Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

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Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

I am creating a list for my friends that I am going to send to them, and I figured I would post it here, since the list is of high amounts of objects, as well as tips, i figured it would be a good idea to post here, since we are fellow con-goers, we need to watch out for each other, right? Hopefully something in this list will make you go "Oh yeah!", and prevent you from missing something. If you have anything to add, feel free!

Now, not saying take everything. Some things are just needed more by some, and less by others. Few things are 100% essential, but whatever else is essential all depends on the who obviously. Don't forget anything!

Things to Bring:

Keepables:

- Photo ID (Obviously to pick up registration and also, 18+ events won't let you in without one)
- Wallet/Purse
- A bag for merchandise (Such as the Anime Boston fabric bags, since bags are no longer given at the door)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Comb/Brush
- Boardgames (Such as Pictionary, Card games, or the like)
- Camera and charger
- Camera Gear (Such as tripods, cases, accessories for the camera...etc) GhostLeeOne
- Cosplays and accessories (Such as earrings, wig cap, rings, weapons and props)
- Shaving razor
- Shaving cream
- Epilator
- Pens/Pencils
- Paper
- Makeup and Carry Case
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- AAA Discount Card
- Safety Pins
- Thread and Needles
- Portable Utility Battery/Power Bank
- Glue Gun (Plus sticks, incase something breaks)
- Bags (Toss away bags, but something to keep all your objects separated)
- Deodorant/Cologne/Perfume
- Phone and Charger
- Rubber Bands
- Hair ties/clips
- Portable game devices
- Laptops/Tablets and Chargers
- Change of clothes (Nighttime wear, daytime wear, socks, jackets...etc)
- Movies and/or DVDs
- Books and/or Manga
- Umbrella (This is New England we are talking about here folks)
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Glasses/Sunglasses
- Contact lenses
- Contact lens solution
- Power Strip ~Nyuu
- Mini cooler
- Batteries (AA, AAA, Cellphone batteries and backups..etc) GhostLeeOne

Toss Aways: (Things you might leave behind and not have to burden bringing back)

- Cash (Obviously not TOSS aways, but you won't be returning home with some of it)
- Hotel Paperwork
- Registration Papers
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Makeup Cloths and Removers
- Coupons (IE: Restaurants)
- Toothpicks
- Gift Cards (Subway, American Express, Uno, etc)
- Plastic Utensils
- Hand Sanitizer

Food:

- Portable Meals (Such as cereal or whatever, to prevent always eating out)
- Candy (Something sweet to suck on)
- Snacks (Junk or healthy, such as fruits, veggies, oreos, or cheezit)
- Gum (Something for longevity, or maybe dental-friendly gum)
- Bottles of Water (And maybe some powder flavorings)

Medication/Health:

- Tablets and Liquids, such as essentials, perhaps vitamins, inhalers, or the like.
- Bandaids
- Coughdrops
- Aspirin
- Bach Rescue Pastilles (Chewables found at Whole Foods for panic attacks. If you tend to have them in big gatherings, look into them!) ~TheCrystalBlueBird

Tickets:

- Subway Tickets
- Commuter Rail Tickets
- Amtrak Tickets
- Plane Tickets
- Ball Tickets

Onsite grabs:

- Masquerade tickets
- PRUFerred Discount Card (If you are a big food court eater, or on site eater in general, this is a must)

Apps:

- OpenMBTA (A phone app to help with the train routes, in case you don't want to carry around a schedule) ~Fetch
- Anime Boston Guidebook (An app with a schedule, as well as recent updates to it. Great to have if you don't want to carry around the schedule) ~Elli21486
- Waze (An App for roads and traffic information coming into Boston. CComing into Boston by road can be troublesome by i-93/i-90, so know what to expect on your way in!) ~Elli21486
- RetailMeNot (An app great for coupons. Almost any name-brand store could have a coupon or ten of them. Whenever you go out ot eat or shop, make sure you have RetailMeNot!)

