Preparing for BlizzCon: What to pack in your suitcase
by Robin Torres 
Aug 13th 2009 at 7:00PM
If you don't travel often, packing can be rather daunting -- particularly with all of the post-9/11 air travel precautions. Because you'll probably be bringing back more than you take, I recommend checking a bag rather than trying to carry everything on the plane. Yes, the baggage claim area adds extra time, but checking your luggage will allow you to bring a larger bag and you'll avoid having to worry about 3-1-1.
Though I have been humbled (and educated) by reading the exploits of a truly expert packer, I used to travel a lot for business and have several tips for the infrequent traveler heading to BlizzCon.
Clothes
- Bottoms: Bring one or two basic bottoms to re-wear. Despite the heat of August in Southern California, jeans are a good choice. It's cool at night and in the convention center.
- Tops: Geeky tees are the fashion choice this con season. Bring enough for at least 2 a day. You'll have meetups to attend at night and you'll want to have funk-free tops for the evenings.
- Something long-sleeved: Bring an overshirt, windbreaker, light cardigan -- again, it may be a little chilly in the convention center and evenings.
- Mental checklist: Travel checklists are nice, but no one knows your routine. Go through your morning and evening grooming routines in your head and make sure that everything you need to accomplish those tasks are included in your bags.
- Common Sense: Use it. Don't overpack. Make sure you have the things you personally need to be comfy while you are away from home.
- Backpack: We already covered this.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.Filed under: BlizzCon, Analysis / Opinion, Tips, Events, Fan stuff, Guides
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Taedran Aug 13th 2009 7:07PM
It's so close! I Can't wait.
Sleutel Aug 13th 2009 7:11PM
Speaking of travel regulations, anyone who hasn't yet purchased their airline tickets should be sure to read up on the TSA's new Secure Flight program, which is starting its first phase this Saturday: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm
Basically, in an effort to reduce false positives when checking against people on the "do not fly" list, they're going to start requiring people to provide a name (given name, middle initial or name if listed, and surname), gender, and date of birth that all match the ID they plan to use at the airport.
Not all airlines will start collecting this data immediately on August 15, but people should be prepared to provide it if asked for.
Ian R. (Orkchop) Aug 13th 2009 7:21PM
"Also, Anaheim is in the middle of a bustling civilization."
LOL to put it mildly. I'm driving in and my brother fears the traffic we're going to see.
jfofla Aug 13th 2009 7:42PM
It is according to where you are coming from. If you come in from the East or South to Orange County, you will be fine.
If you need to go through downtown LA, that can be intimidating the first time.
t0ddd Aug 14th 2009 2:50AM
As someone who has driven and drives through New York/Boston/Providence traffic (up and down 95), I drove through LA's freeways and loved it.
Mr Angry Aug 13th 2009 7:29PM
Guys, please, if you are going read this.
I went last year and was really surprised by the appalling personal hygiene of the male attendees.
Do yourself and everyone else a favour, please wash regularly and even use deodorant. Remember, you are not poop socking it in front of WoW here, you are out in public, and so it's mandatory that you make more of an effort. If you want to go in the T-Shirt you slept in and some crusty track pants, you might as well just have bought the online access and sit back and watch it in your underwear, laundered clothes are socially acceptable.
Also add to the checklist, be open, it's a convention, so go with the right attitude. Go prepared to speak to people and enjoy yourself. It's not about buying stuff then disappearing back to your hotel to log on to WoW, it's a social event, even if it's a bit of a sausage fest, you might as well have fun.
So smell nice, look good and be open, and you'll have a loads more fun than you could imagine!
Robin Torres Aug 13th 2009 7:36PM
http://www.wow.com/2009/07/10/preparing-for-blizzcon-there-will-be-funk/
tonedeff Aug 13th 2009 7:29PM
You may have covered tops & bottoms, BUT what about the undies?
Mondryn Aug 13th 2009 7:40PM
Robin's going commando?
Mr Angry Aug 13th 2009 7:43PM
hahahahahaha EXACTLY!!!!
BigBadGooz Aug 13th 2009 7:58PM
to let everyone know california is a very hot place next week is going to cook. My personal suggestions being a native.
1. Water or water substitute(we know what you freaky kids drink these days you get me)
2.This happend last blizzcon to one of my buddies but if you must wear a costume make sure its not TO THE CONVENTION. Although i know many of you have elaborate costumes for the contests cops will do a full search on you cause face paint and horns may lead to a cop thinking.....okay this punks on more drugs than whats good for him/her. Just a suggestion but please concider those who arn't like us
3.Comfortable shoes a lady friend thought she come looking her best. Ladies 8+hours of high heels is murder and she ended up leaving to get a comfortable pair missing a good bit of the convention. Another good reason is MUST MAKE STORE LINES FAST proper running speeds and the possible trampling of a child or 2 is unavoidable.
4. Shower
5.DEODERANT
6.DEODERANT
7.DEODERANT
see you all there
Arais Aug 13th 2009 9:11PM
Hi, I'm going to be in Anaheim that weekend but was never able to get a blizzcon ticket... is there any point in stopping by the convention center, any interesting events outside the heavily guarded reinforced blizzcon gates? I was planning on stopping by but wanted to know if it was worth it.
sprout_daddy Aug 13th 2009 10:15PM
Future installments in this series:
Preparing for BlizzCon: How to go to the bathroom
Preparing for BlizzCon: How to drink water
Preparing for BlizzCon: Air - is it worth breathing?
I look forward to future obvious installments.
Sleutel Aug 14th 2009 12:08AM
Preparing for BlizzCon: Blood Circulation and You
BigBadGooz Aug 14th 2009 11:45AM
Prepareing for Blizzcon: blinking your eyes, moisture important?
laniteshima Aug 14th 2009 2:58PM
Robin -- I've enjoyed your "Prepare for Blizzcon" series, but I would like to take exception to the following assumption:
"Because you'll probably be bringing back more than you take, I recommend checking a bag rather than trying to carry everything on the plane. Yes, the baggage claim area adds extra time, but checking your luggage will allow you to bring a larger bag and you'll avoid having to worry about 3-1-1."
I maintain a Web site (the Travelite FAQ at travelite.org), which teaches people how to travel lightly. There are many other pack-lightly evangelists (Rick Steves from PBS's "Europe Through the Back Door," Doug Dyment's OneBag.com, among others), and I think actively encouraging people to check their luggage is a bit of a disservice. Unless people plan on bringing large costumes or props, this is basically a weekend convention; there is NO reason why a person couldn't easily pack a weekend bag that they can take on the plane as a carry-on.
The TSA's 3-1-1 policy is very easy to follow when all you are doing is spending a weekend (or for some, perhaps a week at most).
In today's air travel climate, checking in luggage is dooming a traveler to paying extra--extra luggage fees, tips for porters and cab drivers, and most of all, time. You must go to the airport earlier to ensure that you have time to check in your luggage. You cannot simply take your e-boarding pass and walk right to the gate. Retrieving luggage at the carousel can take upwards of an extra 30 minutes. Checked luggage means people who might otherwise be able to catch a quick commuter train or bus ride may instead need someone to give them a lift to the airport.
Experienced travelers usually know to pack lightly, but it's an easy concept to practice, and it's something every person can try to implement with their very first flight.
Thanks.