The Road to Trotcon: Hotels and Your Stay.

Hotels can be either your haven from the chaos from the crazy running back and forth from a day of "convention trecking" or possibly your biggest headache of the entire trip. For most first-time cons, it could also be the first time that they ever stayed at a hotel by them selfs or with a group of strangers. Some people might be discouraged to not go at all because it seems so intimadating. Even though Hotels can sometimes be "persnickety" about policy and price, it is sometimes nessesary to find a room to even attend. Although that should not stop you from meeting Terra Strong or showcase your art for all to see. Here are a few tips to make your stay not only easier but also enjoyable experience.

 

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

A very common mistake I hear about with attending Pony Conventions is that they don't book their hotel room until the very last minute. Now, it is a very common for people to check-in at hotel rooms without a reservation ,but with a big weekend long event such as Trotcon, it is almost impossible to find a room at last minute. It requires planning and commitment to stay because most of these conventions are being held at a hotel.

So the best thing to do is to check out the convention websites. For a big event, such as Trotcon, they have all the information you need to find a place to stay and much more. They also have forums on many topics about hotels and past experiences with those hotels. You can also check with the hotel website hosting the con to get more info and to book your room. Its also a good idea to check hotel reviews on Expidia, Hotwire, or any other review site to see if it is worth it to stay at the hotel where the convention is being held or if you need to go off-site.

 

Tip #2: Budget for your trip.

Purchasing a room to stay is not really the same as purchasing a plush. Your paying for a service to not only stay and sleep in the room; but your also encouraged to eat there bath there, use there internet, ect. If you add up all the other services that I mentioned before, your hotel Bill could be to big for your wallet to chew.

So when planning for your trip, take a look at the prices of not only the room, but also the prices for the hotel resturant, amenities and shops. Half the time, you can find cheaper and more effective hygiene products and food items outside of the hotel. You can also bring your own snacks and food from home to pack for the weekend. Just make sure you use the mini fridge to keep your perishable food items cold.

 

Tip #3: Sharing your room with friends or other people

It could really get super expensive staying in a single room and sometimes its not really as fun staying by yourself in a hotel room, waiting for the con doors to open. A new method I heard about, that probably has been used for centuries, was to share a room with either a dear freind or with a stranger that may or may not have a healthy obsesstion with the My Little Pony franchise. With the internet booming in the mid 2000's, it bacame more common practice for people to share rooms that they met over the internet and save some mony by sleeping on the floor.

For this situation, I would perfer to go who you know. It could be a great bonding experience with your friend, spouse, partner or signifigent other to experience something new. If you are going with people that you met over the internet, its best to meet with the person face-to-face first before agreeing to stay in the same room. They may have different needs from someone else and its best to meet with them and plan how to stay (as well as pay) through out your entire weekend.

 

Tip #4: Hotels don't have any rooms to book? Find an alternitive.

What happens when the hotel that the convention is hosting is completely book or if you don't have a big enough budget to stay there? In big cities like Chicago, New York or any other city, there are tons of hotels to stay at for any budget. They could be 5 star resorts or simple place to stay, that is just a few blocks away from the con. Plus, a lot of small hotels could give you a better deal because of a room that has not been taken up yet.

As many other hotels, take a look around on the internet for available hotels around the area. You can also check out some "boutique hotels" for deals and to make your stay a quite haven to recharge your battery's. They are also hostels that would be perfect for someone with a super low budget. Thay are simular to hotel's in terms of service but the are designed more like dorm rooms and doesn't really have all the amenities. You could also be Bed and Breakfastes for a more "homey" feel and better on the wallet but they can be pretty far from the convention center depending on where its located. A good rule of thumb to finding a good alternative place to stay is to look for a place that is 10-20 minutes away from the convention center by use of public transit.

 

Tip #5: Actually Enjoy Your Stay

Countless times, I have heard people burning out from a weekend convention because they spend 90% of the weekend at the convention itself and not resting at the room to recharge. Even though you are there for the con, it's also important to rest and recharge for the next best thing.

I understand if you want to "see everything and meet with everyone and enjoy every little thing", but sometimes you just need to rest in between. It could get tiring with a crowded room for hours at a time and you may not be able to enjoy everything if your too tired. The hotels are there because to is place to rest up and get ready for the next big thing.

What I like to do on a trip is that ,after a relaxing lunch, I go back to the hotel and take a quick nap (or in Mexico, a siesta) before going back down for more exploring. You can also just hang back and read or just watch some episode of My Little Pony: Freindship is Magic to chill for a bit.

If you think about it, sometimes its better to take good things in small and appreciative bites. Hope you enjoy your stay and I bid you a-do.