Also advised:

- Grab a subway schedule from the subway stops to have on hand. There may be a time you want to check out Quincy Market, Fenway Park, Porter Square, or such, and it's best to know how to get where. A subway brochure is a nice tool to always have with you in Boston.
- Grab a few take-out menus from places nearby that you might be willing to eat at over the weekend. If you and your friends plan to eat out, having menus on hand of what's available where, would make it much easier than doing it later, or sitting down wondering who has what food.
- Check out your fliers if you live in the area, or retailmenot.com to find coupons for places in the area.
- Grab the PruFerred Card to save at practically any place in the area. You will save from 10% on food court places, to getting free drinks or food with the purchase of something else. This card is also great for kiosks and other non-food stores.
- Pick up a Charlie Card if you plan to use the subway. With each trip on the subway you take, you can save a good 50 cents. If you are planning to use the subway a lot all weekend, especially if your hotel isn't local, it would be good to have handy. ~Fetch
- Think comfortably! If you plan to be out all day, heels will probably take a toll on you. If you have to wear heels, try some comfortable inserts or such. ~winterwing3000
- If you worry about getting sick over the weekend, bring some Vitamin C drops, such as the Halls brand, for extra immunity defense. ~Flemtee
- Star Market at the Prudential Center is open 24 hours. It's great to take note of this for any health and beauty needs, or just a little post-con alcoholic relaxer. ~aznman08
- If you have a Subway in your area, go and pick up a free Rewards Card. Once you sign it up online, you are given 50 free points, which can be put towards 5 cookies, two fountain drinks, a breakfast sandwich, or even a 6 inch sub without costing you any money!


Outside of myself, if you have anything to contribute, I will credit you for additionals here:

Credits: Fetch, winterwing3000, Flemtee, Nyuu, Elli21486, TheCrystalBlueBird, aznman08, GhostLeeOne
Last edited by Sayoria on Tue Feb 16, 2016 8:16 pm, edited 14 times in total.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Fetch »

For the T, get the OpenMBTA app for your phone. Also GoogleMaps does a decent job with the T routes.
Also, get a Charlie Card. You can get one at Back Bay Station.
More info on and where to get Charlie Card: http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/?id=5592
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Good call on the Charlie Card. I forgot about that. I have one, and over my time using it, I have accumulated an extra 10-15 dollars saved in those 50 cent trip discounts. :)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by winterwing3000 »

Comfortable shoes are also highly recommended! I remember attending con for the first time as an attendee and wore heels. Bad, bad idea.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Added! More recommendations always welcome. We ARE at the final stretch of the time we have to prepare!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Mamacass »

For me:
Almost everything on the above list(s)
AND:
Phone and phone charger
umbrella (just in case)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Flemtee »

For the Medication and Health section (Because I wouldn't really consider it food), I always carry around the Halls Vitamin C drops for the extra boost of immunity to prevent getting sick. They also help give some natural energy if you're unable to grab your morning OJ and throughout the day. As the package says "Delicious Daily Defense!!!!!" :D Just a suggestion.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Mamacass wrote:For me:
Almost everything on the above list(s)
AND:
Phone and phone charger
umbrella (just in case)

Already in the list. :)

Flemtee wrote:For the Medication and Health section (Because I wouldn't really consider it food), I always carry around the Halls Vitamin C drops for the extra boost of immunity to prevent getting sick. They also help give some natural energy if you're unable to grab your morning OJ and throughout the day. As the package says "Delicious Daily Defense!!!!!" :D Just a suggestion.

Okay, will add your suggestion to the list. It IS a good idea, especially for those who tend to be vulnerable to sickness. (Such as me. When someone in the house gets sick, it's all a matter of time for me. >_>)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Nyuu »

One thing I've always found useful to bring, especially if you have a good number of people in your room, is a power strip. With so many cell phones, laptops and other electronics needing to be plugged in, outlets run out quickly!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Nyuu wrote:One thing I've always found useful to bring, especially if you have a good number of people in your room, is a power strip. With so many cell phones, laptops and other electronics needing to be plugged in, outlets run out quickly!
That's actually a very, very interesting and clever idea.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Mamacass »

I actually posted that Before I read the whole list, sorry. :oops:
And the power strip really is a good idea!!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Kanechan »

For anyone coming into town via the T from north of Boston, be aware that Government Center Station will be shutting down for renovations beginning on Saturday the 22nd. That means you'll have to detour a bit using one of the routes they suggest on this page: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/default.asp?id=26899
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

That's good to know, but nothing physical you can have on person, so nothing I can really add to a preparation checklist. Here's hoping it doesn't get anyone any kind of trouble though.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Aurabolt »

The list makes me think of the mantra of a survival specialist planning for the Zombie Apocalypse: Pounds add Weight and Weight adds Pain.

