Or, Top Tips on Making Every Vacation a Nerdy Escapade
Vacations: the time of year where we can disconnect, break routines and fantasize about the lives we’d like to work towards. Doesn’t this sum up the allure of comic conventions?
Barring a few exceptions, I’ve noticed a trend when it comes to fellow nerd friends: whenever we talk about travel and exploring the world, we place comic conventions/nerdy experiences in a category which competes with vacationing altogether. We express a desire to venture further into what Mother Earth has to offer, only to recite our convention schedules with an underlying sense of dejection.
Why should this be the case, and what combination of traditions and behaviors have resulted in this being a commonplace reaction? Why can’t we explore the world and thrive as the passionate fans we are?
Living in the heart of Europe, I’ll admit I’m biased in favor of finding solutions to both — who says I can’t live my wildest bucket list dreams and indulge my ever-beating nerdy heart? The advent of budget airlines, Couchsurfing, and free tours have made travel a possibility for everyone, especially budget-conscious travelers — but that’s a topic for another day!
Once we get the budget aspect out of the way, we’re left wondering: what about the actual trip? What if I’ll have to forego one convention for the sake of another place I’d like to go to? Fear not my friends — not all hope is lost!
1. Scour the web for comic conventions taking place at your destination. There are massive events taking place outside North America, (Comiket in Japan, Lucca Comics and Games in Italy, and CCXP in Brazil to mention a few), so why not combine going to a new country with an exciting convention? Two of the best resources to find events worldwide are Roster Con and Convention Scene.
2. Otherwise, check out comic book and other nerdy stores in the new cities/countries you’ll be visiting. Reddit and Google searches are your best friends! Research in advance and, if you can, make space in your itinerary to spend time browsing local stores.
3. Research your destination in advance, and check out what movies have been filmed there. This is a fun and educational step — while in Jordan, I hit up breathtaking spots where Indiana Jones, The Martian, and Star Wars were filmed! Read fun facts about your destination and see what presence the movie industry has had there.
4. Look into bespoke tours organised with nerds like you in mind. Game of Thrones in Croatia, Lord of the Rings in New Zealand and Harry Potter in London are some of the major franchises and locations that come to mind. This one’s closely related to number 3, and if you’re somewhere with a well-developed tourist sector, chances are you’ll find experiences combining a show or movie’s key spots with relevant history.
5. Mix and match your favorite nerdy gear with travel-friendly outfits. Jordandené’s stylish tops, pouches and tote bags make this step effortless!
6. Watch a movie/show before clocking out for the night. Make a list of shows/films you’d like to catch up on while away and remember to take some downtime to yourself after exploring downtown, dancing the night away, or enjoying culinary delicacies. Relaxing for a full hour before going to sleep works wonders!
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