#ticket booking app development

[apsyaiappbuilder]

Learn about the ways on how to build a ticket booking app.

Find out about the ways on how to build a ticket booking app? Take a look at this blog for more information.

[idiosys1]

Event Ticketing Applications: Streamlining the Journey from Planning to Showtime

Event Ticketing Applications: Streamlining the Journey from Planning to Showtime

The event industry thrives on creating unforgettable experiences. From electrifying concerts to captivating conferences, events bring people together and foster connections. But behind the scenes, the magic requires meticulous planning and organization.  This is where event ticketing applications emerge as true game-changers.

Gone are the days of paper tickets and long queues.  Event booking applications and web applications have revolutionized the way events are managed and experienced. By leveraging technology, these applications offer a multitude of benefits for both event organizers and attendees, transforming the entire event lifecycle.

Convenience at Your Fingertips: The Core Power of Ticketing Apps

Let’s face it, the convenience factor is king. Event booking applications allow attendees to purchase tickets from anywhere, anytime, using their smartphones or computers. This eliminates the need for physical box offices, saving valuable time and effort for both organizers and attendees. Imagine discovering a concert you desperately want to attend – with a few clicks on a ticket booking application, you can secure your spot and skip the hassle.

This ease of purchase also translates to increased sales potential for event organizers. By removing barriers to entry, event booking applications can significantly expand your reach and attract a wider audience.

Beyond Ticketing: A Multi-Functional Powerhouse

Event ticketing applications go far beyond just selling tickets. They offer a comprehensive suite of features that streamline event management and enhance the attendee experience:

Seamless Event Registration: Facilitate easy registration with customizable forms, allowing attendees to provide necessary information and select preferences.

Flexible Ticketing Options: Cater to diverse audiences by offering various ticket tiers, including VIP packages, early bird discounts, and group bookings.

 Secure Payment Processing: Integrate secure payment gateways to ensure safe and convenient transactions for ticket purchases.

Real-Time Sales Tracking: Gain valuable insights into ticket sales with real-time data, allowing you to make informed decisions and optimize marketing efforts.

Mobile Ticketing: Eliminate the need for physical tickets by providing mobile access through the application. This allows for easy entry, faster check-in, and reduced risk of lost tickets.

 Event Information and Updates: Keep attendees informed with event details, schedules, speaker information, and any last-minute updates directly through the application.

Engagement Features: Foster attendee interaction with features like polls, Q&A sessions, and gamification elements, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.

Data Analytics: Gather valuable data on attendee demographics, preferences, and behaviour. Use these insights to personalize future events and improve marketing strategies.

These features, combined with the inherent convenience of event booking applications, create a win-win situation for both event organizers and attendees. Organizers benefit from increased efficiency, improved data collection, and potentially higher sales. Attendees enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience from ticket purchase to post-event engagement.

Security and Scalability: Essential Considerations

When choosing an event ticketing application, security and scalability are paramount. Ensure the application utilizes robust security measures to protect sensitive attendee data, including financial information. Additionally, the platform should be scalable to accommodate events of varying sizes, from small local gatherings to large-scale concerts and festivals.

For IT managers evaluating event ticketing applications, consider cloud-based solutions that offer automatic software updates, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and security patches. This also eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure, reducing IT overhead and maintenance costs.

The Future of Events: Powered by Ticketing Applications

The future of events is undoubtedly mobile, and data driven. Event ticketing applications are at the forefront of this evolution, shaping a more streamlined, engaging, and data-rich event experience. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features, such as:

Personalized Recommendations: Leverage attendee data to suggest relevant events and experiences.

Augmented Reality Integration: Enhance the event experience with interactive AR features that provide additional information or unlock exclusive content.

Facial Recognition Technology: Streamline entry with secure and efficient facial recognition for check-in.

By embracing the power of event ticketing applications, IT professionals, event organizers, and musical event organizers can unlock a world of possibilities, creating unforgettable experiences for attendees while maximizing efficiency and profitability.

Are you ready to transform your events?  Explore the vast array of event ticketing applications available and discover how this powerful technology can revolutionize the way you manage and experience events.

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Are digital tickets secure?

Yes, digital tickets are secure. They often come with unique QR codes or barcodes that are scanned at the event entrance to ensure authenticity.

What should I do if I don’t receive my ticket after purchase?

