Various Advice Sought.

[Mytical]

Ok, I am looking for some general advice about a few things. Getting kind of nervous, because soon I am going to be experiencing a LOT of firsts (despite being 36 years old).

I am looking for advice on a decent Camera (prefer digital, and *crosses fingers* under $100), not sure the combo is possible.

Looking for general travel tips, especially packing..as packing space will very limited.

My social skills are a bit..*thinks of the word* limited. So any advice for a crazily shy person, who is a bit naive, and always looks for the good in people ... would be good. I am going to a convention, lots of people..at least there are a lot of people I 'sorta' know going.

It's weird, I can handle huge crowds of angry/upset people without blinking an eye, but when it comes to conversation or interpersonal discussions (not over the internet) I freeze up. Years of hearing how utterly terrible I am from my dad I guess. Though I do make a terrific listener

Hmm, any other advice would be great. I know I am forgetting something. Oh yeah..how to dress for Atlanta Georgia during September..that might help. I've gotten some advice from other forums, but need all the help I can get, cause the closer it gets the more I will panic.

Me + Crowds where I am NOT on the job = Not good for my nerves. At all.

[MaggieTheCat]

Looking for general travel tips, especially packing..as packing space will very limited.

Gonna need more info for this one...how are you traveling? Where are you going? (Okay, I see now, probably Dragon Con?) How long will you be gone? What are some things you need to bring with you? (Cosplaying?)

Regarding conventions, what kind of convention is it? (I'm going to guess Dragon Con since you said Atlanta in September...) Generally people at cons (in my experience at anime cons but I think this is true of pretty much any con) are going to get along well since they obviously all have some sort of similar interest: whatever the theme of the con is. I don't want to get into too many of my experiences unless it actually is an anime con, since I've never been to any kind of con and not sure how similar they would be. But, here is some advice in general...

Stick close to your friends, at least at first till you get more comfortable. Bring lots of water with you. You do not want to get dehydrated. I like to bring food with me as well when I go to cons. If you can't bring food with you, then at least know where the nearest food court is so you can grab food fast. Always keep an eye on your stuff. Don't put a bag down and then take a few steps away from it. Bring a bag or backpack with you to put merchandise in, if you plan on shopping at all, otherwise you may end up with a bunch of small plastic bags that you have to keep track of. Always keep your cell phone with you and charged and have the number of a few of your friends handy in case you need to meet back up with them. Don't be shy to report something to security if you think something is getting out of hand or could be a fire hazard. Security is there to help you, so even if it turns out not to be a problem, better safe than sorry. And if you ARE going to Dragon Con, look for a security guy named Miles...he is hard to miss 'cuz he is built like a brick house, but he's quite friendly (to people who aren't getting into trouble.) He's a friend of mine and my husband's.

That's all for now. I'm sure I'll think of more stuff later.

[KiaKat]

(NOTE: The following is from someone who knows Mytical from Devil's Panties, and has access to more info than he's shared here. People who are not on CS are referenced.)

And don't forget, you'll be in contact with around 30-40 people who know you, know your issues, and are able to be on the lookout for you.

When the schedule comes out, sit down and pinpoint the panels you want to see. Grade them (MUST SEE, Really Want To See, would like to see, can miss with no problem). Factor in waiting time. Then figure out who else from the group will be going to them, and arrange a meetup time/place. Once you have that schedule figured out, then allow time for the dealer rooms, the art rooms, the wandering around, and the random enjoyment of the environment.

Coordinate all of the above with the rest of us. This is why there's the phone number thread in the other forum, and why I'm making a concerted effort to make sure there's a group mindset. We have a LOT of newbies this year (we did last year, but at least most of them weren't total con newbies), and I don't want anyone to go missing or get upset. Between you, Raven, Tipouf, and Sarah, there's going to be a bit of chaos going on

That's the other thing - you have Sarah. Presumably she knows more than a bit about your issues, and knows what to look out for. On the first day, maybe you should make sure the two of you are sticking close, just in case.

Things to Pack: In addition to the usual toiletries, summer clothes (and Atlanta? It gets HOT. Think 90*F with 90% humidity), and any costume pieces, make sure you have something to entertain yourself with. Cards, books, Kindle, iPod, RPG supplies, whatever. Have a smallish bag with a lot of zippered pockets that can fit across your body (like a messenger bag, but smaller). Pack ID, money, and entertainment in there. Leave an emergency credit card in the room, locked in the safe (if there is one) or well-hidden in your luggage. Yes, I know you're sharing with a bunch of military guys, but you never know who they might bring back. Don't leave any valuables sitting around.

So we have clothing & entertainment covered, as well as money.

RE: Camera

Talk to Tipouf. PM me if you need her email address.

Mainly, just remember that most people at D*C either have social issues, or know people with social issues. If you go into a conversation with the fear that you're going to screw up, you won't enjoy yourself, and will end up reinforcing the negative. Instead, go into it with the attitude that you're going to learn some very interesting things, and have a great experience.

The whole point of D*C is to have fun. If you're not having fun, re-evaluate what you're doing and why it isn't fun, and go do something else. Whether it's a panel, get-together, or just walking around. You are capable of changing what you're doing, going with the crowd isn't a requirement.

[Rapscallion]

Things to Pack: In addition to the usual toiletries, summer clothes (and Atlanta? It gets HOT. Think 90*F with 90% humidity),

I was there in Feb 2006. Everyone else was wrapped up. For me, it was T-shirt weather.

