Festival season is upon us, with thousands of music lovers descending upon fields and parks to enjoy a weekend of good music, good company, and good vibes. But one aspect of festivals that often gets overlooked is the humble festival toilet. Yes, those makeshift porta-potties that can strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned festival-goers.
But fear not, dear reader, for we are here to guide you through the do’s and don’ts of festival toilets, and help you make the most of your experience. From cleanliness to etiquette, we’ve got you covered.
First and foremost, let’s address the cleanliness factor. festival toilets have a reputation for being less than sanitary, and for good reason. With hundreds or even thousands of people using the same facilities over the course of a weekend, it’s no wonder they can get pretty gross pretty quickly. However, there are a few things you can do to make your toilet experience a little more bearable.
First, always carry hand sanitizer with you. This simple step can make a huge difference in keeping yourself clean and germ-free. Use it liberally before and after using the toilet, and encourage your friends to do the same.
Second, try to choose your toilet wisely. If you can, scout out the toilets on the festival grounds and find the cleanest ones. Some festivals even have VIP toilets available for an extra fee, which are usually cleaner and more pleasant to use.
Lastly, if the toilets are absolutely unbearable, don’t be afraid to ask staff if they can be cleaned. Most festivals have staff dedicated to cleaning the toilets throughout the day, so don’t suffer in silence if you’re faced with a particularly grim situation.
Next, let’s talk about etiquette. festival toilets can be a breeding ground for bad behavior, so it’s important to be considerate of your fellow festival-goers. Don’t hog the toilets, don’t make a mess, and always flush. It may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget their manners when faced with a porta-potty.
Also, try to keep your time in the toilet to a minimum. Remember, there are likely other people waiting in line behind you, so be mindful of the time you’re taking. If you need to touch up your makeup or have a quick chat with a friend, consider waiting until you’re out of the toilet to do so.
Finally, let’s talk about some tips and tricks for surviving the festival toilets. One tried and true method is the hover technique. If you’re not keen on sitting on a potentially dirty toilet seat, try hovering above it instead. It may take some practice, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll never look back.
Another tip is to bring your own toilet paper. While most festivals do provide toilet paper in the stalls, it can run out quickly, leaving you in a sticky situation. By bringing your own toilet paper, you’ll never be caught short.
And lastly, stay hydrated. It may seem counterintuitive to drink more water when faced with questionable toilets, but staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. Just be prepared to make frequent trips to the toilet.
In conclusion, festival toilets may not be the most glamorous part of the festival experience, but they are an inevitable part of the weekend. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your toilet experience and focus on enjoying the music and the company of your fellow festival-goers. Just remember to be considerate, be prepared, and above all, be grateful for the modern marvel that is the porta-potty.
So go forth, festival-goers, and may your toilet experiences be as painless as possible. Happy festival season!