Anime: Conventions Don't Have to Bust Your Wallet

Let's face it, the rise in Japanese Animation popularity has skyrocketed over the last ten years. What was once strictly a cult obsession has become a common place form of fandom. If you've collected at least an entire series on bilingual DVD, purchased over $100 worth of manga, own at least half a dozen figurines, and sleep with a plushie resembling your favorite characters; chances are pretty good you're what the Japanese would label an "Otaku" meaning Major Anime Fan. Well once it's established that you're an anime fan, eventually you're going to want to take this hobby to the next level, and that means Anime Convention. No matter where you live, there's bound to be an anime convention somewhere, all you need do is look up Anime-Cons on Google and you'll get a whole listing.
But before you throw on your kitty cat ears, favorite anime T-shirt, and grab the ninja gear, there's a few thrifty tips to know before heading off to a con. Thrifty tip number one, it's always best to go with a group, grab your family or your friends and start planning in advance. Generally you can have between 4 or 5 people per room at the maximum, that means splitting $100 a night into $25 a person per night plus it'll save on gas money which is a necessity what with the rising costs of fuel. It's also safer to be in groups, especially if the con is being held in an unfamiliar location.

If you plan ahead; most cons offer a discount to early registration which can be done online by certain posted due dates. I've been to cons that offered rates as cheap as $30-$40 for early pre-registration. Pre-registration is also helpful since it means you won't have to stand in line for nearly as long as those paying at the door. So pre-registration equals lower cost and shorter wait; you just can't go wrong with the right planning.