Disappointed that we weren’t able to get tickets for the mecca of all Comic Cons in San Diego (SDCC) this year (don’t even get me started on that disaster), we ended up seeking alternate plans for my group of buddies.  With my friend Jia living in New York City we decided to check out New York Comic Con (NYCC) this year.

Luckily, getting tickets for NYCC were a lot easier than SDCC but the whole ticket buying experience was riddled with mishaps.  In the end we were able to snatch a Saturday pass for the convention and so this is a story of how 4 guys spent a rainy Saturday in New York and how it all went down in 3 easy lists and one giant gallery.

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Top 5 costumes at New York Comic Con

1)  Han Solo in Millennium Falcon

Han Solo literally in the Millennium Falcon.
Han Solo literally in the Millennium Falcon.

2)  Deadpool

Deadpool with a little attitude
Deadpool with a little attitude

3)  Green Lantern

A very legit Green Lantern costume. I was extremely impressed.
A very legit Green Lantern costume. I was extremely impressed.

4)  Ice Man and Kitty Pryde

Ice Man with Kitty Pryde. Well done!
Ice Man with Kitty Pryde. Well done!

5)  Adam West Batman

I loved this classic Batman costume. He even had a speaker attached to his hip that played "Na na na na na na na na BATMAN!"
I loved this classic Batman costume. He even had a speaker attached to his hip that played “Na na na na na na na na BATMAN!”

5 things we did at NYCC

  1. Walked every single aisle of the Comic-Con
  2. Getting separated from the group numerous times because I got distracted with taking photos of people’s costumes
  3. Winning a box of dragon eggs at Olga Ganoudis Designs
  4. Waiting in line for 30 minutes to grab lunch at Starbucks
  5. Feeling the odd ones out for NOT having a costume

5 things we learned from our first New York Comic Con experience

  1. You really do need to get the 3-day pass here especially if you want to see any of the panels.  You also have to realize that the convention floor is HUGE.
  2. If you want panel wrist bands, get to Javits Convention Center no later than 8AM
  3. Look out for San Diego Comic Con exclusive items resold in New York if you weren’t able to go to SDCC
  4. You have nothing to lose by trying your luck at any draws or contests that are happening at the con
  5. I swear at least 60%+ of folks at NYCC had costumes.  You can tell that everyone put a lot of time into their costumes and were regulars.
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NYCC in photos

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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The Discussion

  1. Looks like it was a lot of fun My girls would love this. One is a Lolita, the other just started LARPing. The comicon is pretty small compared to New York.

    1. Yes you guys should definitely try making it out to your local comic con or something large sized like New York’s! I started going to my local Toronto Sci-Fi Expo way back when and its become an annual tradition since then.

  2. It sounds – and looks – like geek heaven indeed! I’d love to go to San Diego Comic Con one day (it’s on my bucket list) but the New York one would definitely suffice!

    FYI that’s a picture of Ice Man – not the Silver Surfer. You can tell because he’s wearing the ‘X’ on his belt. He’s a member of the X-Men, hence why he’s hanging out with Kitty Pryde (also of the X-Men). Sorry to geek out at ya!

    1. Hey Si! I’m glad you liked the post. Oh my gosh I’m such an idiot! Going to have that fixed right away. Thanks for spotting that. The whole time I was thinking it was Silver Surfer but you’re totally right :)