If you're planning on attending a festival this summer then it's really smart that you're reading this. Hoards of music lovers flock to the noisy hot spots each year, ill prepared and poorly advised. Having spent copious amounts of money that line the pockets of the festival organizers, it is only fair that YOU make sure YOU have a jolly good time. So let us take the stress off your shoulders by thinking about sensible things so that you can go forth and concentrate on having fun.

We have helpfully comprised a list of important necessities to remember in order to make sure you get the best out of your festival experience this summer:

Which festival to choose?

It would be an obvious choice to pick one that is located closest to you (and cheaper) but there are a few brilliant festivals out there that may be a bit further than you imagined traveling. From Lollapalooza in Chicago; Bamboozle in New Jersey; Bonnaroo in Tennessee; all the way to Coachella in California; there are loads to choose from. If you wanted to be really adventurous, there is even Glastonbury in the UK.

So do some research. You're more likely to have a better time if you find you are really attracted to the location, or you have heard good things. Some festivals even lean towards a specific music genre, so if you have a particular affinity for a certain type of music then it would make sense to go to the festival that celebrates that.

Carpool

Right, you've forked out for your expensive ticket and now you just need to get there. Carpooling is the cheapest option and there are various websites that encourage this. It is also a surefire way to make friends, which can be very handy if you have forgotten something important (although this shouldn't happen if you're taking notes right now).  People have been known to travel the entire length of either coast or even the country simply by making new friends and catching rides with them to the next destination, or more simply - away from the current spot.  The collective festival mindset is a generous, open one.  So be a part of it but don't take advantage of it.  Remember it's give as much as take - if not more.  

Sunscreen

Whilst nobody wants to look like a lobster or age that little bit more quickly, nobody also wants to get heatstroke and spend the remainder of their allocated festival time in hospital. Sunscreen is very important, but it is also a good idea to take a hat to protect your head. Also worth a mention, (seeing as we're giving orders) make sure you apply it evenly, you don't want to be that guy with the weird red splotch that everyone points at and laughs. This effect has been known to be called a 'tantoo'.

Water

We don't mean to sound like overbearing parents, but despite keeping your skin peachy, water at a festival is one of those necessities that has been known to keep you from dying. Even if the weather isn't excruciatingly hot (like it just was at Coachella), being stuck in a crowd of excitable people will create an abundance of sweat, and therefore dehydrate you that much more quickly.  Take note of where water can be found, and if there are free refill points, definitely remember their location.  Most festivals allow coolers on the inside (so long as there's no glass) so be sure to stock up.  And don't forget, if a stranger comes by and NEEDS water, clearly more than yourself - help a brother/sister out.  You're all family now.  

Cash

Take cash with you. There should be ATM's, but they'll probably charge you to withdraw and have hoards of queues, which will subsequently make you miss your favorite band. Just make sure you keep it on you at all times.

Make A List

Nothing beats the downer when you have realized you have missed one of your must see bands because you a) didn't realize they were playing b) didn't check the time they started c) didn't check the stage they were on or d) didn't read an article like this to make you festival savvy. Well now you have, so there's no excuse. Some websites for the festivals offer a 'choosing tool'. Coachella recently had 'Coachooser', whereby you could log onto the site, pick the bands you wanted to see and it made you an awesome schedule that you could then print off and take with you. Check out your festival's site for something similar to this.

Essential Items To Pack

To name but a few: Toilet Paper, Baby Wipes, Sleeping Bag, Painkillers, I.D. Especially I.D - nothing would beat the feeling of getting to the front of the beer queue, only to realized that the mouth watering, refreshing, malty goodness will not pass your lips due to your epic forgetfulness. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Ticket/ Wrist band

Although very obvious, leaving this would be disastrous. Double check you have it before you leave!

So now you have the lowdown on making sure you are well prepared for an outdoor festival this summer. Now you make sure you have a good time, y'hear?  And remember to be open to every new experience that comes your way.