Only bring what's either necessary or what you will use during the weekend.

If like me, you're going to be participating in the Swap Meet Friday and/or Saturday you should plan for the possability you will be returning home with alot of goods. For the last five years I ended up carrying back most of what I brought to swap plus the new stuff I acquired. I think it would be good to have a game plan for that possability.

The list of stuff I'm bringing this year won't take up alot of space but I'm prepared to carry back everything if it comes to that.
Last edited by Aurabolt on Wed Feb 17, 2016 5:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Haha, like I said, I'm not saying to take EVERYTHING, but having a list of essential and not-so-essential stuff might get people saying "Ohh, you know what? I should get one of those" or "Ohh, I remember having this problem last year. Thankfully I am now remembering before I take off and forget again!" That's actually why I made the list and wrote down "Keepable" and "Toss Aways", because I am keeping in mind that they are things you could be bringing and leaving, so the return burden is less, although there's not much burden to any of those products.

Anywho, yeah, space is great. Definitely need to bring that, or the lack there-of. :p
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

You added Laptop and Tablets and Game Devices but one seem to have forgotten the chargers for them. Also, OpenMBTA does have the schedules for the bus, subway, and trains built into the app. As for apps, I would like to add Guidebook since Anime Boston's schedule will be on there, as well as any updates that may occur during the con.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Ah, forgot to slip the charger part in. Done. As for the app, thanks. I forgot about it, since I don't deal with a smartphone. Added. :)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Aurabolt »

It's a fair assumption folks will bring their chargers and adapters with them.

Speaking of chargers:

If by chance you find yourself in need of a new sync cable for your iOS device, the Apple Store across from the PRU on Bolyston St. sells sync cables for all devices for $20 each. They also sell the VGA Adapters iOS computers will need to connect to projectors as well for the same price.

Another handy piece of advice for those bringing their laptops, handheld games, tablet PCs and smartphones is most makes and models come with USB Sync Cables, which can be plugged into your laptop or console game system's USB ports. It won't charge as fast but it will drastically reduce the number of Outlets you'll need to find.

I have an iPod Touch, an Android phone, a JVC Micro Bluetooth Speaker, a JBL Charge Speaker, a Power Bank, a iPad, a GBA, a DS Lite, a DSi, 2 3DS Consoles, a PSP and two Vitas. And I'm bringing ALL of them with me to Anime Boston as I did last year. My laptop has 3 USB ports of which I can use to charge some of my devices simultaneously. I'm going to be running some panels so if I really need to wall charge one of my devices I'll have 'em charging then =D
Last edited by Aurabolt on Wed Feb 17, 2016 5:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Yeah. A portable battery like I posted up there is a great thing for charging. The one I have can plug three USB devices into it, and it's a carry along battery. I had to use a friend's when my camera died one year, and I knew I just had to buy one. Got one for 30 a few months ago. It's great!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

It should also be mentioned that starting March 22, Government Center (Subway Station connecting the Blue and Green Line) will be closed. Alternative routes for Blue Line Commuters will be to get off at State (Orange Line) and head to either Downtown Crossing (Green/Orange/Red Lines) to connect to the Green Line or continue to Back Bay on the Orange Line and walk from there.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Yeah. Kanechan already posted about it, but like I said, since this is more of a "take this/get this" kind of topic, that's more of an alert suited moreso for it's own thread. x:
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Master of NERV »

There's one indispensable item I bring every year--a second travel bag, folded flat at the bottom of my first travel bag.
Here's the drill...

(1) Arrive with one bag.
(2) Go nuts in the dealers room.
(3) Come home with two bags--dirty clothes and fresh swag.