 

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The Road to Trotcon: Transportation and Traveling to the Convention

To start off this article series, I belive its important to cover transportation first since it's the first thought in peoples mind after the whole commitment decision. In the begining of the whole Brony Movment, most of the conventions use to just be local. Yet over time, it has become more of a global affiar for fans of the show to go as far to not only go to America but also to Brittan, Germany and to Japan to discuss about colorful equines that teach us the magic of freindship. So its no surprise that it takes quite a bit of Travling to get to some of these events and it could leave the first-time goer a little intimidated to find the money and time to arrange the Trip to get there and back. Luckily, there are many options in terms of travel and how to get there.

 

Air Travel

One of the most commenly used modes of long distant Transport is air travel, esspecially to the international crowd. In fact it is sometimes necessary to fly "across the pond" to get to the right country. If it is more domestic flight, it is more of a convince to get to a nearby state or to the otherside of the country.

Some of the pros of air travle is that it is faster than taking the Train or driving cross country. It is also easier to plan ahead with your travel agent and with the new technology, check in is not a long complicated task. You can pack as little or as much as you wish as long as you have the mony for it.

Unfortunatly, this is where some of the cons begin. It is super expensive to purchase the ticket alone and to check in your bags. Plus with the new security measures added to airports in recent years: it could result in long lines, delays, and possible socially awkward social situations when they pat you down and find a Rainbow Dash key chain that you accidentally left in your pocket.

Although, it's not the most horrible experience. If you have the money and the knowledge of how the airport policy works, its perfect way to get there without too much hassle or bearing too much responsibility on yourself. If I could give advice to anyone flying to Trotcon or any other convention, I would say "Make it easier on yourself and plan way ahead of time before flying." If you pack light, get your ticket online and get to the airport ~3 hours before your flight: then you will be o.k.

The Train

A more economical situation to cross the country with ease is taking a train. For centeries, the railway has been Americas and Canada's oldest and most reliable transit system. It could get you from Chicago to Ohio in a matter of hours. Its a not as fast as air travel, but still effective if you want to plan ahead.

It is more affordable to go by train since it's not as costly to get to other parts of the U.S from state to state. Plus there are not as many security restrictions to get on or off the train so there would be no awkward strip searches. It is also better option for people who want to go to conventions more around a neighboring states within the regional area, such as the Mid West, then going to another part of the country. The train also has a more static scheduled system then The air port does to make planing easier and to track.

Although do keep in mind, that it does take longer to get there then air travle and if you miss it....you miss it. Not to mention that depending on how long the trip it is, it could take multible days to get to and for someone who is working, it maybe not the best solution. Plus there is also the problems with multible stops. If you accidently left the train or get on the wrong train to get to the next stop, you are probably going the wrong way or possibly stranded until the next train comes.

So if you have the patience, I would suggest the train. Also its a good idea to travel with a freind on your train adventures. It could be a bonding experience for who ever your with. Plus you can also bring along some Good Books or Fan Fiction to catch up on some reading. As long as your on time and have a lot of time to get there, then it is perfect for the Travler with a lot of time on your hands.

 

The Megabus or Long Travel Busses

Popular with minor league sports teams and students alike, the Long Distance Travel Bus is probably the cheapest form of Travel for anyone who doesn't have a car. It was really popular to take a cross country bus durring the middle of the 20th centery and commercial airlines where more exclusive to the upper class. Today, it is not as popular as air lines, but it is perfect if you want to travel on a budget.

Its perfect for students who want to go from the University to the convention itself in neighboring states and it does stops in various major cities to where most conventions are held (ex. New York and Milwaukee) . They also make some rest stops depending on your travel, so food is not much of an issue. Plus, you can also meet other people on your journey to share stories and to make new freinds along the way.

The only cons I could really think of is that the scedualed Time Of Arrival (TOA) could be really unpredictable. On some days, you can be early since the highway was empty half the time or you can be stuck for hours on the same spot because some strawberry truck fliped over and it looked like a fruit salad massacre. It could also cause some health problems for your spine back. Since your sitting there for hours in one position could ruin your spine and your good time.

The best advice I give to people for when Travling on the Long Distance bus is to get comfortable for the long haul. Get yourself a portable DVD player and a couple of good movies and favorite episodes of My Little Pony to keep you occupied. I would also suggest a good book but your going to have to get a lot of air from a fan and sit up front to prevent motion sickness. Also try to get up once in a while durring the rest stops and get some non-perishable snacks (Chips, Water, Sports Drinks, Fruit, and my personal favortie Cheeze-its) because you are going to be hungry and you need to be hydrated durring the summer. Also please be considerate to the person next to you durring your journey, because you are going to be stuck with that person for a long time.

 

The Road Trip

I've saved the best for last when it comes to creating memories that would last a life time. The Road Trip or Car Trip that some people say sometimes, is considered one of Americas greatest past times. It is a time to bond with, a time to devolob friendships or to introduce new experiences to your freinds along the way.

It is perfect for anyone who is looking to be more independant with there trip. If you have a car and some freinds who are willing to go with you on an adventure, then the road trip is for you. Not only would you enjoy each other's company, but you get to enjoy the many vast landscapes of the American Landscape. Comming from someone who once travled from Chicago to Aspen, Colorado; the Great Plains is quite the sight for you and your pony freinds to enjoy and take photos. You also have the freedom to stop when ever you wish to get food, supplies, medicine or to stop and rest for a bit.

