cozybyte

Safety

Let's discuss general safety. The biggest take away is that you are going to be away from home. Make sure you travel with people you can trust. When traveling especially places with a lot of people it's best to have a buddy system. Sounds juvenile but it comes in handy. When it comes to afterparties and night life around or at the con make sure you are in a group, it's best not to do things alone. Don't forget to pay attention to your surroundings.

Always carry a mini first aid kit and have your medication with you if you take any.

(Side note, if you are wearing a dress maybe wear spanks or shorts underneath, unfortunately creeps exist).

Crowds/Social Battery

The crowds. OK, if crowds aren't your thing, you might have a tough time. The bigger the con, means more people. So, depending on your social battery maybe you can do one or two things: 1. Go to a smaller con. It won't be as exciting, but it might be better for your mental health. Alot of states have local cons so maybe start there. It's also more affordable usually. 2. If you do go to one of the bigger cons look for corners or by a wall you can sit by and charger your phone while you take a breather. Outside is also an option if you're able.

Energy

Eat before you go to the con. You will walk that food off don't worry. Everyone has different energy levels. Bring a small snack and drink ALOT of water. You will be walking around for long periods of time. The excitement and adrenaline of being there and seeing your fellow nerds while seeing all the merch that's going to make your wallet cry. It can be a lot. Take lots of breaks and pace yourself. Most importantly bring ibuprofen if you it's okay for you to take that and pay attention to your body!

Plan ahead!! Hotel, Transportation, Cosplays, where you want to eat, walking, Plan everything ahead of time!!

This is something I will be doing from now on. WALK AROUND FIRST! I missed so many things, spent my money, so the stuff I missed I didn't get a chance to buy or experience it because I didn't walk to see what they have and take pictures. Take a slow walk around either the whole con if you feel like it or just artist alley/dealer hall.

Of course I didn't cover everything. I'm not perfect. This is just my experience and advice I wanted to share based off that experience.

Toiletries: body wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner, chap-stick, makeup, toothbrush and toothpaste, face wash and moisturizer, sunblock,

Clothes: cosplays (if you're cosplaying), underwear, bras, socks, emergency change of clothes, clothes for outings (like parties etc.), and pajamas!!

Just in Case/Needs: travel first aid kit, medications if you take any, ibuprofen, eye drops (if your wearing contacts), sew kit, incontinence/feminine products, a small ice pack, earplugs (cons especially certain parts can get loud) , wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tide pen

DON'T FORGET ANY CHARGERS/PORTABLE CHARGERS FOR ANY ELECTRONICS YOU'RE BRINGING

And now for the main reason you're probably reading this post.... The carry on. This is the important bag. You are going to be walking around and spending your hard earned money buying things you that are technically not needs but you need to have. I mean, whats the point of being on this earth if you don't buy another Hatsune Miku figure?! Which brings us to the kind of bag to carry. Oh yeah, did i mention how long you're going to out there? 8+ hours walking around AWAY from your home and your hotel room. So yes bringing a con bag is essential.

I'm going to try and go into the best detail I can.

Again, a very important detail to remember here is that this is YOUR bag. Customize it for you. Think of this as a guide. This is just my opinion on how I pack my bag. Whats essential to me, may not be essential for you.

Carry on Con Bag:

Food and water: you might want to bring a snack and hydrate, simping for your favorite characters is tiring.

Sew Kit: if you cosplay or if your lame and came in regular clothes, accidents happen ( if you're a slob and tend to spill things on your clothes bringing a Tide stick could come in handy)

Deodorant. Most cons take place when the weather is nice, don't be one of those people and smell like how Mahito looks. Please be the hero you were meant to be and wear deodorant.

A mini first aid kit, essential for when you get hurt because you trying too hard to be the clumsy, quirky main character.

Hand sanitizer. You really think people are clean? For crying out loud these are the same people who don't wear deodorant, you can't trust these dirty people, protect yourself from germs. Has Cells at Work taught you nothing?

Ear Plugs. You might find yourself at a party, or the con might just be too loud for ya, (you wimp train harder) but seriously Loop is a good brand or those cheap squishy ones maybe

Drugs. If you are legally obligated to pop pills bring them with you. I mean why wouldn't you? It's not like you have to hide it. I'm not legally obligated to take drugs so I have sneak my Ibuprofen in every time. All jokes aside if there are any medications you need to take make sure to bring them with you.

Okay Bubbles, if you're going to be the prettiest girl at the party make sure you bring a small cosmetic bag with you this way you can touch up your makeup. You can pretend you're not broke while looking like royalty.

Cash and Card are both good options. Bringing cash makes you look like a big spender. Plus not all vendors have tap. Just don't forget your wallet, you don't want to miss out on the experience of opening and seeing how empty it is and hearing it cry at the end of the con.

Don't be a caveman and forget your charger. How are you going to take photos and share to your 3 followers what you've been doing all weekend if you cant charge your phone/camera?!

A fan. All these weebs in the same place, at the same time? Bring a fan. It doesn't have to be fancy. a folding fan will do too.

Phone, wallet, keys, hotel keys, and badge dont forget

One of those poster cases will probably come in handy if you really like art. So be fancy and get one.

That's all for this list I'm so happy you nerds are touching grass and hanging out with other nerds! Be on the look out for the next post, I'll be going over some tips and things about the con itself.