Glastonbury veteran - ABTA's Daisy Parker - gives her top tips on attending overseas festivals this summer.

So Glastonbury has disappeared into the sunset for another year but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Overseas festivals are an increasingly popular option, often cheaper than the UK with the added advantage of an overseas break and let’s face it, less risk of the traditional Glasto mud bath! In July there are a number of really impressive events starting with Bilbao BBK and Benicassim in Spain, Melt in Berlin, Fresh Island in Croatia and Balaton Sound in Hungary. What all of these festivals have in common are amazing locations, plus if you book through an ABTA festival specialist they’ll sort out your transfers and will have great deals on accommodation if you don’t fancy camping out. Fraudsters and touts can be a problem when buying your ticket, so make sure you only go through official sites.

Make the most of being abroad...

Here are my other top tips to make sure you have a trouble free, unforgettable time at your foreign festival

• Make sure you’re covered; check your insurance covers all your belongings. See www.abta.com/travelinsurance on what to look for in a policy.
• Plan your journey so that you arrive at the festival site at least the day before, giving you plenty of time to acclimatise and allow for flight delays or transport hiccups.
• Consider extending your trip so that you have a few days to relax after the festival is over, you can also check out the local area.
• Pack light and be sure that you can carry your luggage comfortably.
• Remember important items like a torch, decent footwear, a water bottle and the right clothing. Wet wipes are also indispensable.
• Leave your valuables at home; if you can live without it for a few days, don’t bring it.
• Consider hiring a tent or other equipment at the festival so that you'll have less to carry.
• Call your mobile phone provider and check that you’ll be able to make calls abroad, take an adaptor so you can keep your phone charged.
• Check the weather and pack accordingly; make sure you bring plenty of sun cream.
• Learn a few phrases before you go; you’ll find it easier to communicate and the locals will appreciate your efforts.
• Don’t forget your ticket!

When you get there

• Get your bearings and make sure you know where your tent or accommodation is; arrange a meeting point with friends too in case you get separated.
• Find somewhere safe to leave your passport; you’ll have to bring it to get there but most festivals will provide a lock up for important items.
• Make the most of being abroad; try the local cuisine and ask around for popular foreign bands, you never know, you might discover a passion for Croatian dance music!
• Don’t leave your drink unattended at any time.
• If you are offered legal highs, remember that just because a substance is legal, it doesn’t mean it’s safe.
• Be respectful of local laws and customs; it might not be appropriate to walk around in a bikini for example.
• Wear that sun cream you packed and a hat; there’s nothing worse than painful sunburn and it will save on the wrinkles when you get older!
• Keep hydrated; alcohol, dancing and sunshine means you’ll need to drink more water than usual.
• Enjoy the experience!