Lesson One: Do NOT travel to three events, back-to-back-to-back.
Last year, I did what could arguably be called the craziest off-season tour yet, perhaps even beating Mike Wade's travels with the NASA field (though Mike's hard work is definitely nothing to sneeze at). 1902's Vex event, Duel on the Delaware, Cal Games--three straight weekends, with classes during the week. Do not do what I did.
Lesson two: When it comes to travel, it's fast, cheap, or easy (pick two).
Now, the amount of notice I had on each of these jaunts was different. Cal Games was months in the making, particularly for me (as I had to buy airfare, which gets ridiculously expensive as the travel date nears). 1902's Vex event was done on about the Tuesday before the event--just enough time to meet the advance booking requirement of my Amtrak discount. Duel on the Delaware was decided mid-afternoon on the Thursday before, and that's with 589 miles of driving to do the next day. Each of these paths had its pros and cons, which have to be weighed--Amtrak has a reputation for delays but is about the same cost as driving if you're going solo, flying is quicker but a hassle, and driving gives you flexibility and speed--but you're driving. If I have the time, I choose Amtrak--but there are times where I just had to hop in a car and drive.
Lesson three: Bring your own grub.
This goes double on Amtrak, where drinks (and, to a lesser extent, food) are ridiculously overpriced. (Coming back from Mission Mayhem, my first train experience, I was feeding one-dollar bills into the Pepsi machine on the platform.) Having snacks when driving lets you stay on the road a few more miles, which will help both your speed and your fuel economy. (Just, uh, don't take that too far.)
Lesson four: Network.
The first off-season event I went to was Robot Rodeo in 2004, hosted by 1083. I was still pretty new around CD (I didn't become really active until after the Championship that year), but I took a gamble and posted looking for a couch. (That post, actually, is
right here.) I drove to Rodeo that year, both because I hadn't discovered the joys of other means of travel and because I wanted an out just in case George turned out to be a total nutcase. (Well, George
is a total nutcase, but that's another story.) If you're thinking about going to an event, make contact with some folks on the organizing team(s). Generally, they can point you in the right direction.
Lesson Five: Volunteer at the events.
Even when I did the Duel on a day's notice, I guessed they'd need help. So when I got to the venue that morning, I went to the volunteer table and offered my services. Now, naturally, I was assigned to score and clear the goal 25 shot into all through the elimination rounds (
), yet I'd do it again. Obviously, making contact in advance is preferable here, but it never hurts to ask. (It also shaves some money off your food tab, and heck, you might even get some swag for it. That Duel shirt is mighty comfy. And instant MOE cred if you sit at their table in Atlanta, it turns out.)
Lesson Six: Bring something back from each event besides a T-shirt.
Every event I go to, I wind up learning something I didn't know about FIRST or the world in general from somebody. Whether it's from Jenny Beatty in the Duel's volunteer lounge or from George Wallace at four in the morning in the middle of the street around Wendy Austin's house, take the time to talk to folks where you wind up. It will work wonders in the long run, I guarantee it.
That's about all I can think of--if I figure more out later, I'll post again.