My first time at Wacken was in 2008. I started off going alone, and feeling a bit nervous about it. However, a couple of friends joined in on the trip, and soon we had a giant group. But I was still on my own a lot of the time. So, being a woman, I'll share a few tips with other women, based on things that were helpful for me!
- Always have your own toilet paper. ALWAYS! There is never enough in the public toilets. (And sometimes you'll have to clean them a bit before use!)
- Wet wipes / baby wipes are handy to carry, too. I put a few together in individual ziplock bags, so each time I go out, I can just grab one bag to stick in my purse. Good for emergencies, and also for makeup removal!
- I also bring a small hand mirror, in case I want to put on makeup before having it all melt off in the sun
- If you like sleeping, don't camp too close to the festival area. I was counseled by friends who'd been there before, and chose a quieter camping area. But if you camp right beside the music, there's constant noise and often drunken peeing very close to your tent... which isn't a nice way to awake
- Carry a purse that's close to your body and not easily pulled off. This way, when pushing through a really tight crowd, it doesn't prevent you from moving through (and it can't be grabbed as easily). I'm not saying everyone's out to steal purses; quite the contrary! But it doesn't hurt to be a bit careful. A super unfashionable "fanny pack" is good for this, or some kind of flat messenger bag, instead of a big, bulky purse.
I'm sure I've missed some points, so if anyone else can add to this list, please do!!
- Always have your own toilet paper. ALWAYS! There is never enough in the public toilets. (And sometimes you'll have to clean them a bit before use!)
- Wet wipes / baby wipes are handy to carry, too. I put a few together in individual ziplock bags, so each time I go out, I can just grab one bag to stick in my purse. Good for emergencies, and also for makeup removal!
- I also bring a small hand mirror, in case I want to put on makeup before having it all melt off in the sun
- If you like sleeping, don't camp too close to the festival area. I was counseled by friends who'd been there before, and chose a quieter camping area. But if you camp right beside the music, there's constant noise and often drunken peeing very close to your tent... which isn't a nice way to awake
- Carry a purse that's close to your body and not easily pulled off. This way, when pushing through a really tight crowd, it doesn't prevent you from moving through (and it can't be grabbed as easily). I'm not saying everyone's out to steal purses; quite the contrary! But it doesn't hurt to be a bit careful. A super unfashionable "fanny pack" is good for this, or some kind of flat messenger bag, instead of a big, bulky purse.
I'm sure I've missed some points, so if anyone else can add to this list, please do!!