler start kit
3. Paperclip / toothpick
4. Peg board(s)
5. Iron and ironing board
6. Perler pattern (get inspiration for patterns here)

PICK YOUR PATTERN

The first step to successfully creating your perler is picking out WHAT you want your perler to look like. If you’re familiar with these little guys at all, then you know there are really endless possibilities when it comes to patterns. People make all kinds of different things, whether they be inspo from something that’s already in existence, or they create something completely from their mind. 

CREATING YOUR OWN DESIGN

For those of your with more creative abilities, there are blank perler board templates you can download/print. A lot of people utilize these to create their patterns before hand, rather than just free-handing the designs with the beads. Pick your poison, but if you’d like a printable/download you can find a plethora of different shapes and sizes over here.

USING A PATTERN

Now, worry not! If you, like me, don’t want/aren’t able/etc. to design something from scratch there are tons of other options available to you! When I first started learning how to do perlers, I actually watched a video (linked below) and literally followed along with the video. My little guys turned out great and from there I found KandiPatterns.com. This page has TONS of different patterns and you can print them out. Eventually I graduated to Pinterest where the designs can be wow. 

I highly recommend printing out whatever pattern you decide to use! You’re able to mark off the beads/rows that you’ve already completed and it really does make such a difference! 

PREPARING YOUR TOOLS/SUPPLIES

Create your ‘dropper’ tool

I personally like to use a paperclip that I’ve bent to look kind of like a fish hook. I’ve found that having a bit of a curve to it helps the beads stay on better when I’m dropping them on the boards! There are little ‘dropper’ tools that you can buy from the craft store, but I personally like to kep things simple (and cheap). I’ve also seen people utilize a toothpick as well which is also effective.

PRINT/DRAW YOUR PATTERN

When I’m utilizing a pattern I like to have them printed off and sitting beside my pattern. I find it more personally satisfying being able to mark off rows as I complete them! However, another method that I think is more effective is taping the pattern to the bottom of your board. This way, you can easily see what colors/patterns are next. It also makes it easier to start and stop the project and eliminates human error!

PICK YOUR COLORS & ORGANIZE

I’ve seen this step done a couple different ways and it seems like it really just comes down to overall preference! Once my pattern is picked out, I’ll go through my perler colors and determine what colors I want to use. If I deviate from the patterns colors, which I usually do, I’ll write the colors out and then write the new color I want to use beside them. I’ll typically write these on the pattern! I personally like to pick out a ton of each color up front and stick them in little tupperwear bowls so I can keep them organized. Some people prefer to pick the colors out of the bins as they go, others will count out the exact number of perler they need for the whole project and keep them all in one big bowl. Again- to each his own!

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