1 village, 2 weekends, 400,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Tomorrowland is more than just a music festival. It is one of the world’s largest and most notable music festivals. Over the past decade, Tomorrowland has expanded outside of Belgium and onto the bucket lists of millions across the world. World-class lineups. Theatrical production. Mind-blowing sets. Fireworks. An adult playground like no other.

Global Journey
Tomorrowland is so much more than just a music festival. It is a once in a lifetime experience. Global Journey Packages offer that “all-in” experience with the opportunity to travel together with other People of Tomorrow from every corner of the world. Whether you book the flight, train, or bus package, your trip is covered from the moment you take off.

What other music festivals offer flights from 84 departure cities in 36 countries? Brussels Airlines has planes dedicated for these Global Journey Packages. After takeoff, the lights are dimmed, beer and glow sticks are handed out, the onboard DJ turns up the music, and the party officially begins. Upon arrival, Brussels Airport has an entire terminal dedicated to the People of Tomorrow. Themed decorations. A live DJ performance. Excitement is guaranteed.

For those in the area, Global Journey offers trains from 6 departure cities in 4 countries and buses from 11 departure cities also in 4 countries. And for those who arrive by their own means but want to enjoy the unity of the People of Tomorrow, hotel packages and camping at Dreamville are available. All Global Journey Packages include Tomorrowland tickets and other additions such as shuttles to and from Boom, if not staying at Dreamville.

Additionally, travelers who arrive on Wednesday are offered a Belgian Journey – an opportunity to discover the beauty of a Belgian city together with thousands of other People of Tomorrow. Following, a chance to begin the party at the decorated Grand Palace in Brussels. Truly a display of how Brussels caters to event goers. Furthermore, travelers who return home on Tuesday are offered a Detox Day – an opportunity to recover from the madness with some relaxing and healthy activities.

Tickets
You can try getting tickets. Preregistration is mandatory and takes place in January. When tickets go on sale in February, all you need to do is click on the link you receive via email to purchase tickets. First come, first served. The group that I was traveling with had five people, a timer, and multiple laptops ready to ensure at least one of us was able to purchase tickets. We were all automatically placed into a queue. Within minutes, we each received a message indicating tickets were sold out.

Chances are, you will not be able to get general admission tickets (Full Madness or single day passes). Tomorrowland has become well-known for selling out in record time. However, there is a trick to getting tickets – by purchasing a Global Journey Package. In order to secure tickets, we ended up purchasing the Global Journey Package that included a three night stay at the NH Brussels City Centre.

Live Today, Love Tomorrow, Unite Forever.
This year, Tomorrowland was spread over two weekends. I arrived at Brussels Airport in the early morning on Friday, July 21, 2017, the first day of the music festival. I quickly headed to the city centre to meet the rest of the group and to get ready for the celebrations.

The event is held less than an hour away from Brussels at the Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre in Boom. The entire country caters to the event – from the airport in Brussels to the venue in Boom. Tomorrowland flags are seen throughout the town, hanging off balconies and covering windows, creating a sense of welcoming. Tomorrowland’s slogan is plastered everywhere, reminding everyone to live today, love tomorrow, and united forever.

This year’s theme, “Amicorum Spectaculum” (meaning “gathering of friends” and “spectacle”, respectively, in Latin), created a unique carnivalesque, steam punk atmosphere.

I have never attended a music festival in Europe, but I have partied in Ibiza [see post: Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Ibiza]. And, there is definitely a night and day difference between partying in Europe versus in the United States. For one, everyone is much friendlier. Money does not drive the experience, the atmosphere does. From the moment you step foot on the festival grounds, you can feel the positive energy radiate.

I spent the next three days having the time of my life. World-class performers such as Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Axwell and Ingrosso brought the thousands of festivalgoers to “live today” as one. Pushed together, only smiles filled the empty spaces left behind. Flags from over 100 countries filled the areas in front of the stages.

Adults of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities united by music. The energy was indescribable. Truly an adult playground like no other.

Things to Note
• Tomorrowland is a cashless event. Instead of paper tickets, festivalgoers get bracelets. These bracelets are registered to your name and used to purchase everything from food and drinks to souvenirs. Prior to the event, make sure to top off your bracelet with more money than you expect to spend. You can always get a refund – you do not want to run out of money and then have to spend time reloading your bracelet. Also, bring and use a safety pin to ensure you do not lose your bracelet.

• Before entering the festival grounds, you need to proceed through security. Here, the security personnel will throw out any water bottles you may have with you. Bring (and hide) water bottle caps. Inside of the festival, purchased water bottles are served without caps. If you bring your own, you can re-fill your water bottles instead of purchasing a new one each time.

• Wear comfortable, closed toe shoes. Women – this means no heels, sandals or flip flops. The festival grounds are huge. And, the walk back to the shuttle bus or parking areas is quite a haul. The areas near the stages get packed – your toes will thank you for covering them.

• Bring a flag. Everyone has one. Whether you bring your country’s flag, your city’s flag (like I did), or any random flag, just bring one!

• If you are planning on drinking – pregame. Everything inside of the festival grounds is expensive. Also, the limited amount of alcohol they serve per drink (only one shot) is not worth it. I do not advise engaging in illegal activities such as sneaking in your own liquor into the venue, but, “I heard” it is quite easy to do. Either way, make sure you set a regular meeting spot with your group in case you lose or need to reach someone.

• If you have the time, make Tomorrowland a part of a larger “Euro trip”. Every July, the running of the bulls takes place in Pamplona, which also brings together thousands of people from all over the world. Next door, the island of Ibiza is at its prime in July. Or, simply start your party trip in Amsterdam beforehand and take the train to Brussels. So many options to make this a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

According to the Internet, officials in Antwerp have solidified a contract that will allow Tomorrowland to happen on two weekends until 2033. If you are unable to get tickets or travel to Belgium, Tomorrowland Unite is a live streaming event direct from Tomorrowland. It takes place in multiple cities are the world, giving other music lovers the chance to take part in the festival and be a part of its incredible experience from different parts of the world.