If you don’t receive your ticket, check your email’s spam folder first. If it's not there, contact the app’s customer support for assistance. They can resend the ticket or help resolve the issue.

Can I use the app to find events happening near me?

Yes, most event ticketing apps have a feature that shows events happening near your location. You can browse by category, date, or popularity.

Is it safe to enter my payment information in the app?

Yes, reputable ticketing apps use secure encryption methods to protect your payment information. Look for security badges and reviews to ensure the app’s credibility.

Can I manage multiple events and tickets within the app?

Yes, you can manage multiple events and tickets within the app. Your account will keep track of all your purchases and upcoming events.

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Check out the blog post: https://shorturl.at/nyL7S

[harrywatson4u]

The Event Ticket Booking mobile application allows users to select their taste and place and make an order for any amount of tickets with the option of digital payment. To Build an Event Ticket Booking App like SeatGeek, engage Dev Technosys for comprehensive development. Employ a user-friendly interface allowing easy browsing and purchasing of tickets. Implement advanced search filters, secure payment gateways, and real-time event updates. Utilize robust backend frameworks and scalable infrastructure to ensure seamless performance. Incorporate personalized recommendations and social media integration for enhanced user experience.

[firmsfinder]

Bus Ticket Booking Mobile App Development : Features, Cost (2024)

In the dynamic landscape of 2024’s digital era, mobile application development continues to reshape our interactions with fundamental services. One standout innovation is the Bus Ticket Booking Mobile App, a revolutionary solution seamlessly merging travel convenience with cutting-edge technology. This introduction delves into the evolving realm of mobile app development for bus ticket booking, exploring anticipated features and costs that will shape the user experience in the upcoming year.

Responding to the demand for efficient travel solutions in an era of heightened mobility, sophisticated mobile applications have taken center stage. This article will dissect the intricacies of crafting a state-of-the-art bus ticket booking app, emphasizing key features to elevate user experience and streamline the booking process. Additionally, it will provide a comprehensive overview of anticipated expenses, shedding light on the financial investment required to bring these technological marvels to life by 2024. Join us on this futuristic journey, where the fusion of travel and technology, embodied in the Bus Ticket Booking App, promises to redefine how we plan and embark on our bus trips.

What Constitutes the Fundamental Elements of Mobile Bus Ticket Booking App Software?

The foundational elements of mobile ticketing software encapsulate the essence of a seamless and efficient user experience in the digital age. At its core, a user-friendly interface facilitates easy navigation, enabling individuals to effortlessly browse and book tickets with the utmost ease. Design simplicity ensures accessibility for users with varying levels of technological proficiency.

Integral to the software’s functionality is the incorporation of secure payment gateways, safeguarding consumers’ financial information during transactions. To enhance user flexibility, the software should seamlessly accept various payment options, including digital wallets and credit cards.

Another critical component is real-time updates and notifications, providing users with swift information on ticket availability, booking confirmations, and itinerary modifications. These enhancements render the system more dynamic and responsive, ultimately improving the overall user experience.

Furthermore, for broader accessibility, the software must be compatible across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. Integration with GPS technology allows users to trace their journeys in real-time, promoting transparency and enhancing the overall travel experience.

The fundamental components of mobile ticket booking software prioritize not only effective functionality but also a user-friendly and secure experience, revolutionizing the way we engage with ticketing services in the digital age. This becomes especially pivotal in an era where mobility is synonymous with convenience, emphasizing the crucial role of Bus Ticket Booking App, Mobile App Development, iOS mobile development companies, and Android developers in shaping this transformative landscape.

The widespread use of mobile app development for booking tickets

The prevalent utilization of mobile apps for ticket purchasing in today’s world has firmly established them as pillars of efficiency and convenience. The revolution in how we organize and secure tickets for various services, including flights, trains, events, and entertainment, exemplifies the transformative impact of technology on our daily lives.

These mobile apps seamlessly integrate into our routines, granting users unparalleled accessibility and control over their booking experiences. Beyond simplifying the process, the ability to browse, select, and purchase tickets at the touch of a screen eradicates the time and location constraints associated with traditional ticket purchases.

Mobile ticketing not only offers convenience but also encompasses personalized recommendations, secure payment methods, and real-time updates. The user-friendly interfaces of these apps cater to a broad spectrum of users, accommodating both tech-savvy individuals and those less familiar with digital platforms.

