Traveling with cosplay costumes can be both thrilling and challenging. Whether you’re heading to a nearby convention or flying across the country, keeping your costumes safe and intact is key. Here’s a guide to make traveling with cosplay costumes stress-free!
As we all know cosplay can be rough. Hours, days, and even years are put into creating costumes. Cosplaying and traveling can prove to be daunting depending on how you are traveling, how far you’re traveling and what kind of cosplay you’re doing.
You always want to make sure that not only do you have everything you need for your cosplay but that you also have what you need when you aren’t in it. Packing and repacking can take forever and most times you either end up packing too much or too little.
For this, I have compiled a breakdown for traveling with your favorite costumes so that nothing gets lost or damaged and even if so, you’ll be able to fix any of the damages and you’ll be able to be on the move without being overwhelmed or under prepared!
1. Flying with Cosplay Costumes? Don’t Overpack!
Now, depending on how committed you are to a con, your cosplays and traveling you may come across situations where you have to get on planes. Now some airlines, like Southwest, let you have 2 free checked bags plus a carry-on item plus a personal item. In situations like this, TAKE ADVANTAGE!
However, you don’t want to overpack. Your checked bags are the ones that get weighed, so that is where you want to put your cosplay pieces. In these cases I definitely recommend not doing a big cosplay or something with heavy pieces.
You want one suitcase to be for your cosplays and then your other suitcase can be your casual clothing and wigs if you have them. That way, if you end up buying anything at the con, this is the bag to put them in, with room for rearrangements.
Your carry-on and/or personal item should have small things (that aren’t sharp), like your repair kits, electronics, tickets, lint rollers, etc. Don’t make things difficult on yourself when it comes to flying.
2. Driving to a Con? Lock Down Your Cosplay Costumes!
When it comes to driving to a con, you have a little bit more room. Here is where you should do those bigger cosplays because you have the space in your own vehicle to transport everything. But more than anything you have the ability to lock your stuff down to prevent it from being damaged.
Make sure everything is secured either in the back seat or in the trunk. If the pieces are delicate, don’t put them where they can be squashed by a heavy moving suitcase.
This is also a good time to also bring a cooler. That can be useful for snacks like chips or nuts, lunch meat and bread, drinks and water. This is a great idea if your costume is hot, you want to be as hydrated as possible.
3. Traveling with Cosplay Costumes? Make a List and Check It Twice
At this point, being like Santa Claus is not a bad idea. Making lists is going to be so helpful, in not just packing but making traveling in general much easier and more fun without worrying about if you’re missing something.
Make a list for your cosplays. List out all of the pieces that you have and make sure to double check if you’re missing anything when you pack. Pack according to the cosplay.
Make a list for the specific travel needs like toiletries, deodorant, hygiene items, medication etc. Make another list for specific con and hotel supplies or needs. Make sure you write down what panels you’re going to. Are you going to get autographs? Make sure you have what you’re getting signed. Powerstrips and charges, grabbing your ID and any electronics.
As long as you have a list and double, even triple check it, nothing should get left behind.
4. Avoid Stress While Traveling with Cosplay Costumes
Things like this can cause you to stress yourself out. This happens especially to first timers. But all that stressing you’re doing can make you forget things or pack things that you really don’t need.
Make things as easy as you can. Try simple cosplays or cosplays that have small pieces that can be easily packed. Again, make your checklists and go by them!
Make sure the suitcase with your cosplay in it, is secured well on the inside so that nothing gets broken or damaged either during a flight or a drive. Keep repair kits with you.
And most importantly, have a good time! Packing is the most stressful part of anything but don’t let it deter you from having a great time doing what you love with people you know or people you’re just now getting to meet!
Make sure you’re thinking and asking yourself those important questions. Is something worth taking? If it isn’t then leave it at home! Everything is not important, everything doesn’t have to go.
Always overplan but don’t overthink. Overthinking will make you forgetful. Pack as much as you can without completely overdoing it. Remember, you still have casual clothes to pack as well!
Make sure all your makeup and wigs are secured. Vacuum bags and makeup bags are your best friends. If you take all these tips, then traveling with your favorite costumes is going to be so simple and amazing!
5. Enjoy Traveling with Cosplay Costumes
Traveling with your cosplay costumes doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. Following these tips will make it easier to protect your creations and have a smooth journey. Cosplaying is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so remember to relax and enjoy the adventure!
Ready for more cosplay and nerdy inspiration? Check out the Blerd Blog for tips, insights, and community love at Blerd.com!
Dr. K the Anime Bae
Dr. K the Anime Bae
@KaoriAkari (Tik Tok)
@Witchblade22 (IG)
