Travel Tips With Sam

Going on a road trip is, from a planning perspective, generally pretty simple, right? You pick where you want to go, when you want to go, you might book a hotel, fill your car up with gas, and that's it! If only it was that simple all the time. I've learned a few things during my travels that some wouldn't normally think of (I know I didn't all of them at first), so here is my list of tips and tricks for you. Check back before your next trip, I update this when I come across new things.

1. Parking: Bring Quarters

Sometimes, your only option for parking is metered parking. Always bring a few bucks in quarters, especially if you’re traveling into a city; paying at a lot isn’t always an option, and even if it is, it might not be your most cost-effective one.

2. Parking: Don't Ever Think Parking Is Free, Especially in the City

In small towns, parking on the street is normally free and first come, first serve, but never forget to check for signs telling you where to pay for parking, especially in the city. Paid parking is beyond common within city limits, and sometimes all there is. If you don't see "Pay For Parking" signs right off the bat, LOOK at every inch of the lot you parked in. There will likely be a pay booth with an attendant, a sign with a QR code on it to scan with your phone and pay, or an electronic parking meter for the whole lot.

I had a friend who, when visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, parked in a lot nearby. She didn't see any obvious signage nearby that mentioned paying for parking, but there must have been a sign posted because her car got towed and she spent half the day and a couple hundred dollars trying to get it back from the impound lot.

PLEASE, KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED. Not paying could cost you an arm and a leg, instead of only $20.

3. Research and Research, With a Side of Research

Always research all the old venues as much as possible before reaching a town/city. Try to get as many addresses as possible, so there’s less to do when you get there.

If you really want to see all the places Elvis went within a town/city, don’t just focus on event venues, but also look at the less prominent places, too. For example, where did he and his crew eat regularly, where did he stay, and in extreme cases, where did his car breakdown (lol).

When it comes to restaurants, keep in mind, after performing, they were probably looking for food really early in the morning. In small towns, that most likely left them with one option and that’s where they went regularly, if they were in town for a few days.

Lastly, if you are finding it hard to locate something and the town doesn’t have public archives, try checking the town library, because sometimes they have some form of archives available.

4. Leave Your Introverted-Self at Home

Don’t be afraid to ask around.

If you can’t find information online about some places or events, try the town archives, libraries (sometimes they have some public archives), or town museums for any information of the Elvis variety.

If the area/building is off-limits, don’t be afraid to ask people in nearby buildings if they know anything, or if there is a number on a sign/website, call it. You might even get a private tour that way.

You don’t want to miss out on a cool experience because you’re stuck in a bubble. Trust me.

5. DO ASK These People for Information

a. Usually the best people to ask for information work at the local antique store.

When you're trying to find something and you don't have any leads, this might be one of the best places in a town to start. 99% of the time, even one-horse towns that only really have a restaurant named "Restaurant", a church, and a courthouse, also have a antique store. When you're there, find the oldest person you see, introduce yourself by name, shake hands, and ask away. They might know more than you think.

b. Another good person to ask, is anyone in the working class, that's how I got into the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. The fairgrounds were closed and I couldn't get in, but I asked a worker I saw that was there to do some maintenance, and he let me follow him inside and look around. The working class is my favorite type of person and they're probably some of the nicest you'll ever meet.

6. DON'T ASK These People for Anything

If you're trying to gain access to a building (coliseum, auditorium, etc), usually the quickest way to get nowhere and kill all possible chances of gaining any ground, is by asking a security guard or ticket booth attendant. FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING THAT IS HOLY, JUST DON'T. They are given a little bit of power with there job, and they will use every ounce of it. This is by no means all of them, but a majority of them I've come across and it's best to just avoid asking them your questions.

7. Check ALL of the Doors

You might be surprised how often this works, but that's why it's on this list. During the week (M-F), venues often keep at least one door open for deliveries, the workers inside, etc. This is something I learned at the Cleveland Public Auditorium in Cleveland, OH, the Heart O' Texas Coliseum in Waco, TX, and the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, TX.

NEVER GIVE UP! CHECK ALL DOORS!

8. Don't Be Shy About Calling a Venue Every Day for Weeks to Gain Access

It might seem like you're annoying the staff at a venue, and you might be, but make it clear, in the nicest way possible, that if they want you off their back, they're gonna have to let you in. ;) It works more than you'd think. That's how I got into the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.

9. Stay Safe

Do whatever you feel you need to do to stay safe, whether that is traveling with someone or other things. I'm slowly, but surely, releasing posts about Elvis places, but I advise you check if I've posted about where you're going. I always mention if extra safety precautions should be taken, or if you should even go in the first place. Elvis hasn't been around for a long time, and many places have changed a lot and not often for the better. Keep in mind that in some instances, I travel to places so you don't have to.

10. If You Have Time and There’s Other Interesting Stuff in the Town, Go For It

Some towns/cities have their own shtick, so why not check it out, if you’ve got the time.

...

Message me on instagram if you have any tips to add.