Festival Travel Hacks: Attending Escape Halloween from Out of State

As a first-time attendee coming from out of state, I was prepared for the usual festival hurdles: expensive flights, overpriced hotels, and last-minute panic about securing accommodations. Coming from Texas, I was worried that deciding to go to Escape Halloween just two weeks before the event would leave me scrambling for arrangements. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case at all, and I'm here to share my travel hacks and tips for attending Escape Halloween from out of state!

Booking Hotels: Super Easy with Escape’s Website
One of my biggest concerns was finding a hotel at an affordable price, especially so close to the festival date. To my surprise, Escape Halloween has partnered with several hotels, which are listed right on their website. Booking through them was incredibly convenient, and the prices were much better than I expected. Even with just two weeks out, I was able to snag a room without breaking the bank. If you're thinking of attending, don’t hesitate to check out their hotel partners directly on the site — it took the stress out of finding a place to stay!

Affordable Flights and Travel Tips
Another pleasant surprise was the cost of flights. Flying out of Dallas, I assumed the last-minute booking would cost a fortune, but I managed to find a reasonable flight. A little hack I used: checking Google Flights for flexible dates and times, which helped keep costs down. Consider flying into nearby airports, not just the main one, to compare prices. Also, keep in mind that Escape Halloween offers shuttle services to and from the event, so you can cut down on transportation costs if you don't want to rent a car.

Packing Essentials for the Festival
Packing is always key to a successful festival experience. Here's a breakdown of the essentials I'm bringing:

• Hydration pack: Staying hydrated is a must for any rave, and a hydration pack makes it easy to carry water around all night.
• Portable charger: With all the photos, videos, and map-checking you'll be doing, your phone battery will drain quickly. A portable charger is an absolute lifesaver.
• Fan and pashmina: Since the festival is in California, the weather will be cooler at night. I'm packing my pashmina to stay warm, while a fan will help keep me cool when I'm dancing under those lights.
• Costume essentials: Since it’s a Halloween-themed festival, costumes are a big deal! I’m going all out with a spooky rave look, but remember, comfort is key. Make sure your costume allows you to move freely and isn’t too hot or bulky. Don’t forget comfortable shoes and accessories like glow sticks or LED glasses to complete the look.

Toiletries and Necessities
For any festival, toiletries are essential. Here’s my must-have packing list:

• Travel-sized toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wipes.
• Sunscreen and chapstick: Even in cooler weather, your skin will thank you for staying moisturized and protected.
• Hand sanitizer: Festivals can get messy, so having hand sanitizer on you is a good idea.
• Earplugs: These are underrated but essential for protecting your ears, especially if you're planning to be close to the stage.

Must-See Attractions at Escape Halloween
Beyond the amazing lineup, Escape Halloween has some incredible attractions that I’m beyond excited to experience:

• The Butcher: This one seems like a Halloween-themed haunted house, and honestly, I’m hyped to see how they incorporate those spooky elements. If you love haunted houses, this is definitely a must-do!
• Poison Ivy at Crazy Town: This shop promises magic drinks with a hint of insanity — whatever that means! I'm ready to explore what wild concoctions they have in store and maybe pick up some fun festival accessories.
• Crazy Town Cemetery: One of the stops I’m most excited for! The Crazy Town Cemetery looks like an Instagrammable spot, and I can’t wait to take some spooky photos with my crew here. It’s definitely going to be a highlight for anyone looking for unique photo ops.

Costume and Festival Tips
Since it’s a Halloween rave, costumes are a big part of the fun. Here are a few tips I’ve gathered from experienced ravers:

• Comfort is key: While it’s tempting to go all out, remember you’ll be dancing and walking a lot. Choose a costume that allows you to move freely and isn’t too hot or uncomfortable.
• Costume backups: If you’re planning multiple looks, pack backups! You never know when something might rip or get lost, so having a second option is smart.
• Makeup that lasts: Use setting sprays and long-wear makeup to make sure your look lasts all night. Halloween makeup can be fun, but it’s no good if it’s melting by the second hour.

Final Tips for First-Time Escape Halloween Attendees

• Check the weather: While California has cooler weather at night, the days might still be warm, so pack layers. A light jacket or hoodie will come in handy when the sun goes down.
• Map out your experience: Familiarize yourself with the festival layout ahead of time. Check out where stages, restrooms, and food vendors are so you can plan your night efficiently.
• Stay connected: Arrange meeting points with your friends in case anyone gets lost, and don’t rely solely on cell service.

I’m so excited to be attending Escape Halloween for the first time, and I hope these tips help anyone else who’s planning to go! Whether you’re coming from out of state like me or you’re a local, Escape Halloween promises to be a spooky, unforgettable experience filled with top-notch music, jaw-dropping attractions, and plenty of surprises.

If you’re heading to Escape Halloween this year, let me know what you’re most excited about! Happy raving!