We need reservations. Reservations for the convention, the hotel, transportation, any special shows or dining experiences...
miss one and you might not get something you wanted or needed.
Conventions:
Ok, let's start with the basic need. A convention registration (sometimes called a "membership"). First time con-goers
don't have the luxery of signing up at the previous year's conventions. If a friend isn't ordering the convention membership for you,
you will want to get out to the con's website and purchase your membership as soon as possible.
When you get your receipt page, or confirmation page, make sure you print a copy and take it with you. If they loose your membership
before you arrive, the con will not assume that you have one just because you say so and they will make you purchase a new one. Your
receipt is your proof of purchase.
Once you pick up your membership, you are responsible for keeping track of it. If you loose it, most conventions will make you purchase
a new one (this is to keep someone from buying one, giving it to a freind, then going back and saying "I lost it" to get a second
one for free).
Travel:
Planes, trains and automobiles (and buses). Unless you are driving your own car, you will need a reservation. Just like the con
memberships, you will want to print out your confirmation sheet in case there is a problem.
If you are flying or taking a bus, check with the airport or terminal to find out how far in advance you need to arrive.
With air travel, there is an additional consideration. Many people try to get everything into a single carry-on package. While
this a decent idea, there are limits. If you need lots of make up (painting yourself blue?), or have weaponry as part of a costume,
you will have to have a separate piecing of luggage that you will check. For current limitations, check with both the TSA and the
airline with which you are travelling.
Hotels:
This is where you will have the most options, and a few additional restrictions. If you are under the age of 18, you will find most
hotel chains will be unwilling to rent a room to you without a parent offing up a credit card (if they'll rent to you at all). You also
need to find out what the limit is on guests/room (many hotels state this on their websites).
Also, some hotels need to know if you are driving in, whether you are bringing your car or renting one when get into town. They may charge a
small fee, or they may need to know so that they don't charge you (non-guests are sometimes charged for use of a
private parking lot).
|
