| diamondsnake |
12-09-2003 10:45 PM |
Quote:
Originally posted by SpyNote
I can help you out if you decide to go alone. Here are some tips:
Solo
I usually go alone to concerts (for documention purposes) and get weird looks from people. Not because I am alone, but because I always dress in all black (I was so in the Tango in the Night look :cool: I am probably the only fan who likes Stevie's black dress night after night!) If you plan to document a show, you MUST go alone.
Buy tickets at the last minute
I always buy tickets one week to a few hours before the show. If you go solo, you can usually get a 5th row or better seat at almost any show. Remember, industry seats are always released at the last minute when they are no longer needed. Sometimes you can get a pair in a great spot, but front row solo seats are easier to get, as they usually pop up in the beginning, middle or end of a row to fill in the odd spot in that row. I went to ten shows on this current tour and was able to score front row at about half of them by waiting until the last minute. The Ledgies here (especially Livia, you ROCK girl :) are great about sending out last minute Ticketmaster alerts. It's still amazing to me that these fantastic seats become available.
And sometimes, fans desperate to unload their extra tickets at the last minute in front of the venue can give you a great discount on seats. I was able to get a 2nd row seat on the Enchanted tour for $50 (face value at the time) from a guy whose date didn't show up for the concert. I guess I was his date that night...he still had a good time :laugh:
Cheap lodging
Motel 6 is probably the most decent and least expensive motel you'll be able to find (some Best Westerns are reasonable too). Their rates for single occupancy ranges from $40 to $80 a night, depending on what city you are in. If you are a member of AAA Insurance, you can get an additional 5% discount. AAA also gives out free maps and that discount book that golden braid mentioned. Some credit card companies offer lodging and transportation discounts, as well. Motels close to the venues and area attractions are always more expensive. If you don't mind driving, consider staying at a motel off the freeway away from the venue (although you'll have to pay $6-$15 for venue parking, as opposed to walking from your motel).
Bring your laptop
If you have a laptop, bring it! Wherever you're staying, you will need to connect to the internet so that you know what's going on and how to find things if you are not familiar with the area (e.g. MapQuest will generally get you in the right spot). If you don't have a laptop, use the public library in between shows for free internet access. On the same token, a cell phone is useful too (but that's kind of a given these days).
Bring your own food or eat theirs
OK, if you're truly on a budget, bring your own microwaveable food. Some Motel 6s have microwaves and freezers as immenities, take advantage of them. Bring a cooler with those blue ice packs, too, so you can keep them frozen while you're driving from one stop to the next.
Some Motel 6s have free continential breakfasts every morning between 6 and 9. Stock up on fruits, bagels, pastries and cereal. You have to be a bit bold for this one... Visit a nicer motel, in the area, one that you are not staying at, and crash their continental breakfast!
Flying tip
If you plan to fly during part of the trip, book your flight well in advance during the busiest time of the day. Airlines often overbook their flights and occasionally cannot accommodate everyone. If this should happen (and it does happen often), offer to give up your seat and take a later flight. If the flight is really overbooked, they will be very appreciative and offer a flight voucher, usually up to $300 (which you can use to fly to your next concert!). But they don't always offer the voucher (sometimes it's just lodging coupons, but those can save you money too), so you have to be persistent and ask.
About the credit card thing... I think you need one to reserve the room ahead of time. You might be able to get away with one of those pre-paid credit cards (gift cards) that Bank of America (and other banks) issues. It's identical to a credit card in almost every way. (They make GREAT Christmas gifts, too!)
I've never heard of any age restrictions in getting a room at a motel.
|
Wow! Thanks for all the information! A couple of questions:
About getting tickets a week to a few hours before the show, how would I do that? Would I need to purchase them online and check frequently for good seats? Also, how do I know when I have found the best seats and that they aren't going to get much better? Has it ever happened where you waited too long and no good seats were available? Do I just go up to the ticket stand before the concert and ask for their best ticket or what? Also, is it illegal to purchase tickets from someone just selling them on the street?
How can I use my laptop in a motel? Do they have connections in a motel or a computer room with all the hook ups? Also, don't most motels have a computer room where you can go on the web?
About the planes being overbooked, what if my flight got delayed and I didn't make it in time for the concert? That would be a horror story! Has this happened to anyone? |
