How I did it:

• I found a dear friend who had been before and got expert advice
• I saved up my bubble gum money for all the various expenses 
• I sewed fabulous costumes anytime I could get the chance 
• I bit the bullet no matter how many times it seemed infeasible and DID IT! 

Lessons & tips:

• Find burners in your community and be brave to connect. Burners are the most open people ever and they'll be happy to have you and teach you.
• Bring more water than you think you need 
• Get your tix in January - you're more likely to commit 
• Get on craigslist to find stuff you need  
• research everyone and their brothers "burning man essentials list"  
• Find out when your local thrift stores have sales, and hit them up on the regular. And remember you can modify anything you buy to suit what you need. 
• get your to do/to bring list figured out early - like, January. Then start checking essentials off the list as you shop throughout the year that way you don't need to drop a TON of money on supplies right before you go.
• Get a hotel in Reno for the day you leave the burn, trust me on this one. 

Resources:

• Burning Man website
• Burning Man forums 
• Local Swap Meets 
• Local thrift stores 
• Regional Burners 
• Google google google 

Nov 30, 2010, 06:08PM PST | 0 comments | 8 cheers