Rapscallion

[jedimaster91]

September can be hit or miss as far as the heat is concerned. I'd pack a jacket just in case. Keep an eye on the weather forcast, too.

[Whiskey]

I am looking for advice on a decent Camera (prefer digital, and *crosses fingers* under $100), not sure the combo is possible.

I'll get back to you on this one. I have a friend who does (semi-professional) photography and has sold cameras (on commission) for years.

Looking for general travel tips, especially packing..as packing space will very limited.

Dont forget clean underpants!

My social skills are a bit..*thinks of the word* limited. So any advice for a crazily shy person, who is a bit naive, and always looks for the good in people ... would be good. I am going to a convention, lots of people..at least there are a lot of people I 'sorta' know going.

Be someone else. These people "sort of" know you. Just create a new persona and be that. Or toss back 2-3 beers before going out. Or pretend you ARE on the job. You think people care/notice 100000x more than they do. People are just as preoccupied with themselves and what other think.

Fake it till you make it.

[bookworm]

I have a great little Casio that only cost about $125.00. It's a 10.1 megapixel, does videos, and I've had really good luck with it. I left it at home today, but I'll let you know what model it is later.

[Treasure]

Dragon Con is Labor Day weekend - the 1st weekend of September so its still going to be in the "dog days" of summer - GA is in the south - HOT, GA is on the east coast - Humid. That is all i can tell you for now.... but keep talking to the other folks on DP board - they sound like they've done this a time or 2 before.... oh yeah
check EBAY for a camera - its where my mom got her's.

[Bardmaiden]

Yeah, I've been for the last six years and will be going again this year. Being a brit the heat is amazing, lowest temp I've seen was about 27 and the highest was 42. Going to have my B/f this year, the tall -H- (6'7") and little old me.

[KiaKat]

Sadly, my favourite Tall Couple (DragonCon Goddess & Kilt-Wearing Husband) will not be making it this year.

Most of us geekgirls seem to be little tiny girls with big tall hubbies. It amuses me.

[Rapscallion]

DCG is not, from the pictures I've seen, a tiny girl. Striking is a good word. One of these years I'll make it across the pond to meet up with y'all.

Rapscallion

[BookstoreEscapee]

My parents got me a Canon Powershot ... I haven't used it much but I got some good shots at my friend's brother's wedding. I don't know what it cost (and they got it in St. Thomas while on a cruise, so they certainly paid less than it would sell for here). It's a good size if you're looking for something easy to carry ... it would fit easily in a jacket pocket or purse/backpack.

I'll bet if you google tips for packing light, you'll find plenty of helpful hints.

Can't really help you with the rest. Let's just say I might keep an eye on this thread for myself.

[KiaKat]

DCG is not, from the pictures I've seen, a tiny girl. Striking is a good word. One of these years I'll make it across the pond to meet up with y'all.

Rapscallion

You're absolutely right.

That was actually supposed to be two distinct statements. I'm in the middle of filing a year's worth of invoices (don't ask. Really.) so I'm not being as cautious with my words as I should.

[Mytical]

I will have one suitcase, be gone for four - five days, no cosplay (because I am not sure what I would look good in..no fashion sense), and yes it will be for Dragon Con. For me this is going to be something similar to aversion therapy. I've been trying to break out of my shell lately. Thanks for all the tips..mostly just minor panic on my part. Will also have a cooler (9 qts 8L), with Ice and bottled water. One thing I will have to fix is the fact that all my coats are black with the word "Security" on them..not a good thing hehe.

[Seshat]

Take one good multipurpose coat or jacket. Carry or wear it on the plane.

Pack one more set of clothes than you have days, in case something gets dirty. However, khakis or other casual pants can usually be worn for two days in a row unless they're spilled on, as long as you wear undies. And undies take up little packing space.

Take two pairs of shoes. It's a con, so make sure they're walking shoes.

Every outfit can be casual, at a con. Maybe take the accessories to turn one casual outfit into 'smart casual', so if a group of you go to a restaurant you don't feel underdressed. But you'll probably head to a restaurant with someone dressed as Sailor Moon and someone else dressed as Luke Skywalker, so it really won't matter much.

Note that you're going to Georgia, so anything that you need and didn't pack, you CAN buy. That said, you don't want to buy everything. Take basic toiletries for the trip, jewelry if any (costume, don't take anything valuable). Use travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, etc. Don't bother taking soap, the hotel will provide that.
Don't bother forcing your luggage to fit anything both bulky and disposable. Make plans to buy it there. If you DO end up with the space, pack it - once you arrive at the con hotel, you probably won't want to leave.

Take your medications, AND take your doctor's and optometrists' name and contact details. If your medications are lost, or your glasses break, having the contact details will be important.

If you have space left in your luggage, good. You'll use it to carry home stuff you bought. Pack some food - hotel food is expensive. Contact the hotel and find out if there's kettles or microwaves in the rooms: heat and eats, or ramen cups are often con food staples.

If there isn't space left in your luggage, figure out which bulky items you can replace with less bulky items. Khakis take less space than jeans. Polar fleece usually squooshes better than knitted wool sweaters. Slip-on shoes usually take less space than sneakers.
Remember your first day clothes you'll be wearing when you get on the plane. If you've packed for that day as well, you can take one outfit out.
Plan to wear the bulkiest of your stuff - wear the sneakers, pack the slip-ons.
If all else fails, take out your extra-day 'in case of spills' outfit. Plan to wash the first day's clothes in the hotel bathroom instead, and wear them on the last day (they should dry fine hanging in the bathroom - as long as they're not denim).