Coachella blog

This year, I had the chance to attend my first Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival—and, honestly, it might be my last for a while.

What made this experience even more special is that I did it alone. It was my first time traveling alone in another country by myself, fully stepping into independence and figuring things out on my own. That, more than anything, made the trip unforgettable.

Before heading to Indio, where the festival takes place, I explored a bit and even got to ride in a Waymo self-driving taxi—something that felt futuristic and slightly surreal.

At the festival, I stayed at Lake Eldorado, a glamping setup located right on the grounds of the Empire Polo Club. It was definitely one of the highlights of the experience—comfortable, convenient, and have a nice break from the intensity of the festival itself.

Of course, the music was a big part of it. I got to see artists like Sabrina Carpenter and discover others along the way, all while meeting people from different places and sharing moments that felt both spontaneous and genuine.

That said, Coachella is not exactly what it seems from the outside. It requires a lot of planning, and the cost adds up quickly with food and drinks. In many ways, it feels heavily driven by marketing—especially during Weekend One, when brand activations, pop-ups, and exclusive after-parties take the center of the stage.

For me, it was worth experiencing at least once. But I’ve also come to realize that it’s best to go without overly high expectations. The magic of it isn’t necessarily in the spectacle, but in the personal moments—the risks you take, the people you meet, and the memories you create along the way.

Would I go again? Probably not anytime soon. But I’m glad I went, and even more glad I did it on my own terms.