Lately, I seem to be saying ‘how is this time of year again already?’ We all do it with Christmas and I’ve said it again only last week as we really get into summer. My summer is dictated by the Edinburgh Festival. I’m up there, do all the shows, then have the rest of August off. Then it’s September and I often think – ‘well, the next thing is Christmas now.’
This end of the year will be different, of course, as next year marks the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of Star Wars. With it, Celebration LA.
You’ve probably guessed by now I’m telling you all this as time speeds by pretty quickly these days and, before we know, it’ll be all systems go for LA. So, if you can, why not start some light planning. Pencil a few things in here and there to ease the load and stress as we approach some quiet summer days.
Below are a few things to maybe get thinking about and potentially plan in advance. Obviously, all the details of Celebration are under wraps such as Guest autograph tickets and more merch, but if we can do some of the admin type things now, budgeting should be easier come 2027.
Spending
The USA is different beast altogether when it comes to spending. If you’ve been you know. If you never have and Celebration will be your first time then I have one word for you…TIPS. TIPS. TIPS. TIPS. TIPS. America is a tipping culture. If you’re out for dinner or having a drink or even doing a free walking tour of Hollywood, you’ll be expected to tip. When you’re starting to plan your budget, you’ll need to factor in more dollars for tips. The same goes for taxes. Each state has their own taxation laws and so you pay tax when you get to the till. Years ago, when I first went to the states, I couldn’t work it out. A t-shirt for 10 dollars was then $12.97 when I got to the till. All these things can catch you out. Also, check your room. The price you’ve seen advertised is NOT the price you may pay as you’ll have to pay tax when you get there.
ESTA
To enter the USA, you’ll need a visa known as an ESTA. Unlike some other countries, you’ll need to pay. The fee is $40.27 as of now. It’s not worth getting this yet, but if you have an ‘admin’ fund set aside (I always think ‘admin fund’ for things like travel and rooms and a ‘fun’ fund for buying the Star Wars goodies and theme parks) then add the ESTA fee to it.
Airport Parking
The earlier you do this, the cheaper it will be. I can’t stress that enough. Airports such as Gatwick and Heathrow have valet parking, and it’s all run really well. You’re look at around £80 – £100 for around 2 weeks. Get that money set aside.
Travel Insurance
America is known for many things, free universal healthcare is not one of them. Please remember to get some. In 2017, I went to study at The Second City Improv Theatre in Chicago and then travelled around the US living some life and doing some gigs. Before I went, I was having problems with one of my wisdom teeth. I mentioned to a friend about this and his words were “get the tooth done now and then buy some damn good travel insurance. It’s not worth risking it.” I’m one of these folks who will get travel insurance for £4 for a week if me and my other half are going on holiday for a week in Europe. For America, I’ll be getting something more substantial.
Impulse buys
Always. Every time. No matter what. Let’s say I’m at the brilliant Echo Base Live shows in Redditch. I have my budget but every single time, I’ll see something that is just too good to resist. So, as you can expect, I go over budget. Now, this is fine as long as it’s not too dramatic and within reason but when you’re at Celebration, YOU WILL get carried away. Perhaps you just really need to get that photo op or there’s a convention exclusive that you can have in your hands right now. My advice is, if you can and it doesn’t affect your day to day living, whatever you’re planning on taking to spend – take a little bit more. You can always come home with it.
Gather a rough plan now
This is always the fun part. Drafting up a plan of things you’d like to do. Get them all down and see what’s feasible. There are the obvious things like; Disneyland, Universal, Lucas Musuem and heck, if you can, Rancho Obi-Wan.
Is your passport in date
Finally, have a quick check of that passport. Is it in date and will it be in date for the time of March 2027. Don’t get caught out, it can be easy to do