Otakon: I hope you have $$$

Otakon was the first convention I ever travelled to, in 2013. It was during my first year of cosplaying, and my family drove me to Baltimore while they went elsewhere in Maryland to visit family friends. It made quite an impression on me, and is part of what inspired me to continue traveling out of state for conventions. However, there are some important things to know about attending Otakon. 

First of all, don't go if you don't have a hefty supply of cash. Otakon (at least until next year) is held at the Baltimore Convention Center. At many cons you are able to walk around the lobbies/hallways without a badge, but at Otakon, to get in to the convention center at all you need a badge that costs between $80-$100. 

Once you obtain this badge, you can use it to walk around, go into panels, or go into the dealers room/artist alley. I love shopping in artist alley, but that's even more money to take into consideration. I usually reserve $80-$100 for buying prints in artist alley, and even more if I'm planning on buying stuff in the dealers room.

In addition to costs at the con, you must account for hotel, travel, and food. I got to stay with a friend for free at my first Ota, but not the second, where my spot in a hotel cost about $100. 

The location itself is lovely, there is great inner-city atmosphere as well as picturesque locations like the docks and the flower garden! Here are some photos from the last Otakon I went to, in 2014:

All photos by me

Budgeting for conventions is always important, but especially for Otakon, with its large dealers room, expensive food, and pricey badge. I didn't go this past year because I knew I wouldn't have enough money, but I look forward to going again in the future.