It is 10 weeks until ClexaCon and with April 5th getting closer and closer I wanted to share some of my personal traveling and con trips, which I found very useful when I attended ClexaCon last year. Some people I am sure have already shared some of these tips, but if this is your first time at ClexaCon or if you are returning hearing things a couple times can be useful.

1. Bring an empty water bottle- This one is tied in to making sure you drink plenty of water. Last year I will admit I totally didn’t do that, though there was water available in the convention hall. Every day when the convention ended for the day I would head back to my room and drink water using my water bottle while I got ready to get dinner. The water bottle was really helpful since it held way more water than the cups in my hotel room. I also used it while I was traveling and still use it to this day. If you are flying definitely consider it packing the empty one in your carry-on in case you find yourself in need of a drink and don’t want to spend money before the convention.
2. Wear comfortable shoes- I totally wore tennis shoes every day of the convention last year. They were also really helpful when the group I was with decided to go exploring Las Vegas. If you don’t like wearing tennis shoes or have costume plans that involve less comfortable shoes, I’ll have tips for that next week, try to find some insoles or pack some shoes to change into after the convention ends for the day.
3. Pack a mini emergency kit- Now nobody ever wants anything bad to happen while you are ClexaCon, but it is always better to be prepared. While you are putting your suitcase or bag together for the trip make sure to include some band-aids, something in case you get a headache (ibuprofen, advil, etc.), pads or tampons (you never know when someone might need them), and some hand sanitizer. Also if you are taking any medication make sure to pack a couple days extra just in case you find yourself delayed or stuck due to weather or anything else that might change your travel plans.
4. Be open to new experiences- When I went to ClexaCon last year I only knew one person who was going. She and I had been talking for a while on Twitter and we actually wound up staying together since I had reserved a room at the convention hotel. She suggested that we meet up with someone she had been talking with on Twitter and the rest is history. I found myself in a four person group that met up every night after the convention ended, we also sometimes went to panels together, and one of those women actually became my girlfriend. You never know, it could happen to you too.
5. Make sure to eat- I totally sucked at this last year and I want you to avoid feeling super hungry all day. While you might not be a huge breakfast eater find at least something to eat before you head into the convention area. With the scheduling you might not be able to get lunch and if snacks aren’t handy at least make sure to get a good dinner. I kept snacks in my hotel room so in case I got too hungry I could run up and get something in my system. If you meet new people or are with a group going out to dinner can be a lot of fun. There are loads of amazing places to check out.
6. Be open to new things- While you are at ClexaCon let yourself experience things you’ve never tried before. Maybe that means making friends with new people or going to a panel about something you don’t know much about. If something sounds interesting go check it out, though I will say if the topic of tattoos comes up avoid going to the places on the strip. Some of those places are super weird and you don’t want a tattoo from them.
7. Have a copy of the schedule- Before you head to Las Vegas make sure you have a copy of the ClexaCon schedule with you. They will have them at the convention, but if you look it over earlier you’ll be able to plan out your days and figure out which panels or events you want to go to each day. It will also help you figure out how to fit in autographs or pictures during the day.
8. Have fun! ClexaCon is an amazing experience and you will definitely have a great time.

For more information about ClexaCon you can check out their official website.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on Twitter, @thenerdygirlexp. You can find me on Twitter, @kleffnotes, on my blog, kleffnotes.wordpress.com, on my kleffnotes YouTube channel, and I run The Nerdy Girl Express Snapchat, thenerdygirlexp.