Although the road trip is fun, it is also a big responsibility. For people taking the trip, no matter what distance you must be aware of certain situations on the road. Not only do you have to keep an eye of your fellow adventurers but you must also be willing to spend extra money on gas, car repairs, maintainence, and parking at the hotel (which will be covered in the next article). Also be aware of your other passengers if they have certain health issues with motion sickness and other issues.

The best way to approach the road trip is to appoint a leader for the expedition. It doesn't have to be a "bossy" leader but there has to be someone in charge to give the trip direction and to keep everyone organized. Ussually the owner of the car that you are taking is ussually the leader, but you can also appoint someone to be the "organizer" of the group if you wish. It's also a good idea, to have freinds who are willing to drive at certain parts in case the owner of the car get tired or take a break. If you are driving alone, then just take breaks often. Also be aware of the road. Just like the bus, taffic can be unpredictable and could be dangorous. But besides that, it will definitely be an experience that would defiantly be worth it.

 

With that mind, no matter what mode of Transporation you take, it always best to travel with a freind and to enjoy the journey to another big experience that would be worth the effort. If have any other question or any other suggestions of The Road to Trotcon I should cover, feel free to Tweet me or leave a comment below.

That's all I have for today, but I will be back tomarrow to discuss about the Hotel Aspect of the conventions and how to find a place to stay with no headachs. For now, I must bid you all a-do.

 

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Ladies and Gentlemen, I now Present.....Pre-Trotcon Week

As many of know, about a couple of months ago, I made a promise to present a series of Articles about how to enjoy Trotcon and many other conventions to come. It was supposed to be a week-by-week series called The Road to Trotcon but, with my new job and potential audition to be on Food Network, I have been extreamly busy. So now, I am going to do 4 articles (maybe possibly more) of how to get there, how to meet your favorite Brony Artist/Voice Actors, make hotel arrangements with out hassle, and maybe some food writing in between.

If your wondering other details about what I'll be doing with these series, I did made a video that goes into more detail of what I am doing. I will post it down here if you wish to see my new update.

Other than that, I am also working on the next recipie a little bit later today. So if you wish to see the progress on my newest creation and play a part of the experimenting process, follow @bronychefpro on Twitter for more.

For now, I must get to work on the first article of my Road to Trotcon series and try to complete it by today. "Wait? Your going to try to post 2 posts in 1 day? Are your mad?" Well actually I am mad enough to do just that and I think I can manage 2 posts in 1 day: even though I have not written on this blog for about a month. Don't worry though, I can survive it. I will see you guys in a bit.

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The Road to Trot Con 2014: Introduction + Commitment

 Today is the day, I decide to start chronicling my progress and record any helpful tips and advice about attending my first ever Brony Convention. I choose Trot Con as my first because, since it was my first time going to a convention, I would have a taste of it before making plans to go to the official Brony Con next year.

 I wanted to share my experience for those who never really went to a convention or was curious about what a convention is really like and how to have the best time there. The information I come across would come from friends and over the Internet. If you wish to give some suggestions about what I should add on to this advice series, feel free to tweet me @chefkyro or with the hash tag #bronychefproject.

 While I'm on the topic of conventions or cons, I think it’s fitting that we get to the first topic for this series: Commitment. This would be a good first topic because; the first step that a lot people think about before planning a trip is the question “Am I willing to travel there?” or “Is it possible for me to travel?”

For tons of Travelers, for business or pleasure, they must take that first step of deciding to go based on how committed they are to make the journey. 

 For casual  convention goers, the kind of commitment is more like a reward to enjoy what services that conventions might offer. For people with small businesses or artists, it could be an opportunity to show their product or their work to a particular audience and be discovered. No matter how you attend every convention, it’s always important to stay committed to going there and take responsibility for getting there.

 There will be challenges and loops to get to your goal of attending any convention, Brony and non-Brony alike. Con goers might have to save money and spend some time planning what they are going to do there. Yet, when you go through those doors and finally made it to that one convention you always dreamed about going; it is completely worth it. So, my first advice I give to any convention goer as myself is that if you are committed enough to reach for that goal of attending  your first or favorite convention, the reward would be that much sweeter.

  As we dive deeper into the series of The Road to Trot Con, we would explore many other topics about planning, budgeting, meeting your favorite celebrities and many other topics relating to con planning and how you can make your convention experience an enjoyable one. I will try to update at least once a week leading up to Trot Con 2014. Also during the convention im also going to update my experience there to give you more of an insight. It could be more of a vlog type of mini-series but I still have a lot of time to think about it.  

   You can follow me on twitter @chefkyro or on Facebook to see updates and leave any other suggestions of topics you think I should cover. Also, don’t be afraid to comment. I’m open for comments. For now, I will bid you all a-do and see you next week.