Moreover, by reducing the reliance on paper tickets, the widespread adoption of mobile ticketing contributes to environmental sustainability. The pervasive use of mobile apps for ticket booking signifies a paradigm shift in our engagement with various services, especially in an era dominated by smartphones and continuous connectivity. This transformation makes the entire process, from planning to execution, more efficient and user-centric, emphasizing the significance of the Bus Ticket Booking App, Mobile App Development, and the role of iOS mobile development companies in this evolving landscape.

For more reads: Mobile App Development

[fare-api]

Event Ticket Booking Mobile App Development

Are you looking for an outstanding event app solution for your business?

Hire our dedicated developer to build an event app for Android and iOS platforms. With years of experience in the event booking mobile app development industry, we customize top-notch solutions suited to your precise requirements. 

FlightsLogic is the top event app development company that assembles all components of the event area. We treat each event app as the augmentation of the brand picture. We offer a component-rich Event services app to members at events of any size. 

 FlightsLogic is a pioneering event management app development company mobilizing all aspects of the event industry. We consider every event and ticket booking app as an extension of your brand image.

Hire an event booking mobile app developer to offer a hi-tech experience to attract a maximum number of customers. With a powerful app, you can attract many sponsors to enhance online brand visibility.

 This arrangement and the presence of abilities to prepare the entire event experience is the thing that has caused us to turn into the top Event App Development Agency. 

 We have a qualified team of event mobile app developers to understand the importance of offering an enjoyable event experience. Therefore, we bring high-end event app development solutions to your fingertips. The overall app experience of users including entrance to events and program scheduling or relevant updates gets a lot simpler than before. Being one of the leading event app development companies, we are efficient in building feature-rich and scalable service apps exclusively to meet your demand!

[rainet00]

Transport Booking Software Development Company

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, the transportation industry has become an integral part of our daily lives. With the rise of technology, businesses in this sector are constantly looking for ways to streamline their operations and provide better services to their customers. This is where Rainet Technology comes in - a leading transport booking software development company that offers innovative solutions to help businesses achieve their goals. In this article, we will explore who Rainet Technology is, why they are the best in the business, and how they can help your business grow. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Rainet Technology!

Who is Rainet Technology?

Rainet Technology is a leading software development company that specializes in creating transport booking software solutions for businesses of all sizes. Based in India, Rainet Technology has been providing top-notch software development services to clients across the globe since 2012.

With a team of highly skilled and experienced developers, designers, and project managers, Rainet Technology is dedicated to delivering innovative and customized software solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them a reputation as one of the best transport booking software development companies in the industry.

At Rainet Technology, the team understands that every business has different requirements when it comes to transport booking software. That's why they take a personalized approach to each project, working closely with clients to understand their specific needs and goals before developing a customized solution tailored to their business. Whether you're looking for a simple booking system or a complex logistics management platform, Rainet Technology has the expertise and experience to deliver exactly what you need.

Why Rainet Technology is the best transport booking software development company?

Rainet Technology is the best transport booking software development company for several reasons. Firstly, they have a team of highly skilled professionals who are experts in developing transport booking software that meets the unique needs of their clients. They use the latest technology and tools to create user-friendly and efficient software that streamlines the booking process.

Secondly, Rainet Technology has years of experience in developing transport booking software for various industries such as logistics, transportation, and travel. This experience has given them a deep understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in these industries and how to solve them through innovative software solutions.

Thirdly, Rainet Technology offers customized solutions tailored to each client's specific requirements. They work closely with their clients to understand their business processes and develop software that fits seamlessly into their operations. This ensures that clients get exactly what they need without any unnecessary features or functions.

Overall, Rainet Technology's expertise, experience, and commitment to providing customized solutions make them the best choice for any business looking for reliable and efficient transport booking software development services.

How can Rainet Technology help your business?

Rainet Technology can help your business in numerous ways when it comes to transport booking software development. With their expertise and experience, they can provide you with a customized solution that caters to your specific needs. They understand the importance of having a seamless and efficient transport booking system in place, which is why they work closely with their clients to ensure that the end product meets all their requirements.

Their team of skilled developers uses the latest technology and tools to create a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate for both customers and administrators. Rainet Technology also provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your system runs smoothly without any glitches or downtime.

By choosing Rainet Technology as your transport booking software development company, you can streamline your operations, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. Their solutions are scalable, so as your business grows, so does your software. Don't hesitate to reach out to them today to see how they can help take your business to the next level.

