Hustle Harder: Travel Arrangements

Recently I traveled down to Washington D.C. to participate in an event called the "Million DJ March," and I realized something while I was down there. Making the proper travel arrangements is important.

First and foremost, I had planned for someone to drive myself, Esso (who was also performing), and his cousin down, but when he disappeared on me two days before the trip, I realized that I had a problem. To make matters worst, we wanted to rent a car, but it was Labor Day weekend and EVERYONE was out. After finding this out, we scrambled to make reservations for the China bus, which wasn't looking good at first, but we made the last one that night (Thank God). So now we're headed to DC and guess what? We have NO idea where our hotel is located. This obviously was a problem. When we finally got in touch with the promoter who booked the rooms, she informed us that we needed to meet her at a club so we could figure it. Now with bags in tow, we catch a cab to the club, so we can meet up with her and find out where we were staying. To our surprise, the hotel was in VA of all places, about 20 minutes OUT of the city. She got a ride for us that night, but suffice it to say that our arrangements were all screwed up.

Here's where we went wrong in my opinion.:

The first mistake was the actual arrangement to get out there. If you book your own arrangements, make sure you have reliable means of travel and also a back up plan, in case it doesn't work out. If the promoter books it, make sure the same rules apply. Arranging to have a driver pick you up wouldn't be a bad idea either. Actually I would make sure it's taken care of before you leave.

Next up, your rooms. Esso was the only one who "technically" had a room booked, so the first thing I should have done was reserved a room in DC myself. Worst case scenario, I could've cancelled last minute, but I would have been good had I needed it (which I did). Something I learned that's important too, make sure its WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE!!! Chances are the town your in won't be home and most likely you'll get lost trying to find places. Make sure the promoter books a hotel that's close to the venue and if it's not, at least be sure that you have a driver to take you to and fro. Walking around a city your unfamiliar with is no fun, especially if you have places you need to be. Last but certainly not least, make sure you have a good way to get back home. You'd be surprised how easily this critical part of the process can be overlooked. Lucky for us though we had a ride to the bus station, so we made it there in time. It could have turned out a lot worst though had we not.

I know it might sound like my trip was horrible, but it really wasn't. I actually had a good time, but in all honesty I would have had a GREAT time with the proper travel arrangements. I know better next time, haha.

For more on me and my music visit my Myspace page at MySpace.com/DonnyGoines.

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