I don't recall booking so many different travel components when I travelled with my wife to my first SUGI/SGF in New York for SUGI 18 in 1993. We arrived a few days early, toured the length and breadth of Manhattan, and had a great time. However, by the time the conference started I was glad of the opportunity to sit down.
This year I booked flight and accommodation as a "holiday" package with Virgin Holidays (including free return transfer from airport to hotel). I also booked:
- Car parking for my car to be left in the UK
- Lounges with wi-fi so I can make best use of my time whilst hanging around the airports waiting for flights
- An application for entry to the US through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) - thankfully, last year's application was still valid
- Travel insurance
- Conference registration
- Did I forget anything??
On reflection, our 1993 trip was booked by a travel agent, and my 2012 trip was done by me on the internet. The travel agent handled all of the individual bits and pieces of the trip. I haven't used a travel agent for years. Maybe I should give it a try next year.
109 days to departure!