Why Choose Rainet Technology for a transport booking software development company?

When it comes to choosing a software development company for your transport booking needs, there are many options available in the market. However, Rainet Technology stands out from the rest due to its exceptional services and expertise in the field. Choosing Rainet Technology as your transport booking software development company can provide you with a range of benefits that can help take your business to new heights.

Rainet Technology has a team of highly skilled professionals who have years of experience in developing custom software solutions for businesses across various industries. They understand the unique requirements of each client and work closely with them to develop tailor-made solutions that meet their specific needs. With their expertise in transport booking software development, they can create efficient and user-friendly applications that streamline your operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

Moreover, Rainet Technology uses cutting-edge technologies and tools to deliver top-notch solutions that are scalable, secure, and reliable. They follow industry best practices and standards to ensure that their clients receive high-quality services at all times. With their commitment to delivering excellence, Rainet Technology is undoubtedly the best choice for businesses looking for a reliable partner for their transport booking software development needs.

Hire Rainet Technology Today?

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient transport booking software development company, then Rainet Technology is the perfect choice for you. With years of experience in the industry, we have developed a reputation for providing top-notch services to our clients. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering customized solutions that cater to your business needs.

When you hire Rainet Technology, you can rest assured that your project will be handled by professionals who are committed to excellence. We work closely with our clients to understand their requirements and provide them with innovative solutions that help them achieve their goals. Our team is well-versed in the latest technologies and trends in the industry, which enables us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet your specific needs.

So if you're looking for a transport booking software development company that can help take your business to the next level, look no further than Rainet Technology. Contact us today and let us help you achieve your business objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rainet Technology is the best transport booking software development company that can help your business grow and thrive. With their expertise in developing customized software solutions for transportation companies, they can provide you with a platform that streamlines your operations, improves customer satisfaction, and increases revenue. Their team of skilled developers and designers work tirelessly to ensure that every project they undertake is delivered on time and within budget. So if you're looking for a reliable partner to help you take your transportation business to the next level, look no further than Rainet Technology. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help you achieve your goals!

Visit Website:  https://rainet.co.in/bus-booking-system.php

[netmaxims-technologies]

Unlock the power of seamless event management with our top-notch online event booking app development company. Elevate your events, trade shows, and conferences. Get Free Consultation Now!

[lucaslagone]

Explore the return on investment (ROI) of flight ticket booking app development. Discover if investing in a flight booking app is worth it for your business.

[yangonmobile2]

Top Food Delivery Apps Development Company in Yangon. Best Food Delivery iOS and Android Mobile Apps Experts in Myanmar. Hire Best Food Software Developers

[flight-reservation-system]

Flight Booking App Development

•      So many people have recently moved to online applications, whether to make online payments, book flight tickets or do a mobile recharge. Using online applications for any purpose is relatively easier than reaching out to any outlet and paying offline for it.

•      Online application has brought a revolution within the market. Evert smartphone users have multiple online applications installed on their device and flight booking application is one of them. Booking flight tickets has been offends if not done on a trusted application or through some stranger. You required to checks timing, class, seats, and layover time before booking a flight ticket. Hence we are involved in designing a custom range of Flight Booking applications for our customers.

•      Our Flight Booking Applications came with myriad offers that support users’ traveling schedules together with providing them incredible discount offers. You'll not get such discounted rates on manual bookings. The importance of the flight booking app Development Company has led to a great surge in the field of web development. There's an abundance of skilled flight booking app developers who deliver great applications if given the right directions. Flightsreservationsystem is one among those pioneering companies that are involved in designing an excellent range of Flight booking App development companies.

•      Flightsreservationsystem is a custom web development company that makes enticing software and mobile applications for customers. Flight booking app development is our forte, and our leading application management solutions enable customers to book tickets for multiple destinations and routes with none hassle. Clients can schedule their destinations, view the availability of the seats, interactive seat maps, and select their choice of seats all on one app. We work with perfection to form your company a booming master. You'll contact us through email, call or send a query directly on the contact details provided on this page.

BENEFITS OF FLIGHT BOOKING APP DEVELOPMENT

Utilising a flight booking app helps make your movement smoother with an easy booking process for tickets. The adaptable applications permit clients to sort out their trips cost-really. Let’s dive deep into some of the major advantage of flight booking app development.

