Augh. You think that's scary? This year will be my first time going to any con, let alone bot con. And to get there I have to fly from Abbotsford to the Los Angeles International Airport, find a way to the shuttle from the airport to where I'm supposed to meet Nova and Andrani, who I've never met IRL before, and hope to god things go smoothly.

I'm scared out of my mind about it. A billion and two things have the potential to go wrong. XP

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, KENYA! D: <3

--
Someday I'll rule the world! You'll see!

...Or I'll just stay home and pet my cat. ^_^

This should help regarding hotels: Pasadena Convention Center Hotels Guide.

Airports, Los Angeles International because it's a lot better than stopping at LA/Ontario International, Van Nuys, or Bob Hope. Yes, LAX is a little further compared to Van Nuys, but I guarantee you, you're better off at LAX than the other airports I mentioned but there's a chance of getting a bit lost (I don't go to LAX as often compared to the past but the changes over the years keeps me on my toes). Hence, a strong suggestion of getting there at least a day, if not two, before Botcon if you can. Your body will thank you on adjusting to the time change and the flight, plus you won't be as frazzled on "OMG, must check-in and get to convention center to pick up pass!"

As someone who drives around Los Angeles County, it may depend on your perception of driving. Most of the major freeways (interstates and highways) have an average speed limit of 65 mph, while the streets will vary depending on traffic volume (on average, the fastest at 40 on the big arteries). If you don't mind being cutoff by people unexpectedly, you can rent. If you're not too keen on driving, taxis are available but you might want to check the rates. Southern California Freeways, for a little reading.

Car rentals, you can try Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, and Thrifty. I've used Enterprise in the past and their service is pretty good (when I had car troubles ).

If taxis or car renting isn't in your budget, Metro of the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have shuttles, buses, and rails that'll get you from LAX to Pasadena (and other major cities) at a lower rate. You'll have to keep a closer eye on your luggage, but that's an unavoidable trade-off. On the nice flip side, you can catch the sights you might miss while looking at a map, and it's fairly safe. Study the PDF maps Metro has on their site (make sure your Adobe Reader is the latest version), because it can get a little confusing.

Allspark.com discussions regarding the location:

[link]

[link]

[link]

Basically, consider your hotel options first, just to get that squared away and you'll be able to stay somewhere. Stay there the full length? Stay there partially? Stay there with a day to buffer before and after the convention?

Consider transport. America, Delta, Southwest? Do you want to try your driving skills from the airport in a place where driving is such a major part of the culture? Do you want to spend on taxi service so you don't have to worry about possibly freaking out while trying to get used to Southern California freeways? Do you want to save a little and use public transportation provided in the form of shuttles, rails, and buses by Metro?

Pick up several maps and guidebooks of Pasadena, if not at least covering Los Angeles County. It helps in case you get lost.

Food. You can bring a little of home with you, or try out the variety of cuisine that is in/around Pasadena if you have the extra time. Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, grills, Italian... ToEat.com and Travel Gator with some listings.

Extra cash, for emergencies and in case some places don't accept card. Keep a way of contact between you and HFS (spare chargers for cell phones if you both use 'em often), or at least agree on a meet-up place in case either of you get lost at the convention center.

That's the top of my head. I rarely have to worry much on hotels because I can commute fairly comfortably.

If you have further questions, ask away!

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"Now, we may be idiots anyway, and that's fine with me, but I'd rather be idiots with an explosion." - Adam Savage, Mythbusters Season 4 Episode 12 "Steam Cannon"

~autobotcity ~Transformers-Mosaic Allspark.com

That sucks Kenya.

Hopefully you''l figure out a plan.

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Freedom is the right of all sentient beings! - Optimus Prime

Proud Fan and Loyal servant of FireDarkDragon

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"[link] I'm Acid Storm in the G1 Crew

I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

My suggestion would be to use MapQuest or something similar to see which hotels are close to the address for Bot-Con. Pasadena has a bus system, so that will help if you have to book a hotel farther away. If you need help with reading the bus routes, let me know. I ride buses frequently in my hometown.

Looking at their site, you're quite lucky: bus fare is only $0.50. It's much more than that here.

Bus system link: [link]

Have fun!

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&

XD At least you get to GO to a BotCon

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Dragonair <3

Ironically, that's very close to where I used to live XD Looking at above comments, I agree that LAX is the best major airport to use. Whenever my family flies to CA to visit relatives, we go there and we've never had any issues with it. We usually rent a car, but anyone who's never driven in LA would be better off taking a bus or taxi, trust me.

Good luck!

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One of Lord Midnight's Artists

“Writing is like pregnancy. When things need to happen, they’ll happen.” –Mr. Owens <3

LAX might be the way to go, then. I have a feeling I'll get lost in such a big airport (Boise airport is itty-bitty compared to Portland, which is the only other airport I've been to), but hopefully there's a map somewhere, or at least an employee who'll tell me "Go over there, stupid."

And a bus or taxi sounds like a good bet.

Thanks.

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Q: How many Transformers fans does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Eight. One to change it, and the rest to complain that the light bulb was so much better back in the 80s.

I support well-written, in-character fanfic!

I hope so too...

--
Q: How many Transformers fans does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Eight. One to change it, and the rest to complain that the light bulb was so much better back in the 80s.

I support well-written, in-character fanfic!

Well, I've been to Fandemonium four times, but that's in my hometown. This is my first time traveling anywhere by myself, as well as my first out-of-town 'con. I guess we can go there and get lost and freak out together?

Best of luck to you too!

--
Q: How many Transformers fans does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Eight. One to change it, and the rest to complain that the light bulb was so much better back in the 80s.

I support well-written, in-character fanfic!