Cost of Going to the Nationals

[KathieK]

RAGE qualified for the Championship based on last year's points system, so as soon as we knew the location and dates we booked group travel on airlines. This is difficult to do because there are so many teams trying to fly from CT to the same place at the same time and so few flights that will accept groups.

We are paying $308 per person for a round-trip flight. We are having to leave on Tuesday afternoon and coming home late on Sunday, so we booked the five night hotel package through FIRST-THS. Most of our students are staying in quad rooms, so the cost is $310 per person. Our adults are staying in doubles, so it is $497 per person. There will be additional meals to pay for on Tuesday, Wed, and Sunday, and dinner each night except for the team social.

We are responsible for paying our own way and since we meet year-round we do fundraising throughout the year to offset our travel costs.

[Joe Ross]

Who is "they"? Is they FIRST, or your team's administration, or some random person at the regional?

You are very quickly approaching the magic 3 week point for buying airline tickets. Buy your tickets as soon as possible. If you really need cheap lodging and transportation, get a hotel near the airport (ie, free shuttle to and from the airport) and then take the subway to the competition.

Right now, our current airfare looks to be $300-$400 from Rochester, depending on exactly when we want to leave. Check other airports also, as you may get good deals from LaGuardia or JFK, if you are willing to do that drive.

[mtangolics]

"They" are our vice-principal and our school administration. =p