In addition, I always bring one days' full change of clothing more than I need. I've had my share of accidents in the food court and elsewhere...
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

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Yeah, I have "a bag for merchandise" further up there. :) .... Definitely a must. I should be more on with my clothes myself actually. I bring cosplay usually just seeing it as a by-pass to avoid bringing other clothes, since I will be in my cosplay all day. I should bring more to be on the safe side. TO H&M!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

Now that AB is over (sadly), I think this thread would be a very good resource for those who want to attend AB next year. Maybe we as a community can create a thorough guide that will help all.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

I was hoping to bump it next year, definitely. If people think of other things as the year rolls on, let me know, and I will add it, as long as I can keep editing the main post. There can't be too much more I haven't covered. I went this year, and didn't forget a thing, since I resourced this. :)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

I would suggest possibly changing some of the categories. Probably something like: Keepables, Hygiene, Cosplayers Needs, Toss Aways, Food, Medication/Health, Tickets, Onsite Grabs, Apps, and Also Advised. We can probably come up with some more categories. That way, the list can be more defined.

As for adding, I would suggest a portable sewing kit and prescription medication since I didn't see that on the list.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by DocWatson »

For more suggestions and links, see my LJ post "Fan convention survival".
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

For Apps, may I suggest Waze for travellers who are coming into or driving in Boston.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

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Elli21486 wrote:For Apps, may I suggest Waze for travellers who are coming into or driving in Boston.
The Waze Wikipedia article. (Not an endorsement—just FYI.)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by TheCrystalBluebird »

I just thought I'd point this out for people who can get panic attacks easily- there are these chews you can get at most Whole Foods, the Bach Rescue Pastilles. They're a staple for my group, and they're just generally pretty useful to have on hand.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Aurabolt »

The advent of Power Banks last year (2014) allows you to quickly charge your mobile device, tablet and etc. without using a computer. My JBL Charge Bluetooth Speaker has one built in but I have a separate Power Bank set aside specifically for charging my cellphone.

Just putting it out there.

Last year during the con, I spent an hour on Saturday afternoon sitting in a corner charging all of my stuff. Of course, I'm sure at least 1,000 people did as well throughout the weekend. Thanks to my new speaker and power bank, I shouldn't need to do that this year ^_^
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by DocWatson »

Another resource:

Arisia Survival Guide and Packing List—a collaborative manual for/from the Boston SF con
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Outside of the lists, updated!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by aznman08 »

Couple of things to update:

Restaurant week is currently going on until next week, therefore it will not happen during AB 2015 (might want to edit this since it fell during last year's AB).

Also the Star Market at the Prudential is 24 hours. Its a convenient supermarket, also selling health and beauty aid products as well as alcohol for the 21+ crowd. Important to note for any items needed at random times.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

^ Forgot about the the Restaurant Week thing up there. Thank you for that.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Added a new thing. Short notice, but for those who have money troubles, definitely do this. Under the last section, I posted about getting a Subway Rewards card. It sets you up with a free 50 points immediately. It's free to sign up with. You can use it to buy:

Rewards Redemption - USA
10 points
1 Cookie
15 points
1 Bag of Chips
20 points
Fountain Drink (21oz)
30 points
Bottled Beverage (8oz, 15.2oz, 20oz)
30 points
Coffee (12oz, 16oz)
35 points
6" Breakfast Sandwich (any carrier)
50 points
6" Sandwich (any carrier) or Flatizza™ (All varieties except those listed below)


.... There's a Subway at the corner of Mass ave and Huntington, as well as a few other places nearby, I am sure. You may not use it, but it's great for a backup plan!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Aurabolt »

I love the Checklist ^_^

That said, I want to remind folks to please don't overpack, especially if you will be commuting back and forth like I am and/or don't plan on using Bag Check. As the survivalists tend to say, weight adds pounds and pounds equal pain. Only bring what you can safely carry without hurting yourself.

On average my backpack weighs close to 80 lbs. During con Weekend I bring my Gym Bag as well as my backpack for my panels and Swap Meet. On average I carry a bit over half my bodyweight across the city to and from the con (though this year I'm taking steps to avoid that XD). Of course, I have a ridiculously strong back so it's not a problem for me (WOOT!).

Anyways, only bring what you need.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Aurabolt wrote:I love the Checklist ^_^

That said, I want to remind folks to please don't overpack, especially if you will be commuting back and forth like I am and/or don't plan on using Bag Check. As the survivalists tend to say, weight adds pounds and pounds equal pain. Only bring what you can safely carry without hurting yourself.

