Looking for inside information on how to survive a music festival? Whether you’re headed to Coachella, Stagecoach, or a similar event, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the experience.

1. Bring cash, just in case.

Food and drink vendors should be set up to accept credit cards. But when the server temporarily went down at CRSSD Fest 2015, there was a mad scramble at the few ATMs. Plan ahead and you’ll be sipping a cold drink while everyone else stands in line for cash.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Most festivals have free water stations where you can refill bottles, but some limit how many you bring onto the festival grounds. Life is Beautiful only permits two-one liter water bottles per person, and they have to be factory sealed.

3. Dress cute—but wear comfy shoes.

Blogger Carmen Varner describes her festival style as “comfy, covered, and cute”—a good rule for any festival goer to follow. You never know when the media is going to take your picture at KAABOO, but you’ll want to stay cool and prevent painful sunburns as much as possible.

4. Plan for bad cell service.

Some festivals have better service than others. Instead of relying on text messages to communicate with your friends, make plans to meet up at a specific location and time.

5. Arrive early.

Traffic will be horrendous, and you don’t want to miss seeing your favorite artist. And really, killing time on the grounds is pretty cool—you can hang out with your friends while enjoying the festival environment.