Waiting it Out: How to Prepare for a Long Day of Waiting for an Event

Chances are, at some point in your life, you're going to be determined (or crazy) enough to wait in line all day for an event. Whether it's a concert, a festival, or whatever the case may be, if you're like me, you'll jump at the opportunity before realizing just how painful it will be. That is, unless you're prepared ahead of time.

In my case, the band I was seeing conveniently scheduled their only concert date near me in the dead of winter. So not only was I faced with the prospect of waiting in line all day, but on top of that it was going to be close to freezing temperatures. Needless to say, it was almost unbearable. But, it didn't have to be. If I would've been prepared, I might've spared myself the agony and perhaps a couple of frostbitten toes.

Here are some suggestions on how to be prepared in order to make the experience as painless as possible:

Know When to Get There.
It's always a good idea to know when you'll need to start lining up. Depending on how close you want to be to the action, you'll need to get there fairly early. It's a good idea to call the place the day before (if possible) and ask when it's okay to start lining up. Some arenas/establishments won't mind how early you show up, but sometimes they have other events going on and won't allow you to start lining up before a certain time. It'd be pointless to show up at 5 AM only to find out you can't start lining up until noon.

Get a Full Night's Sleep.
It's extremely important to get a full night's rest the night before. You want to have enough energy as possible the next day. Getting a full night's sleep will increase your stamina and better prepare you both pysically and mentally for the long day of waiting.

Eat a Hearty Breakfast.
This is very important. Most likely, you're not going to get all of your daily nutrition if you're waiting outside all day. Before you leave, eat a healthy breakfast with lots of protien and fiber to fill you up and keep you energized. There's nothing like being loopy and faint when you should be pumped for the event.

Scope out The Area.
Chances are, at some point you're going to need to use the restroom. Before lining up, scope out the area for establishments with public restrooms. Most places will allow you to venture from the line and come back, but don't take advantage of it. Knowing where to go and getting there and back quickly will ensure you don't frustrate the person keeping your place in line.

Keep Warm and Dry.
It should be fairly obvious that if it's freezing outside, you're going to need a heavy coat and possibly a blanket. Also, make sure you have a hat, preferably a tight-fitting or a wool/knitted cap to keep your ears warm. Also, insulated gloves and a thick scarf are a good idea. And don't forget to wear thick socks. It might even be a good idea to wear multiple socks. You can always discard them if they get too hot. Your toes will thank you later.

Bring Something to Sit On.
This, too, may seem obvious, but people often forget that waiting in line literally means waiting in a line. You'll definitely benefit from something to sit on. A good idea would be to bring foldable lawn chairs that are easy to cart. If you'd rather not, at least bring a soft cushion or towel to keep your tush comfortable for the long haul.

Keep Entertained.
There's nothing like waiting hours and hours without anything to do. Sitting idle will make time crawl by. I would suggest bringing a fully-charged music player or a hand-held game system. Another good idea would be to bring a pack of cards or a good book, just to keep busy during the times when it seems like evening is never going to come.

Stay Hydrated.
Bring plenty of bottled water or energy drinks - don't run the risk of becoming dehydrared. You'd be surprised how much better it'll make you feel come show time. (Some arenas or establishments may allow you to bring a cooler, but always check with them beforehand.)

Be Prepared to Deal With the Obnoxious.
You'll most likely have to deal with difficult people in line, and possibly some who may show up late and try to weasel in ahead of you. If this happens, it probably isn't a good idea to confront them directly. If need be, alert staff or personnel. They will be able to better deal with the situation and you won't run the risk of getting a black eye before show time.

Stay Positive!
I know, it isn't easy waiting all day, but the pay off will be totally worth it, and you'll have a great story to tell for years to come. Just remember, everyone else in line is suffering right along with you. Just try and keep a smile on your face and be good-natured about it.

Of course every situation is different, but always be aware of arena policies and guidelines and ahere to them. Be courteous to those around you, and don't forget, it's supposed to be a day of excitement, so have fun but be prepared!