Wednesday, March 10, 2010

SXSW Tips: Bring Some Snacks and Reusable Water Bottle

If you’re traveling to Austin for SXSW, I highly recommend bring some snacks from home with you. I like bringing snacks that are portable, healthy, and non-perishable.

Don’t forget that SXSW is a blur of beer, BBQ, and tacos, so some fruit or veggies will be in order at some point. Otherwise you might find yourself burning out on a diet of coffee, breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex, BBQ, and alcohol. Many people forget to eat some fruit and vegetables.

Things you can bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola, trail mix, instant oatmeal (I like Kashi brand), apples, oranges, crackers, cereal bars, and granola bars, just in case. You probably shouldn’t eat only queso and brisket the entire time you’re there, and you’ll be pressed for time, often, which means bringing your own can really be a lifesaver. Plus, the food in the Convention Center’s tradeshow area...leaves something to be desired.

Bonus: if you have a room with a fridge (I think you can get them for a small fee at the Hilton) or kitchenette, visit the Whole Foods on Bowie and West 5th (via cab or Dillo) and pick up some healthy snacks and water. If you try to walk, budget enough time to get there as it’s about a mile away from the Convention Center.

And with all of this extra drinking going on, it’s especially important to drink water. Stay hydrated. You’re going to be drinking, talking, standing, walking, and more, with really long days ahead of you. I often request a cup of water with every drink I have. (Don’t forget to tip your waitstaff.)

Bring a reusable water bottle, which you can fill at your convenience. Even a small one will do if you don’t want to be overburdened with stuff. (A small bottle of ibuprofen is also handy for rough mornings, if you know what I mean.)