Going to a motor show is a fun and memorable experience. It’s one of those places where enthusiasts, car makers and the motoring press all congregate at the same time. The idea of a motor show is that you get to see new models and futuristic concepts getting unveiled.
Car makers don’t reveal details about new models and concepts until they are at motor shows. That’s because they know that’s where they will get the most publicity for their work.
Do you have a keen interest in the motor industry? If so, I can’t recommend enough visiting an international motor show at least once in your lifetime! Keep reading to find how to plan your visit and make it a memorable one!
Who’s going with you?
Before you start planning your trip to a motor show, you need to find out who else is going with you. The reason for that is simple: your entrance tickets might be cheaper if you go as a group!
Event organisers will sometimes offer discounts if you go as a family and bring young children with you. In other cases, you might get cheaper tickets if you go as a large group. Each event has different rules, so it’s worth checking before you go.
In some cases, if you buy your tickets online it can be cheaper than buying them at the door, so to speak. Again, find out what ticketing offers are available beforehand.
Which motor show do you want to go to?
There are plenty of motor shows around the world that you can go to. Here is a list of some for 2014/15:
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Paris Motor Show – 4th to 19th October 2014;
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North American International Auto Show (Detroit) – 17th to 25th January 2015;
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New York International Auto Show – 3rd to 12th April 2015;
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London MotorExpo – 8th to 14th June 2015;
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Frankfurt Auto Show – 17th to 27th September 2015;
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Tokyo Motor Show – 29th October to 8th November 2015.
Transport and accommodation
Once you know which motor show you want to visit, and how many people are going with you, the next step is to organise transport there and back.
For the European motor shows, some people opt to fly there whereas others will make a road trip of it. If you want to fly there, I recommend using websites like Kayak to seek out the cheapest flights and accommodation.
But what if you want to drive there? The main thing is that you have a roadworthy car to make the trip. In other words, don’t consider driving there in your old banger! Some folks make this the perfect excuse to buy a newer, more-reliable car.
Before I went to the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, I treated myself to a newer car from Carbase Weston-super-Mare. Of course, any reputable local dealer will do. They were just the best dealer local to me.
Be sure to find out if you need to abide by any driving rules in Europe. For example, in France you have to carry a breathalyser in your car, or you risk getting fined.
I hope you have an awesome time at the motor show you want to visit!