•      Simple to book tickets – The flight booking app development is made for mobile, tablets and laptops with various choices of devices to book flight tickets. The user-friendly interface makes it easy and quick to browse and book flights.

•      Saves a lot of time – The most of people know that the traditional flight booking system demands lots of time. The convenient flight booking app development leverages the customers with different advantages.

•      24/7 booking available and customer support – At any time, the clients can book a flight. All-day tickets booking facility and round-the-clock customer support make a flight booking very easy and smooth. If any issue arise with the users, they talk with a consultant.

•      Changes and cancellations – Previously, it was difficult to cancel an air ticket, and therefore the process was also long. However, it's easier to change the flight or cancel with a single click through the flight booking mobile app.

•      Refunds after cancellation – The flight booking mobile apps allows easy refunds after customers cancel flights due to emergencies or other reasons.

FEATURES OF FLIGHT BOOKING APP DEVELOPMENT

First and foremost, to make an exceptional app, you must put some best features in your flight booking app development. Then, however, we'll discuss all the necessary features for your flight booking app. Let’s check fast.

CUSTOMER PANEL FEATURES

·         Social Login/Sign up – It is the first step after clients downloads the mobile flight app. Easy login for the client to access all the services faster with their social media profiles. You'll also sign-up here using your email id and phone number for the login.

·         Flight Schedules – This feature gives the flight information by entering the destination and time. In addition, clients can find travel details for the specific date and know various costs and availability.

·         Search for one-day or round trip – Clients can search for low-cost one-way or round-trip bookings. Clients also organise their trips around various countries and check availability for booking. Through these features, you'll also plan trips to multiple cities.

·         Flight Booking – The flight booking process is simple with a few clicks and swipes. Clients can book their flight tickets through the app anywhere and everywhere.

·         Booking status – This is an essential feature of in-flight booking app development. The clients here can know the details of a booking. Additionally, here you'll get details about confirmation or cancellation of the booking.

·         Check-in – This section will update airport check-in, where the clients will get notification of their check-ins.

·         Frequent Flyer – These features of the flight booking app will give the long-standing customer tag to the regular travellers who fly in and out most frequently.

ADMIN PANEL FEATURES

Admin manages the full app data and information. The admin panel likewise is made simple because the admin also deserve to enjoy working on your app. You'll add the following various features in your admin section.

•      Management Information – Managing the heap of data coming the service provider’s way can be made conceivable with the assist of this particular feature.

•      Multilingual language – First thing, all users aren't highly good with the English language. However, your app should support different languages so that users may find it an easy way to communicate.

•      Manage ticket booking – With the assistance of these features assigning the tickets based on the passengers, the services providers will do previous bookings and trips.

•      Offer management – This features services provider will be able to manage the special offer they give to their traveller on their flight booking. The offers come consistent with the airlines.

•      View searches – The service provider will also find it simple to handle the order pending, prices and highly depending upon the volume and keywords search.

•      Customer support – This feature in your flight booking app provide your customers 24X7 supports which is essential as we all know it.

•      Chatbot – Conversational interface like a chatbot integrated with the flight booking app will help the admin. Various user queries simply.

ADVANCED FEATURES

·         Push Notification – There's no unique flight booking app development feature, but it is the best. The push notification provides information about the latest discount and alerts. Email notifications are also essential.

·         Social media integration – Social media is an important part of an online flight booking app. Moreover, users can share the feedback and experiences of their trips with other social media links.

·         Live Tracking – You must integrate live tracking advanced features in the flight booking app. However, it shows the live flight status in order that users can quickly know their flight timings in case of any changes or delays.

·         Multiple payment gateways – Multiple payment gateways are a crucial advanced feature. Users who look for the flight must book flights and make payments easily. Secured payment gateway services are a matter of security and knowledge.

·         Third-party integration – At the purpose when we coordinate with various kinds of third party integration, it upgrades the aspect in which the flight booking app performs.

·         In-built Calendar – Its necessary advanced feature for the flight booking app for customers to book tickets easily. The customers decide their travel day as per their choices.

·         Get Booking Discount – When users books a ticket first time, book a ticket in bulk, you can provide them a discount. These advanced features build your app a top priority.

·         Holiday Package – Holiday packages for those customers who love to travel from one place to another. These advanced features can be integrated to attract more customers.

·         Email notification – Fast and smooth communication of an email notification is there, which depend on updates of an app. It's essential for the users at the time of their trip.

