Planning For Conventions: A Guide Pt. 3

In the previous two parts of planning for anime convention, I went over general tips as well on tips on handling hotel rooms. But the biggest question you'll probably have is "How do I get there?"

This section of the guide deals with travel to - and from - conventions.

1. What are my options? For me, it all comes down to three things: costs, travel time, and availability. If you need to travel fast on the day of the convention, then flying might be your best option. But if you can take an extra day to travel, then taking the train, bus, or driving might be better, and it might be cheaper. Don't forget about the important details, such as transferring from point of arrival to the convention site; you may need to factor in taxi fares between the airport or train station to the convention site and back.
2. Know what the limit is on suitcases and carry-ons. This is extremely helpful in ultimately determining your mode of transportation. If you need to haul your entire cosplay wardrobe and all the accessories to a convention, then flying or carpooling may not be your best option.
3. Buy in advance. Airplane fares are the cheapest when you buy them months in advance; same thing applies for buses, trains, and even renting cars. If you already know that you're going to a convention, this can save you a lot of money.
4. If you decide to drive to a convention, see what kind of parking options are present at the convention or hotel. Some hotels discount self-parking and valet for those who are staying at that hotel for a convention, and that can very much influence what hotel you might stay in.

At this point, I haven't figured what to tackle next, but keep on the lookout for the next part!