The lineup will be out by May 1, 2013 for Electric Daisy Carnival and then shortly after the rest of the events around EDC Week in Vegas will be announced and a lot of them will be very tempting and you’ll want to be prepared. The pool parties are amazing and you’ll probably be blown away by them, I know I was.

Want to know what’s going on around Vegas during EDC Week? Here’s a 2013 EDC Week Event Listing.

The protip is that they aren’t for everyone and if you decide to go to make sure you are prepared.

Here’s my guide to attending a pool party during EDC Week:

Tickets

Buy your ticket as soon as they go on sale because the prices will likely go up quickly. You’ll also want to know that prices for guys are typically twice as much as girls in Las Vegas. What about buying tickets at the door? They will be available but the costs will be even higher so buy presale.

Think it through before you start buying up tickets to events so you don’t end up losing money letting a ticket go to waste.

Another thing to mention is that pre sale tickets DO NOT guarantee you entry. Disclaimers for most events state that you can be refused entry due to capacity. A safe bet would be to make sure to arrive by 1pm at the latest depending on who is playing.

Time

The biggest thing to remember is that if you’re going to a pool party on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to keep in mind that the headliner will likely play until 5:00pm. The pool parties usually run from around 11:00am until 6:00pm. The festival starts at 7:00pm. In between those times you’ll need to get back to your hotel, probably shower, change, maybe eat and still get on the shuttle to the festival. This can making your evening a real hustle to avoid long wait times because of traffic. You’ll also need to take into account if you’re at a pool party at Wynn and staying at Mandalay Bay it’s not a quick walk back. You’re best bet is a cab ride at that point.

I saw Above & Beyond at Marquee Dayclub on the Friday of the festival in 2012 and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Las Vegas. When they were finished it was a sprint getting back to the hotel, getting ready and getting to the festival. I also went to Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten at Tao Beach last year on the Sunday afternoon and it was rough after a pool party on Friday, two nights of the festival and still another night to go. We made it but we’re pro’s!

I mention these things because the temptations will be high to go to as many things as possible but the last thing you want to do is buy up a lot of tickets and end up wasting money because you’re too tired and either miss a pool party or you don’t arrive to the festival until later in the night. Figure out what’s more important to you and plan accordingly.

Money

You’ll also want to make sure to bring money for water. It’ll be hot. Really hot. You can also expect high prices for alcohol if you’re drinking. A couple of things to keep in mind as you budget your trip. Don’t show up with $5 in your pocket and expect to last the afternoon.

Dress Code

The dress code for a pool party is t-shirt, bathing suit and sandals. You don’t have to dress up like you would the nightclubs. If you’re a female and will be wearing a bikini make sure you bring a t-shirt to wear through the casino. Someone I was with last year was stopped walking to Marquee Dayclub and they wouldn’t let her go any further into the building without covering up. Weird but be prepared.

You can bring a towel if you planned to go swimming but the Vegas sun will dry you off quick so don’t bother.

Many places also have small lockers that you can rent for things like your phone, keys and any other valuables. If you’re brave enough to go swimming just designate one person to hold those valuables. Don’t jump into a pool with your phone in your pocket!

Water Quality

This all depends how much of a germaphobe you are. If you’re grossed out by a standard hotel pool you’ll probably want to stay away from these pools. I’m not a germaphobe and had no issues jumping into the pools at Marquee and Tao. A hot shower was needed after each but no regrets jumping in!

Want to read an article from 2011 about the water quality? It may gross you out but click here for it.

Fitting In

When you watch videos or look at pictures online you’ll see a lot of people and think, “wow I don’t fit in.” Toss that idea out the window. Go and have fun! I have the farthest thing from a stereotypical toned beach body and also had pale skin from a long Northeast winter and mild spring and didn’t feel out of place. You are there to listen to your favorite music and party, not judge and be care about being judged. Don’t worry about what others think, be yourself and have fun.

Will there be people judging you? Those people are EVERYWHERE so stop worrying about it.

Stay tuned, as soon as the pool party lineups are released I’ll make sure to post them!

Previous ProTips:

#60 REMEMBER GROUND CONTROL IS FOR US, NOT AGAINST US

#61 WRIST WALLET OR RUNNERS WAIST PACK INSTEAD OF POCKETS

#62 SUNSCREEN FOR THE DAY AND FESTIVAL LINE

#63 PACK LIGHT

#64 DON’T BE AFRAID TO SLEEP

#65 BRING A WIFI ROUTER TO SHARE YOUR ROOMS CONNECTION

#66 MAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF LICENSE, PASSPORT AND CREDIT CARDS

#67 GET CASH FROM THE ATM BEFORE HEADING TO THE FESTIVAL

#68 HELP OUT A FELLOW RAVER

#69 TELL YOUR PARENTS WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN VEGAS AND WHEN BACK HOME

#70 THREE SEALED PACKS OF GUM

#71 TELL YOUR BANK AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES

#72 THINK ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

#73 BUY AN INSOMNIAC WATER BOTTLE OR CAMELBAK

#74 EDUCATE YOURSELF AND KNOW THAT LESS IS MORE

#75 DO NOT EXPECT CELL PHONE SERVICE

#76 GO ON THE RIDES

#77 COMFORT OVER FASHION

#78 START SAVING MONEY IMMEDIATELY

#79 DON’T BE A PRISONER

#80 WATER WATER WATER WATER

#81 BUY A SHUTTLE PASS

#82: DON’T FORGET CHAP STICK