On average my backpack weighs close to 80 lbs. During con Weekend I bring my Gym Bag as well as my backpack for my panels and Swap Meet. On average I carry a bit over half my bodyweight across the city to and from the con (though this year I'm taking steps to avoid that XD). Of course, I have a ridiculously strong back so it's not a problem for me (WOOT!).

Anyways, only bring what you need.

Pfft, a true con-goer can bring ALL of that!

Seriously though, yeah, I love the list myself. I'll try to bump it every year, and hopefully add more and more each year as ideas and recommendations come. Just thought off another one in speaking.... A mini-cooler for drinks or whatever. A co-worker of mine says he only brings a fold-up box, and black trashbag, and that's it. He would put the box up, line it with the black bag, and use the ice machine in the hallway to make a custom cooler. After, he would use the black bag for trash or dirty clothes. It's an interesting idea. I just worry about leakage, hotel rules with something like that, and if the ice would make any kind of (albeit minor) room warmth reduction, given the amount of ice used. (Which I doubt it would obviously, but people go overboard. >_>)
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Xias »

Yukito Kunisaki wrote:
Aurabolt wrote:I love the Checklist ^_^

That said, I want to remind folks to please don't overpack, especially if you will be commuting back and forth like I am and/or don't plan on using Bag Check. As the survivalists tend to say, weight adds pounds and pounds equal pain. Only bring what you can safely carry without hurting yourself.

On average my backpack weighs close to 80 lbs. During con Weekend I bring my Gym Bag as well as my backpack for my panels and Swap Meet. On average I carry a bit over half my bodyweight across the city to and from the con (though this year I'm taking steps to avoid that XD). Of course, I have a ridiculously strong back so it's not a problem for me (WOOT!).

Anyways, only bring what you need.

Pfft, a true con-goer can bring ALL of that!

Seriously though, yeah, I love the list myself. I'll try to bump it every year, and hopefully add more and more each year as ideas and recommendations come. Just thought off another one in speaking.... A mini-cooler for drinks or whatever. A co-worker of mine says he only brings a fold-up box, and black trashbag, and that's it. He would put the box up, line it with the black bag, and use the ice machine in the hallway to make a custom cooler. After, he would use the black bag for trash or dirty clothes. It's an interesting idea. I just worry about leakage, hotel rules with something like that, and if the ice would make any kind of (albeit minor) room warmth reduction, given the amount of ice used. (Which I doubt it would obviously, but people go overboard. >_>)
My group brings an actual cooler- like, a huge one- to every con we go to, and have for years. We've yet to be told it was a problem, even at this year's Katsucon where they were specifically stopping everyone coming in to check and see if they were bringing in alcohol. They opened our cooler to check it for booze but once they found none, it was totally fine. So if actual coolers are fine, I fail to see how makeshift ones would be a problem with the hotels.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Xias wrote:
Yukito Kunisaki wrote:
Aurabolt wrote:I love the Checklist ^_^

That said, I want to remind folks to please don't overpack, especially if you will be commuting back and forth like I am and/or don't plan on using Bag Check. As the survivalists tend to say, weight adds pounds and pounds equal pain. Only bring what you can safely carry without hurting yourself.

On average my backpack weighs close to 80 lbs. During con Weekend I bring my Gym Bag as well as my backpack for my panels and Swap Meet. On average I carry a bit over half my bodyweight across the city to and from the con (though this year I'm taking steps to avoid that XD). Of course, I have a ridiculously strong back so it's not a problem for me (WOOT!).

Anyways, only bring what you need.

Pfft, a true con-goer can bring ALL of that!

Seriously though, yeah, I love the list myself. I'll try to bump it every year, and hopefully add more and more each year as ideas and recommendations come. Just thought off another one in speaking.... A mini-cooler for drinks or whatever. A co-worker of mine says he only brings a fold-up box, and black trashbag, and that's it. He would put the box up, line it with the black bag, and use the ice machine in the hallway to make a custom cooler. After, he would use the black bag for trash or dirty clothes. It's an interesting idea. I just worry about leakage, hotel rules with something like that, and if the ice would make any kind of (albeit minor) room warmth reduction, given the amount of ice used. (Which I doubt it would obviously, but people go overboard. >_>)
My group brings an actual cooler- like, a huge one- to every con we go to, and have for years. We've yet to be told it was a problem, even at this year's Katsucon where they were specifically stopping everyone coming in to check and see if they were bringing in alcohol. They opened our cooler to check it for booze but once they found none, it was totally fine. So if actual coolers are fine, I fail to see how makeshift ones would be a problem with the hotels.

