I'm planning a trip, and you're all invited.

[saysadie]

I wanna go here:

http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/

If not this year (or rather '11), then the year after. And I'm really really stupid excited (bit early I know, but hey), but also scared shitless as I've never done anything like this before. I can't even figure out how I'm going to make the money thing work, but it's now or never.

So anyone with travel experience, lend me a hand? Advice-wise. I don't care where you're from, any help making this a bit easier is muchly appreciated.

Now what the hell is a Birmingham?*

I should probably ask if this con is any good as well. I picked it because I figured a convention would be a good excuse to meet people (assuming people plan on going anyway, it'd be nice to get together with people while I'm there), and would ease the travel worries for me if I get a room at the place (or near the place) that the con is at. I don't know what the likelihood of that is, however... especially if I manage to get my **** together for '11 (looking less and less likely as time goes on, but I'm nothing if not relentlessly optimistic sometimes).

It'd be nice to have someone "adopt" me while I'm there so I don't die, as well. Just someone I can contact if I get lost (or stolen ), etc. Probably not necessary (or even possible since I don't know if anyone is excessively familiar with the area), but could be reassuring. Or at least is right now, in theory.

It's a bit in advance, but I'm a planner. Especially when it comes to something like this. Advice= PM me, post it here, email me, whatever.

Here's to stepping out of your comfort zone!

*if you don't know that I'm kidding, you make me sad.

[bumblemusprime]

Hell, I might as well go too. The wife's been wanting to see our college buddies in Hamburg, and I might as well go through Heathrow. Anyone know if I can hop an EasyJet from Birmingham?

Shanti? OPR? Yaya? You coming?

[saysadie]

That would be fricking awesome.

Is Easyjet good? Plane ticket prices=****.

[bumblemusprime]

EasyJet is a bit like JetBlue in Europe (actually believe it was the template for JetBlue). It's a dirt-cheap airline that goes between limited cities in Ye Olde MotherLande.

IcelandAir runs a ****-ton of specials, and though they all layover in Reykjavik, it might be nice to stretch the legs at that point. Did you check em out?

Also might check with one of the jet-setters on here. Emvee's flown a good bit.

[Best First]

the notion of a jet-setter having a clue about flying to Birmingham is one that amuses.

Flights should be ok - there are a load of comparison sites that will give you a decent deal if you use them a few months in advance. The train is also an option - there are fast trains from London to Brum.

Is it worth pointing out that Transformation 2011 (April) is in London, so will be easier to get to, and is probably likley to be better attended from a Transfans perspective?

Then again if Sades is gonna be there i guess we might all make more of an effort to hit AA as well.

[bumblemusprime]

the notion of a jet-setter having a clue about flying to Birmingham is one that amuses.

The notion of your face is one that amuses, until I sober up and weep.

[saysadie]

Transformation 2011 is a no go for me as my classes don't end until June, I think. :/ its a shame really, flights would probably have been cheaper then as well.

I'm thinking five day stay, which may or my not work and am probably going to fly into London then catch a train. What is travel time by train like?

[Denyer]

London --> Birmingham's about an hour and a half, and it's usually worth booking trains that involve London in advance price-wise. If coach is acceptable, National Express or Megabus are also options.

[saysadie]

Jet lag-> hour and a half train ride, sounds fantastic. But an hour and a half isn't bad.

\o/ \o/ \o/

[Optimus Prime Rib]

At first I thought "Birmingham? ALABAMA?"

I could try to scrape together some coin for that, but it might be a stretch.

[saysadie]

The more the merrier.

I just realised that the tickets are going to be about $80 CDN- Holy crap. I may just hang around outside instead. The cosplayers will be safe then, too.

What should I look out for or be looking for when time comes to book plane tickets? Are there any stupid fees tacked onto the "checkout" end on some of these websites, and can I avoid them?

[edit] I just watched footage of the Scott McNeil interview from this year's convention. He's... colourful, isn't he?

[Denyer]

I avoid flying where possible, but...

http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7499161_tips ... light.html
http://www.ehow.co.uk/way_5169461_tips- ... ights.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2036235_avoid-c ... scams.html

?

Generally watch out for journeys priced initially on the basis of hand luggage, without in-flight food, fuel tax, etc.

AA is overpriced IMO, especially if you're not really interested in guest attendees, but does apparently draw a fair crowd. 'Transformation' seems likely to be roughly on par -- might take an event or two to get back into the swing of things? Any old Transforce-rs who could comment on size?

