Travelling alone is a wide ride at the best of times but it can also be lonely at times, especially when you come across something that is best done with others. So, finding new ways to take myself on fun dates lead me to going to a festival alone. For the first time ever, in another country, I was riding solo. I bought the ticket for Lollapalooza in Berlin, before I even had a plan of where I would stay, what flight I would catch or if I would even have the leave approved.

I’ve been to my fair share of festivals around the world, and technically I booked Snow Machine in Japan solo but I knew I was meeting old friends that week to party together in the snow. This was the first time where I had no idea of anyone in my circle that would be attending this festival, and I was as excited as I was nervous about experiencing Lollapalooza.

But with the anxiousness of attending alone, there was also an upside about being a solo festival goer, and that is without a doubt being able to wander around each stage, seeing as many acts as I want, getting food whenever I could smell something delicious and generally having a playground at my fingertips. 

Now, you’re probably thinking that you can do all of these things when you’re with a group and wander off on your own when you want to do your own thing – but have you ever tried to use your phone during a festival? Oh but don’t worry, you have a meeting location when someone wanders off – how long have you waited for someone to come find you? You’ll meet at the next act, but was it to the left or the right side of the stage? Wait, you can see the balloon you have attached to your friend because they are notorious for wandering off! 

I’m not saying this doesn’t add to the fun of being at a festival, there were definitely moments where I wish I wasn’t solo. I find myself exploring more of the arts and craft areas, or the rides and pop-up bars when I’m with friends and enjoying those smaller moments of the festival scene. Doing it solo, I saw more acts in one day than the combined total of previous festivals, and I think that was due to not having to wait for others to be ready to move on and feeling into the moment for myself and truly being immersed in the music.

I wouldn’t say I was ever truly alone at this festival. When so many acts are playing at the same time, the people surrounding you are there for the same reason and enjoy the same artist, and before you know it, you’re dancing and singing your heart out with a group of strangers in a fleeting moment that fills your heart with so much joy. I do believe the festival scene has changed over the last few years, but I believe at its heart all festivals there are still people that look out for each other whether you’re going solo or with friends.

So for all my fellow solo travellers, looking to spice up your solo dates, this is your sign to buy that festival or concert ticket and let everything else fall into place. Granted you don’t have to wait until a week out to book accommodation or your travel there, but sometimes it is nice to worry about those details later and just be excited about a new solo adventure!

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