Unless you were living under a rock during this past weekend, you know festival season is in full swing! Where better to have a first date than a place that combines all of your favorites – food, music and art! Preparing for a festival or a first date can be stressful enough on its own,  so we’ve come up with a few tips to help the MissTravelers who will be combing the two.

Be Prepared

This probably goes without saying… but don’t forget anything! Most festivals do not allow re-entry, and you don’t want to be stuck without the essentials! Make sure to double check your bag – ID’s, sunglasses, sunscreen, money and chapstick are vital for all festivals! (Might I add a travel size deodorant? – You’re welcome.)

Most importantly, don’t forget to charge your phone! You may want to invest in a portable charger. If you prefer not to be weighed down by carrying extra stuff, many festivals have charging stations. Bottom line! You won’t want to miss a beat if your phone ends up dying. Plus, music festivals bring big crowds, which means it’s easy to get lost. It would be very unfortunate to lose communication with your date because of a dead phone. Showing up prepared is an easy way to avoid mishaps.

Make A Plan Together

So many things to see, so little time! It’s good to map out your day ahead of time to make sure neither of you miss an act or installation you’ve been dying to see.  Coordinate with one another to make sure you two don’t have conflicting favorite bands performing  at the same time. Be sure to discuss other variables of the festival as well. You want to be well prepared for the big day!

Be realistic, you won’t see every band. Since this is also a first date experience for you both, compromising is important so you will both be satisfied with your time at the festival. Definitely plan to do something cute … ride the ferris wheel or take your first picture together in front of a cool art installation.

Cash Is King

There are many things that are out of your control when you go to a festival, or on a first date for that matter. Your funds should not be one of them. Don’t embarrass yourself! Do not let your card get declined. Especially not once you’ve finally reached the front of the merch line when trying to buy your date the last size small Bonaroo shirt. Carry cash! It’s  the most efficient way to purchase items  when at a busy festival. It’s easier to keep track of how much you are spending, and you can maintain your budget over the weekend. You won’t hold up the line while having to swipe and sign your receipt. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the pesky fee that many vendors charge for using plastic.

Check Yourself

You’ll definitely want to have a blast during the music festival, but it’s important to be mindful of your date. If you have plans to meet someone, you don’t want to get too drunk before hand.  The last thing you want is  the date to be over right from the beginning by being a sloppy, drunk mess. No one has time for that. The first impression still counts, even in a festival setting. Pace yourself, it’s most definitely okay to have a cocktail or two once you meet up with your date. This is the best way to keep you two on the same level.  The perfect festival date takes a lot of planning. You want to make sure you both make the best of your time and money!

*Our sister site, MissTravel.com is giving away two free tickets to any summer music festival!  Make sure to follow each social media account for a chance to win – @DateMissTravel, @MissTravelDating and facebook.com/datemisstravel.