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1. The Unconventional Convention: Breaking Free from the Norm

It’s not a secret to anyone that I’m a bit of a nerd. Anything Marvel, Star Wars, Vampire Diaries and especially Supernatural are my weaknesses. Being able to go to any conventions overseas has always been a faraway dream, one of those “ If I ever win the lotto, that’s what I’d do” type of dreams, until March this year when I flew to Melbourne to attend my first ever convention and met a woman who had been to 11, some here in Australia, some in the USA and one in Europe.

I then started to wonder if I could actually go to one overseas, one of the big ones. After doing research for about 30 seconds, I figured I could make a whole trip of it. This is where the idea of our family trip to the USA was born.

I want to go to a Supernatural convention overseas, and my kids want to go to Texas. It’s a win-win. Fast-forward a few months. I now have my passport, my kids’ passports are being processed, and we have a plan forming quickly.

6 weeks in the US for a hell of a holiday.

2. The Dilemma: Balancing Fandom and Family Time

The struggle is real: Supernatural convention vs. family expectations:

Taking five kids overseas so I could go to a convention sounds crazy and maybe a little selfish until I realised I’m simply combining two things. We will be staying in Austin for two weeks, during which time my brother, who is coming with us, will hang out with the kids while I attend the convention. There is a zoo, mini golf, water park, and a range of things to help keep the kids occupied while with their uncle.

The rest of the 6 weeks will be all of us exploring some parts of the USA.

Overcoming the “But it’s just a convention!” mindset

It’s certainly a long way to go just for a convention, but this is why I decided to combine it into a family holiday. We will be exploring a lot and doing a lot more things than just dragging the kids around bored.

3. Crafting Your Epic Itinerary: From Down Under to the Lone Star State

• Plotting the perfect route: Sydney → Hawaii → Los Angeles → Colorado → Ohio → Austin → Houston

If it was just me on my own, I’d do the flight from Sydney direct to LA, then go straight to Austin, but that’s far too much with kids, especially when 2 get travel sick.

Instead, we are breaking it up. Flying from Sydney to Hawaii and spending 4 days there, then a flight to LA where we’ll stay for a week, then Colorado for a week as it’s my brother’s bucket list item, Ohio for a week for a surprise for my 2 teen daughters, then finally to Austin and Houston then LA and home.

Maximizing layovers: Turn transit time into mini-adventures:

We can certainly do this trip quickly by just having a stop over at each of these places, but who wouldn’t want to miss school and go to Hawaii for a few days instead?

Taking our time and exploring some more places makes it a bit more fun for each of the kids as each of us has chosen something we would like to see/do while there. Getting to the USA, even with a Hawaii stop is a long flight with 5 kids, so we don’t want to rush while we’re there.

4. Convention Central: Making the Most of Austin

I have been wanting to go to an Austin Convention for so long and being able to go to the big one, the Austin one, in the year that marks 20 years of Supernatural conventions is a dream come true. The added bonus is the amount of things to do in Austin and surrounding areas to easily occupy the kids

Family-friendly activities in Austin for non-convention days include exploring the vibrant street art scene, visiting the Austin Nature and Science Center, and taking a dip in the Barton Springs Pool. In Houston, witnessing a Space X Launch is a thrilling experience that will surely captivate the whole family. Embracing Texan culture in Houston means indulging in mouthwatering BBQ and enjoying live music performances.

5. Beyond the Convention: Turning Texas into a Family Playground

There’s more to going to Texas than the convention. Texas as a whole has been a state that has long interested me. There are several captivating attractions to discover in the vast state of Texas. One such attraction is the renowned John F Kennady Space Centre, where visitors can delve into the fascinating world of space exploration. Additionally, the vibrant city of Houston offers a plethora of cultural and entertainment options. Moreover, an exciting opportunity awaits at Starbase near Boca Chica, where visitors can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a Space X launch.

From indulging in mouthwatering BBQ to enjoying live music, our family fully embraces Texan culture.

We can’t wait to dive into the Lone Star State’s rich culture, starting with the mouthwatering BBQ that’s got our taste buds dancing already. The kids are eagerly counting down the days until we hit the state fair, where we’ll be immersing ourselves in a whirlwind of fun rides, quirky exhibits, and of course, more delicious food. We’ve also pencilled

in some local festivals and rodeo events, promising a true taste of Texan spirit. As we plan our itinerary, we’re looking forward to the live music scenes that’ll have us tapping our feet together. These shared experiences aren’t just about having fun – they’re our way of learning about a new culture as a family. From line dancing attempts to trying to perfect our “y’all,” we’re sure these Texan adventures will bring us closer, creating memories and inside jokes that’ll last a lifetime.

6. Coastal Dreams to Mountain Highs: Diversifying Your Family Vacation

Hawaii

We decided to include Hawaii in our trip for a number of reasons. First and foremost was the fact that 2 of the kids get travel sick and we want to help take the pressure off as much as possible. Secondly, why not? It’ll be quicker and cheaper to fly direct from Sydney to LA, but spending a few days in Hawaii sounds nice. We could do a short stopover for a few hours but when there’s so much to do, and we are all coastal beach bums already, so a stop at one of the most famous beaches in the world just makes sense.

The idea of swimming with the whales, learning the hula, and enjoying some of the local food sounds too good to ignore.