CONCLUSION:

For more details, please visit our website:

https://www.flightsreservationsystem.com/flight-booking-app-development

[psi-hate]

alright, this really, really sucks but i have an unfortunate update that occurred regarding my recent living situation.

not to get into too much detail for the sake of my friend's privacy, but she and her fiance offered to take me in after i was suddenly on the verge of homelessness this february. i accepted their offer and moved in thanks to everyone's support, and for the last few months, i felt comfortable and capable in getting myself together for the first time in years.

however, despite what i assumed were all positive developments, things started getting a lot more complicated. i become exposed to the treatment and stress my friend has been suffering from her fiance over many years, from being spied on via tracking apps, in-house cameras, a ridiculous jealousy complex and all sorts of other personal issues.

her friends and i have been supporting her over the years, but i didn't realize how bad it was until i started to be subjected to it as well.

my friend decided to break up with her fiance last week, finally standing up for herself but still wanting to remain friends and live as normally as they could, they still had the house and their cats and such. her now ex-fiance hasn't taken kindly to this and has been pretty passively hostile towards us, and has started to take it out on me.

she started stalking my tumblr to find things to get mad at, and checking the cameras when i leave my room. i've not felt comfortable to leave my room in well over a week other than to get some food or use the bathroom in the middle of the night, the tension has been a nightmare.

my friend and i decided we needed to move out, especially me since i'm technically not a tenant and we suspect she's going to call the police on me to get me out of here. my friend will be going to her parents at a later point, but i unfortunately need to leave within a couple weeks as i've already been "indirectly" threatened.

this is sort of a nightmare, and i feel so horrible things turned out this way for my friend. i tried my best, but this feels out of my control. trying to keep the peace has only made things worse, and we think it's best for me to book it before i get blind-sighted.

i suspect if her ex-fiance sees this, she'll retaliate, but at this point i've already made my peace with that.

unfortunately, i won't be able to bring much of my stuff with me, i only have enough money for a ticket to move in with another close friend as an emergency.

i don't have enough to buy any checked bags for most my belongings, especially my desktop pc, so once i move i'm very likely going to not be able to do my art or anything until i can afford a laptop eventually. i'm really sorry to those waiting on any commissions, i'll try my best to get them done before i move. i feel so horrible about this.

if anyone is able to help, i'd really appreciate it. even just a reblog is more than i can really ask. i hesitate to make this request because i feel like i just asked for it only for it to all be wasted once this exploded in my face. but i've been encouraged to reach out, and i apologize if this is too much. my ko-fi:

thank you so much for supporting me so far. i don't want to disappoint anyone anymore. i am so scared but i still want to keep trying.

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Guess what, guys? Guess what! Further developments on my trip to the UK, which is now in under four weeks! This weekend it’ll be three weeks! I am starting to get genuinely anxious about whether I’ve forgotten any important aspects of trip planning, even though I have been planning a trip like this in general for nearly four years, and have been planning this specific trip for about a year! I booked my accommodation in November and my flights over Christmas. I booked my rail pass soon after that. I booked my shows. I’m going to go soon to take out strange British currency. I’ve bought a British SIM card. I have a list of shit to bring with me like a portable phone charger. I have a colour-coded spreadsheet where I’ve broken the whole two-week trip down day-by-day with travel logistics and planned activities. I’m going to print out paper copies of all my many tickets so I don’t have to mess around with an app or worry about internet signal failing when I get there. I’ve reserved my train seats. Do I need anything else? It feels like people should need more than that to go to a different country that’s across an ocean. Two different countries, actually! What do people need to be allowed to do that?

Anyway, new things have happened! First of all, I’d been trying to work out what I wanted to do with the couple of days between my stay in London and my stay in Edinburgh, when I’m going to take trains in Scottish Highlands and hike around Ben Nevis, but I wasn’t sure about the plan for getting there. I have now found a plan that I like a lot! Sleeper train. I’m doing a sleeper train.

London to Fort William, direct train, 9 PM to 10 AM, August 1-2. I booked literally the last seat on it. By the time I came up with this idea, they’d already sold out all the bits of the trains with beds and stuff, and only had five seats left. I spent a couple of days thinking I won’t sleep sitting up, I won’t want to be exhausted in the Scottish Highlands, I shouldn’t do that. Then I remembered that I’ve booked a red-eye flight, a sleeper train is designed to be much easier to sleep in than a plane even if you’re not in the bed parts, I’ve already staked some of my holiday on the idea that I’ll be able to sleep on the plane and enjoy the day I arrive, so that should hold true for a train as well. This is definitely good logic. I went back to the site and there was only one seat left, but I booked it.

