I am planning on going to RTXAustin (next year 😭) for the first time with a group of friends. Do you have any tips for us on how to navigate the convention/save time and money so we don’t look like complete fools?

gaelfox:

I have some tips from experience that I would like to share, but there are a ton of different tips that people have found worked for them!

1) RTX takes place in three different buildings in Downtown Austin that are relatively close and easy to navigate, and the Guardians are keen to where each and every panel is should you get lost. Each panel has the building, room, and floor it will be located on, and there are usually quite big visual markers to help you on your way. The dealer’s floor is huge but there’s always something interesting to find and booths that can act as visual markers to help you figure out where you are as well, including Center Stage

2) Purchase hotel and plane tickets far in advance. Prices go way up as the days get closer, so it’s best to catch things early. For example, it could be the difference between a $300 round trip plane ticket and a $780 round trip plane ticket. Remember to also clear your cookies browsing traveling sites! Downtown Austin also has a metro/bus system so if you aren’t old enough/don’t want to rent a car if you’re staying a little further out you can use those as well. People commonly stay in the two hotels that RTX actually partly takes place in, so travel usually isn’t too much an issue.

3) Depending on how long you stay i personally find it best to budget around $150 a day (not including your hotel fee) for food, souvenirs, a possible Uber, after party stuff, and emergency amenities. Better to oversave than underbudget.

4) DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND SHOWER. I know that’s not really a travel/money tip but Austin is HOT HOT HOT and there thousands of bodies hovering around. YOU WILL DEHYDRATE. And YOU WILL GET CON STANK if proper hygiene is not observed.

5) Con Crud is definitely a thing, so pack a lil’ packet of Emergen-C to take with all that water you’ll be drinking. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, etc. etc.

6) Always ask to take pictures of cosplayers…or just anyone in general. It’s common courtesy and proper manners, and never touch someone without their permission either.

7) Bring an external battery pack for your phone! It’s a godsend!

8) Talk to people in line, and since lines of popular panels cap exceptionally fast, you’re gonna be waiting for awhile. Why not make friends? Some people even bring games to play with others. ((On that same note, Follow @RTXLines twitter account to see when lines begin to form and how at capacity they are at any given time))

9) Just have fun. RTX is a high-energy event but its the Christmas during Summer we all love and you’re going to have a great time. 🙂