Los Angeles

Embark on thrilling and captivating star-studded adventures in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood come to life. Explore the iconic landmarks and attractions that have made this city a global entertainment capital, from the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame to the majestic Hollywood Sign.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city as you stroll along the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, home to the luxurious mansions of the rich and famous. Indulge in the world-class shopping and dining experiences that abound in this cosmopolitan metropolis, where you can rub shoulders with celebrities at trendy restaurants and exclusive boutiques.

Discover the magic of the silver screen as you visit famous film studios like Universal Studios and Warner Bros., where you can go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows. Experience the thrill of attending a live taping of a popular talk show or sitcom, and catch a glimpse of your favorite stars up close. Los Angeles truly offers a myriad of star-studded adventures that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

A stop at LA is a must for us, literally. Its where our plane lands so we decided to go with it and spend a week exploring what this city has to offer. As gamers, we are also looking forward to exploring some of the most well-known spots used in the GTA franchise.

From the walk of fame, to the pier, there’s going to be something for each of us to explore.

Colorado

Colorado has long been on my brothers list and as he’s coming with us to help me with the kids, we decided to include a trip here as well. brother’s

Exploring Colorado’s natural wonders is an exhilarating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this magnificent state. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the stunning landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, there is no shortage of natural wonders to discover.

Whether you’re hiking through the picturesque trails of Rocky Mountain National Park or marvelling at the majestic beauty of the Garden of the Gods, Colorado offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts of all kinds. With its abundance of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Additionally, Colorado’s numerous lakes and rivers provide the perfect setting for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable journey through nature’s wonders, look no further than the awe-inspiring landscapes of Colorado.

7. The Art of Travel Hacking: Tips for a Smooth 6-Week Journey

Budgeting like a boss:

Stretching your dollars across continents is a skill that can greatly enhance your travel experiences. By effectively managing your finances, you can make the most of your money and ensure that you have enough to explore different countries and cultures.

Travelling costs money, we know this. But it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive.

Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure through Europe or a luxurious getaway in Asia, budgeting is key. It allows you to allocate your funds wisely, prioritize your expenses, and make informed decisions about where to spend and where to save.

These days, there are dozens of different travel cards that can work for banking internationally, and some can be great, but some can also come with a fee for exchanging from one currency to another or an international transaction fee for spending in a different currency. The card I have decided to go with for this trip is the Wise bank card as changing currencies is super easy and there are no hidden fees.

With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can stretch your dollars further and embark on unforgettable journeys around the world.

8. Embracing the Unexpected: When Plans Go Awry (And Why That’s Okay)

Flexibility is your friend when it comes to adapting to travel hiccups. Being able to adjust your plans and expectations can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether it’s a flight delay, a change in accommodation, or unexpected weather conditions, being flexible allows you to navigate these challenges with ease. Instead of getting frustrated or stressed, embrace the opportunity to explore new options and make the most of your time.

Try including time for these accidents into your schedule. When we’re not travelling but still have to be somewhere, I add a 15-minute buffer. If an event starts at 3pm, I aim to be there by 2:45 just in case. I do a similar thing when travelling by adding an extra hour or even a couple of hours to allow for traffic, a kid needing the bathroom, a flat tire. You never know.

Some of the craziest travel stories can be from when someone out of left field happens. My 10-year-old son still talks about the time ring-tail lemur stole his hat at Australia Zoo 4 years ago. Sometimes mishaps make the best stories.

Remember, travel is all about embracing the unknown and being open to new experiences. So, next time you encounter a travel hiccup, remember that flexibility is your greatest ally.

Creating memorable moments from mishaps is a skill that not everyone possesses. It takes a certain level of creativity and adaptability to turn a mishap into a memorable experience. Whether it’s a small accident or a major blunder, finding a way to make the best out of a bad situation can leave a lasting impression on those involved.

It’s all about embracing the unexpected and finding the silver lining in the midst of chaos. These moments of mishaps turned into memories can often become the highlight of a story or an event, adding a touch of humor and authenticity to the narrative. So, the next time you find yourself in a mishap, remember that it’s an opportunity to create a memorable moment that will be talked about for years to come.

9. Planning Your Own Epic Convention-Family Getaway

Resources for finding conventions worldwide include various online platforms and websites that cater to the needs of convention-goers. Some of the more popular ones are Creation Entertainment for the USA, The Hub Productions for Australia, JIB for Italy, and of course, no talk about conventions would be complete without mentioning the big one, Comic-con San Diago, the biggest fandom convention on the planet.

These resources provide a comprehensive database of conventions happening around the globe, allowing individuals to easily search for events based on their interests, location, and preferred dates.

With just a few clicks, convention enthusiasts can access a wealth of information, including event details, guest lists, panel schedules, and ticketing options. These resources also often feature user reviews and ratings, helping attendees make informed decisions about which conventions to attend. Whether someone is interested in comic book conventions, gaming expos, anime festivals, or any other type of gathering, these resources serve as invaluable tools for discovering and exploring the diverse world of conventions

Conclusion:

When planning your own epic convention-family getaway, it’s important to utilize the resources available for finding conventions worldwide. Online platforms and websites dedicated to convention-goers offer a comprehensive database of events happening around the globe.

With just a few clicks, you can easily search for conventions based on your interests, location, and preferred dates. These resources provide detailed information about each event, including guest lists, panel schedules, and ticketing options, as well as user reviews and ratings to help you make informed decisions.

Whether you’re into comic book conventions, gaming expos, anime festivals, or any other type of gathering, these tools are invaluable for discovering and exploring the diverse world of conventions.