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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