I love trains. I romanticize trains so much, probably because we don’t have nearly as many of them in Canada as they do in Europe. The only thing I romanticize more than a train is a night train. And the only thing I romanticize more than a night train is all of Scotland. I’m taking a night train to Scotland.

I’ve never been to Scotland before. I’ve been to England – once, when I was sixteen, and went with my mother for a couple of weeks, to visit my godmother there. But we were mainly just in London. We spent one night in Suffolk. Also a couple of nights in Geneva in Switzerland, oddly. But we didn’t go anywhere else in the UK. I figure the first time I ever go to Scotland, I should probably arrive at sunrise on a night train.

I’m not entirely sure why, for the last twenty years or so of my life, I have had Scotland as my go-to idea of the perfectly romanticized place to which I’d like to run away. It’s partly growing up on Celtic folk music, I guess. That’s mainly music in the Celtic style that was made on Canada’s East Coast, but some music from actual Celtic lands as well, and probably more Scottish stuff than anything else. I love a lot of Irish music as well, but in general, my Irish music tends to be stuff from Newfoundland (or, occasionally, Ireland) that’s fiddle party music, while the Scottish music tends to be stuff from Nova Scotia (or, occasionally, Scotland) that’s more traditional, so maybe I felt more of a personal connection to that (this sentence is, of course, a massive oversimplification of every noun in it). All those songs telling me about the purple heather in Scottish mountains. I want to see the purple heather.

Probably more of the Scottish thing than I like comes from a childhood (well, ages 10-15 or so) spent deeply obsessed with Harry Potter, though. Hogwarts was in the mountains of Scotland. I learned at a young age that if your childhood is lonely and difficult, all you have to do is get on a train in London, and ride north until you get to the magical fairy lands of Scotland, and then everything is cool and exciting and majestic and beautiful. It doesn’t surprise anyone that I was a lonely child with no friends, right? (Well, no friends aside from my grandmother, whom I sometimes got to go stay with by taking one of those insufficiently common Canadian trains, and my online friends that I made on Harry Potter message boards. This may be further explaining some of my obsessions.)

So I am very very excited about taking a night train into the Scottish Highlands. I think I’m going to go to Cambridge and back on that day, so I can run around the university campus with all the old majestic buildings and feel like I’m in Harry Potter (that is… way too big a factor in my desire to see Cambridge, I mean it’s also because I want to origins of Footlights as too many of my favourite comedians come from there, I want to see where Douglas Adams set the first Dirk Gently book, I want to see history, but I mainly want to see cool old buildings that make me feel like I’m in Harry Potter, and if any of them could feel a bit like His Dark Materials that would be cool too), and then take a night train into the Scottish Highlands. It’ll be good.

I’ve been on a night train once before in my life, when I moved back to Ontario after doing a year in Nova Scotia, and the train was about 25 hours. When I was all excited for it beforehand, my parents kept reminding me that it’ll be cool at first but I should expect to get tired of it long before the 25-hour mark, so should be very prepared with books and things like that. I didn’t need them. By the time we arrived, I still wasn’t sick of how cool that train was, I’d have happily done it all again right away. I got a few hours of sleep, but I mainly just looked out the window and played Bruce Cockburn.

So that's exciting. But honestly, the excitement about that from this weekend was almost immediately eclipsed by the further development that Nish Kumar is doing a WIP in London while I'm there! I get to see him more times!

Okay, so since I started planning this trip last year, I've known that there are three main London comedy venues I want to see in person. I want to see Angel Comedy at The Bill Murray, I want to see Always Be Comedy at The Tommyfield, and I want to see the Soho Theatre. So many of my favourite comedy things have been recorded in those places, so many of my favourite things about comedy happen there, I've been ridiculously lucky to get to hear so many words said there thanks to the magic of technology, but I've never been there, and I want to. I'm not in London for all that many nights, so I knew I'd have to get very lucky for even one of those places - much less all three - to happen to be playing something I very much care about while I'm there. But I figured I'd look all their lineups for the nights I'm in London, pick the thing that looks best, and go see that even if it's not a show I find all that exciting, because I'll get to see the venue. I also thought I don't know if it'll make sense to do that three times, maybe I'll just do one or two shows. Maybe I'll go have lunch at one of the pubs or something, so I can see the place without having to go to a show I don't care about.

