Itching for an exciting getaway? Need a good reason to traipse the globe? 2013 is your answer, offering you a chance to hear this year’s greatest hits on the sunny streets of Miami, the lush fields of Glastonbury, or the golden gates of San Francisco.
1. The Ultimate Weekend Experience
Thinking of getting away from campus for a weekend? Need a little vitamin-D to get you through your mid-semester slump? Ultra Music Festival (UMF) is your destination. In 2 short hours you can trade in the dark walls of VP for the bustling streets of Miami, and some of the best DJs in the world. Offering you three weekends in March to choose from, this 3-day festival gives you and your friends three opportunities to take on all of its craziness.
What to Wear: Don’t over think your outfit. It is Miami: pretty much anything is accepted and it will be hot, hot, hot. Bring bathing suits for taking a dip in your hotel’s pool – there will sure to be pool parties galore.
2. Your British Fix
For many, summertime means essentially one thing: new adventures. Although its tickets sold out almost as quickly as they came on the market – after a mere hour and forty minutes – the Glastonbury Festivals is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, worthy of the extensive commute. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, or merely curious about the quirky festivity fashions, Glastonbury has a refreshing edge that entices all. These four-day festivities, held at the Worthy Farms, south of Pilton, England, mark an English twist on the infamous Coachella festival. It features artists such as Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon, and even Beyonce, and attracts fans ranging from music groupies to celebs like Emma Watson and Kate Moss. The eccentric stage layouts and personal styles that litter the festival make it the place to kick off your summer.
What to Wear: If you happen to be one of the lucky few who is able to snag a resale ticket this April, remember, anything goes – whether that may be pasties or a shiny gold body suit. Fashion experimentation is second nature to Glastonbury. For those less adventurous, Wellies and short shorts are the way to go.
3. Inside Cali’s Golden Gates
Outside Lands Festival is more than just a must-visit destination for music lovers around the world. Local businesses around California set up at San Francisco’s famous 3-day August attraction to offer a top-notch selection of food, wine, beer, and art vendors.
What to Wear: If you’re from the East Coast, leave your mentality behind. Spend less time on your outfit and more time at the market. The San Franciscan food deserves all of your attention.
Don’t let the far-off dates of these music festivals fool you into waiting until last minute to book your trip and buy tickets. Start planning now because any one of these festivals could easily be the highlight of the new year!
– Deborah Kotkin
Images courtesy of Glastonbury Festivals (1, 2, 3, 4), Ultra Music Festivals, and Outside Lands 2011.