posted on 7-13-2002 at 06:06 PM
Packing for cons - what's on your must-have list?
Having just returned from vacation and attending Toronto Trek, it occured to me that people pack very differently... I know I tend to overpack somewhat, but with almost all considerations in mind of what could come in handy, so it tends to be a good trip as a result because all our little amenities are along with us.
Of course, part of the reason I pack the way I do is because I now have a reliable Saturn wagon; in my early con-going days, I did not always have reliable transportation, or went in a friend's car - which entails packing much lighter.
So, I guess I'll open this discussion of some of my "must-have's" when I travel to conventions:
- Klingon costume bag (contains all my costume pieces, jewelry and accessories, prosthetic headpiece, wig, make-up, and lots of safety pins 'cause you never know!)
- Laptop and tech-toys (being a web designer and all-around "digital dame", I gotta have my G4 Titanium Powerbook, movie DVDs, game CDs, headphones, car charger adapter and USB flylight so I can work in low-light conditions, also my Visor Platinum PDA for jotting down room numbers for room parties and contact info for people I meet)
- Digital camera, cable and rechargeable batteries (sure is less expensive in the long run than conventional 35mm film, so I can get snap-happy taking pictures of all those neat costumes!)
- Deluxe hanging toiletries bag (containing all my own little luxuries while being on the road, from my own brand of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel, to suntan spray as it's less messy, first aid stuff, and a ziploc bag of Huggies baby wipes which are great for taking off Klingon makeup!)
- My new electric scooter. Due to a mobility disability, I've used a cane for about the past 8 years. It was getting harder to manage the long hours of walking and standing when attending a convention. I used to occasionally borrow a wheelchair, but then had to get someone to push me around since I have a small bone cyst on my wrist and trying to wheel myself around would only aggravate the condition -- not a good idea when you make your living at a computer. I had rented scooters before and found them just great, since I was independent, and could even carry a backpack on the back of the seat for any goodies I needed without getting overwhelmed. So I saved up to buy my own, that was small and portable enough for travel, 'cause I do a fair bit of travel related to work as well, but strong enough for day-to-day use. So I now have a new Pride Revo Scooter and it has become a real lifesaver, so that I can actually enjoy myself at a convention without wearing myself out, and without always having to rely on others...
- If I am travelling with my own car and not flying, and will be staying in hotels for more than a day or two, I always like to try to find enough room to bring my favorite pillow (a high-tech NASA-developed Tempurpedic foam one) and one of my twin-size duvets. In case you are not familiar with it, a duvet is like a very light-weight comforter that has it's own removeable/exchangeable pillowcase-like cover. Originally made with down, some are made with allergenic polyester filling, that fold down to fairly small size. There is nothing like your own duvet and pillow to give an otherwise sterile hotel room a bit more comfort and coziness! I usually sleep much better and fall asleep easier because it feels a bit more like home.
Now you know why I choose a Saturn wagon, I need all the room to bring all my "goodies" with me when I travel!
So, what is on your list of "must-haves" when you travel to conventions? What can you absolutely not do without? We'll be looking forward to hearing about your list!!
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