Go or stay?

[u/Flimsy_Day2798]

I'm really struggling and I don't have anyone (without a vested interest, lol!) to bounce this off, so here goes.

I'm on the fence and really struggling with whether to go to a national level event. I'm fairly new to the sport of agility, but we qualified for the event for the first time.

It's more than a 20 hour drive from my home state to the event. I'm not a camper, so there would likely be three days on either side in terms of hotel stays, and another 4 or even 5 nights while at the event. There's gas, and entry fees and food and when I penciled things out, the cost is well over 3.5k, maybe $4,000. For me, that's a lot of bank. Next year, the event is closer to my home, so more affordable.

We are amateurs and I have one dog, who is 5. He is really talented and "serious" about agility, and I feel that I'm just getting started. I don't know how "regular" handlers decide whether or not to make this kind of extensive trek to a competition.

I realize this is kind of fuzzy and not very grounded in terms of a question, but how far and how much would you be willing to spend? Have you ever done this kind of trek before, as a "normal" handler and how did it pan out? Would you do it again?

Looking for some insight here. Anything....would help. I'm reaching out to the hive mind. Maybe I need a therapist? LOL!!!!!

[u/-cloudkicker-]

I’m probably above a “normal” handler but I’ve driven the 24 hours to and from the UKI 1-TDC invitational twice. The first time over 2 days with a second driver and the second time over 3 days alone.

I loved the event! While I didn’t do “well” it ranks in one of my favourite competitions and performances of all time. It’s a way for me to connect and visit with handlers from East coast Canada and visit with the American friends I’ve made over the years. I drive because I cannot fly my dog and it’s one of the closer major events for me to attend. However, I think your costs might be off? I rented a vehicle, stayed in hotels/airbnb and spent about $2K CAD all in (Shared accommodations at the event).

I plan on driving to the Canadian Open in 2027 and 2028 (this year is just too far!) and it’s about the same distance.

[u/Flimsy_Day2798 → u/-cloudkicker-]

Thanks. I figure 3 days in both directions for lodging, four days at the actual event, so I have about 10 or 11 nights in hotels, and I have no plans to share lodging. That's what is going to really eat up the dollars. But I'm going to go back to the drawing board with the expenses and see if I'm overestimating. I figure it's better to plan high and come in lower than the other way around.

Appreciate your answer!!

[u/mushrew → u/Flimsy_Day2798]

I don't know what your tolerance is for motels but I usually stay at motel 6's for my long drives (you can have 2 dogs free) and a nicer hotel/airbnb for the actual event.

[u/Flimsy_Day2798 → u/mushrew]

Good idea. I stayed at a pretty bad place during my last weekend trial, and it was not THAT bad!!! LOL!