Oh, I know a regular cooler would be fine. I was meaning how my co-worker would make a custom one.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

I think it may be time to update this just a tad. What do you guys think?
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Arriasan »

Elli21486 wrote:I think it may be time to update this just a tad. What do you guys think?
I think so, too. A small clean it up may help. I'm willing to help out if needed!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by GhostLeeOne »

Oi, the list could benefit from cell phone batteries, camera gear, and more battiers! :D
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Sayoria »

Sure, throw me some additions!
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Aurabolt »

Still waiting for someone to invite a way to miniaturize stuff to pocket size ala Capsule Co. from the Dragonball series XD

Let's see...Oh, right:

For those who will be commuting to/from a hotel that's not in the same area as the Con, get a Charlie Card and put $15 on it. That should cover your traveling expenses for the whole weekend and if you're not from the Boston Area, they can be used again next year since they don't expire.

Packing comfortable shoes and socks is important weather you cosplay or not. You might surprise yourself with how much walking or standing you do throughout each day. I'm bringing an extra pair of socks Friday and Sunday to change into while there. I'll only be there Saturday night for a few hours so that'll be fine XD

Fellow members of the 6'0"+ Club, bring a pillow if you think you'll be sitting on the floor for more than 15 straight minutes: It will help your legs relax a bit so you don't lose blood flow to the legs. Trying to stand up after your legs fall asleep can be dangerous: I found out the hard way 3 years ago while I was at work.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

Aurabolt wrote: For those who will be commuting to/from a hotel that's not in the same area as the Con, get a Charlie Card and put $15 on it. That should cover your traveling expenses for the whole weekend and if you're not from the Boston Area, they can be used again next year since they don't expire.
That's actually a false statement. The Charlie Cards do expire but it is usually in years, ie. every 5 years. You can check when your card expires at any kiosk at any station.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by nenie »

Think you could add a shower cap to that list please? Some of us don't wet and wash our hair daily.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Fetch »

Elli21486 wrote:
Aurabolt wrote: For those who will be commuting to/from a hotel that's not in the same area as the Con, get a Charlie Card and put $15 on it. That should cover your traveling expenses for the whole weekend and if you're not from the Boston Area, they can be used again next year since they don't expire.
That's actually a false statement. The Charlie Cards do expire but it is usually in years, ie. every 5 years. You can check when your card expires at any kiosk at any station.
http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/ch ... p?id=22672

I can't find it anywhere on the MBTA site, but I was told that the money you put on the card is good for 18 months. As I've never gone more than a few months before putting more onto mine, I cannot confirm or deny it.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Elli21486 »

Fetch wrote:
Elli21486 wrote:
Aurabolt wrote: For those who will be commuting to/from a hotel that's not in the same area as the Con, get a Charlie Card and put $15 on it. That should cover your traveling expenses for the whole weekend and if you're not from the Boston Area, they can be used again next year since they don't expire.
That's actually a false statement. The Charlie Cards do expire but it is usually in years, ie. every 5 years. You can check when your card expires at any kiosk at any station.
http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/ch ... p?id=22672

I can't find it anywhere on the MBTA site, but I was told that the money you put on the card is good for 18 months. As I've never gone more than a few months before putting more onto mine, I cannot confirm or deny it.
Reads first line of the website link...
"Does A CharlieCard Expire? Yes..."

In reality though, there isn't really any other way to check for the expiration than at a subway station.

On a side note though, if a CharlieCard ever fails, you can go to the CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing to transfer to a new card.
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Re: Preparation checklist: Things to bring with you!

Post by Kanechan »

Sometimes the CharlieCard will have an expiration date in the lower right-hand corner on the front. There's one on my card which says "Exp. 12/22", so I know I have at least that much time to get a replacement.

CharlieCards generally don't expire for 5 to 10 years after you get one, after which time they must be returned for replacement. Can't vouch for how long the fares stay on before you need to use them up, but they can be transferred from an older card to a newer one when the time comes.
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