The UK does have a fair few general comics/collectibles events.

[spiderfrommars]

I'm up for a get together, oh yes.

[saysadie]

*Is possibly adopted for most of her stay, thanks a bunch guys!*

(as a general aside to my gracious hosts: it being nine months away I realise life happens, so if anything comes up, no problemo.)

I avoid flying where possible, but...

http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7499161_tips ... light.html
http://www.ehow.co.uk/way_5169461_tips- ... ights.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2036235_avoid-c ... scams.html

Also through my own searches, I found: "How To Survive A Plane Crash". Fun!

After reading that, I needed to read the article entitled "How To Overcome A Fear Of Flying". And I wish I was kidding.

AA is overpriced IMO, especially if you're not really interested in guest attendees

I will be to a degree, I've never been to one of these things before. Then again, the thought of being packed into a room with a ton of other people on an August afternoon listening to some dude talk might not be very appealing when it comes down to it... shall see how it goes.

[inflatable dalek]

I will be to a degree, I've never been to one of these things before. Then again, the thought of being packed into a room with a ton of other people on an August afternoon listening to some dude talk might not be very appealing when it comes down to it... shall see how it goes.

Don't worry, here in the UK "August" only tends to be an abstract concept anyway. It was pissing it down with rain for a large chunk of the weekend last year.

[Metal Vendetta]

I'd be up for that and can offer London-based accommodation at least - my family's quite close to Birmingham and it's possible I would wangle some floorspace there too. Let's do it

[Jack Cade]

I should have lots of time off in August so hopefully I can get a piece of the action.

[inflatable dalek]

For plotting train journeys and getting a rough idea of the price this site is pretty useful:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ (though obviously the train time tables are going to be different come August).

For anyone coming from the capital, London Marylebone is the station to set off from. They do a direct service that works out the cheapest (no more than thirty quid at the moment, depending on the time you travel it can be a lot cheaper). The convention hotel itself is just moments away from Birmingham new Street station as well, for anyone who knows the area it's right on top of Nostalgia and Comics.

[Legion]

I have to admit, it is tempting!

[saysadie]

Emvee- possible I may query about that closer to the date. Dalek- train link= . I wasn't too impressed by some of the train ticket prices I'd found.

[Metal Vendetta]

Incidentally I'll be in Canadialand for Christmas this year...are you anywhere near Winnipeg?

[saysadie]

Unfortunately, I'm not even close. I wish you mild temperatures while you're in the area though.

Use the "Winnipeg? Sounds like a game show for Pirates" joke a lot... they love it over there, trust me.

[bumblemusprime]

Incidentally I'll be in Canadialand for Christmas this year...are you anywhere near Winnipeg?

Feel like hopping a few thousand miles over to Vancouver?

[Metal Vendetta]

I wish...we're flying into Grand Forks and then crossing the border (with maybe a little detour into Fargo) - it's going to be big, flat, white and cold as far as I can tell. And cold, did I mention cold?

[saysadie]

it's going to be big, flat, white and cold as far as I can tell. And cold, did I mention cold?

Yeah, that sounds about right. ND and a couple of those other middle-area states are going to be much the same, from what I understand.

January- February is when the Prairies really turn into a deep freeze, though. December is not usually too bad (-25ish), but you'll still need a good, thick coat.

[Best First]

So how many ex-colonial interlopers are we expecting?

[bumblemusprime]

I wish...we're flying into Grand Forks and then crossing the border (with maybe a little detour into Fargo) - it's going to be big, flat, white and cold as far as I can tell. And cold, did I mention cold?

Tell your lady's folks to move to Vancouver. We remain at a respectably British drizzly 30-60 degrees all winter.

[inflatable dalek]

Tell your lady's folks to move to Vancouver. We remain at a respectably British drizzly 30-60 degrees all winter.

Plus when you're walking about you can pretend you're in The X-Files. Or even, God help you, Smallville.

[Kaylee]

So how many ex-colonial interlopers are we expecting?

And where are they making landfall?

I plan to be at Transformation 2011, I may be able to appear in other places too (possibly simultaneously, if I concentrate hard enough).

[Yaya]

Unfortunately, filled my TF quota with Botcon this year. But knock yourselves out.

And if UK TF fans are anything like at Botcon, I would invest in some nose clips.