How do teams normally make travel arrangements?

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by slickguy2007

How do teams normally make traveling arrangements that fit into an affordable price range? We are having this specific problem trying to make arrangements for the Buckeye Regional in Ohio. Anybody have any suggestions or am I missing something? We are hoping to take something like 40 kids to this regional.
GO TEAM 1403!!!

Time to make someone in charge. If you can get a NEMO (non-engineering mentor) to do it, that would be great. You need someone who has the ability to write checks or has a team credit card for deposits. You need to have the money in the bank before you can do this, obviously, because once you make a reservation, you need to make a deposit.
If you are a school group, there is usually an "acceptable" list of bus companies your school can use.
Who is the team closest to you who is willing to mentor (this is listed on FIRST site)? Call them for advice.
Remember, what is affordable to some students, is out of reach for others, if you need to pay-as-you-go. Time to have a business discussion with the team and survey the team. But this is sensitive, so followup needs to be done by the team leader.

[KathieK]

Do you have a NEMO on your team? If so, encourage them to join Chief Delphi and sign up with us as a NEMO. They can learn lots of travel and other non-technical hints from other NEMOs.

I've helped with our travel plans, with a group around your size. Busses are typically less expensive, but the cost will still surprise you.