While you can build your own package by buying tickets, and hotel separately, there are many companies that have packages that include everything for one price. Do some homework. Price the hotel you want to stay at, plus add your ticket price to that and see how much it ends up being. Then, check with some tour companies and see which hotels they have, and how much their packages are.
If the difference isn't much, go with the package. I'll tell you why. With a tour package, your tickets are waiting for you at your hotel. If you purchase your tickets on your own you will have to stand in line to register and get your tickets, starting from Wednesday on. This can be a drag when it's hot, which it always is, or raining, or you just really would like to get on with your day.
I used "Sweet Magnolia Tours" in 2004, and highly recommend them. Seana was a huge help to me. Penny used "Country Music Travel" and highly recommends them, saying Mary was very helpful to her.
- Sweet Magnolia Tours
- John Hopper Tours
- Nashville Express Tours
- Go2FanFair
- Country Music Travel
- Johnny Walker Tours
Keep in mind that these tour operators have blocks of rooms at certain hotels, so they may not have your favorite hotel on their list. But, if you haven't booked your package early, you may still end up with decent tickets and have a room at a hotel that is sold out everywhere else. So, there is an advantage there.
5. - Planning what to bring
You definitely need comfortable well broke-in shoes. I like to bring a couple pairs of shoes, so that in case I start getting a blister with one pair, I have a different pair that won't rub in the same place, so I can trade off. Sunscreen is the next most important thing. Even if it's partly cloudy, you can get a sunburn, and it's no fun to get burned on your first day in town. The most important thing, other than to remember to apply the sunscreen to all uncovered areas of your skin, is to reapply every hour or so, especially if you are sweating a lot. Don't forget the tops of your ears, and your face, and the back of your neck.
While I brought several capris with me, I mainly wore tank tops and shorts. That's prolly mainly because I tend to overheat easily, so I don't like short sleeve shirts so much. Cotton is the best fabric as it breathes well. You may need a light jacket, although I never used mine the whole time I was there, day or night. Bringing a rain slicker is also helpful for those downpours. I only used mine once, and felt like I was in a steam bath, but I was dry. ;) You can get them from your local Wal-Mart and they don't take up much space in your suitcase. I carried mine daily in my carryall bag.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to bring for autographs, and ended up buying a journal and then never getting a single autograph in it. A good suggestion is if you're attending Fan Club Parties, to bring the CD covers from the artists whose parties you're attending. I brought a bunch from people I thought I might have seen, but never got them signed. But, another option is to bring the program you get with your CMA Music Festival packet. It has pictures of most of the stars.
And don't forget to bring a few Sharpies so you always have something handy to use to sign something, in case you meet a star in an unexpected place. Of course a camera and lots of film is a must. Or if you take digital photos, bring plenty of memory chips to store your photos on. Plus, having a hat will be helpful too. I'm not a hat person myself, but I was happy I had one when I was watching outdoor shows.
6. - Planning what NOT to bring
While you can take still pictures at all events, video cameras and audio equipment are not allowed. Coolers and large bags are also not allowed. They will check purses and bags when you come in to make sure you aren't carrying anything you shouldn't be. No lawn chairs, umbrellas, baby strollers, infant carriers, air horns, fireworks, frisbees, beach balls, laser pointers, weapons, or dangerous devices. They also have no place to check your items, so you'll have to bring the item back to your car or hotel, or throw it out, in order to enter the venue. They also don't allow any food or beverage, which can really be a pain. I can see food, and drinks, other than water. But, they should allow people to bring a bottle of water in with them. They'll be buying more as they attend the shows, so what does it really hurt? I found it a pain to have to buy everything inside the venue, as I didn't want to buy any water before arriving or having to chuck it in the trash can or chug it quickly before entering.