Given that, I think I've gotten so lucky. The day I get back to London from Edinburgh, and the day before I fly home from London, Desiree Burch is doing a full-length WIP at ABC. I want to see her so much! I was really disappointed when I learned she's not arriving in Edinburgh until after I leave. I think she's brilliant, I love both the full stand-up specials she's recorded, I've also heard other bits of her stand-up and loved that too, including some short recent stuff that made me very interested in hearing her current full show. And now I can! In the venue that I wanted to see anyway! Great luck!

Then I learned that Brynley Stent will be at the Soho Theatre while I'm in London, before I go to Scotland. I can't say I had her particularly high on my list of comedians to see before I learned that, but this also very much isn't a case of me getting a ticket to a show I don't care about just because it's the Soho Theatre. I liked her a lot on Taskmaster, so I know she's funny. More than that, I've looked up her show and it looks awesome. It's her 2023 show, so all nice and polished by now. It's a subject that's right up my alley. And it's described with words like "absurdist sketch comedy", so I get to feel good about trying types of shows that are slightly outside my usual wheelhouse - which I specifically want to try to do, a bit, during this trip - while still seeing someone I know and like off Taskmaster so it's not too far out of my comfort zone. Perfect.

So I had that set up, I was very happy with it. Then Kitson announced his Collaborator run that would coincide with my trip, and that was the biggest thing I was hoping for, so that's fucking excellent. That's not at any of the three venues I really wanted to see, but I would go see him perform at the bottom of the ocean if that's where he announced his late-July run. I figured, I get to see Kitson, I get to see two of the three venues I wanted, I get to see Desiree Burch even though I'll miss her in Edinburgh, Brynley Stent's thing looks awesome - this is more than enough. More than I hoped for. I can start locking in plans now, I'm not waiting for anything else to come up. I'll walk by the Bill Murray and look at the pub.

And then Nish Kumar announced a WIP at the Bill Murray during a couple of the nights I'm in London. Obviously I immediately got a ticket. Well, to be honest, my friend whom I'm staying with in London picked me up a ticket because he's got a membership that lets him do that, but I'll pay him for it, I promise. I am so fucking excited. That is perfect. Nish Kumar doing a full-length Angel Comedy WIP, just a few days before he goes up to Edinburgh, a few weeks after the election. That is the perfect time and place to see Nish Kumar. I might be willing to pay the cost of the plane tickets just to be there for that.

I realize I'm ridiculously lucky. I said at some point - maybe late last year, maybe this year, I'm not sure - that it doesn't make sense to pick a "favourite comedian" because there are so many different types of comedy, I'll be in the mood for different things at different times, I go through phases, it's apples to oranges, comedians' careers are so vast and varied that you can't compare them, I can list which comedian I think is best at some highly specific aspect of comedy, but not just who's best at "comedy". But having said that, I said, during this conversation that I had with my father in late 2023 or early 2024, Daniel Kitson is my favourite comedian and Nish Kumar is my second favourite comedian. After that it gets more complicated, might depend what day you ask me. You get to Andy Zaltzman and Josie Long and Alice Fraser and David O'Doherty pretty fast, if you're going down the list. But I don't want to keep listing names because I'll leave people out. I'm not good at narrowing these things down. If I started listing comedians who belong "among my top favourites" I'd get at least 25 names in before feeling like I can start a new tier.

Having said that, Daniel Kitson and Nish Kumar are my two favourite comedians. And they are both performing in London while I'm there, even though I only have five nights in London (Kitson, Kumar, Burch, Stent, and one night free). That is pretty fucking good. I got lucky.

I am, of course, also seeing Nish Kumar's show in Edinburgh, and I booked in for both nights that Pod Save the UK is recording, because I have spent so much of my life listening to Nish Kumar speak while I was not in a room with Nish Kumar, I just can't miss any of these rare opportunities to be in a room with Nish Kumar. But with the London WIP, this does mean I'm now going to be in the presence of Nish Kumar on four separate nights (or afternoons, as his Edinburgh show's at 14:50). I'm only in the UK for 13 nights. I'm going to be in a room with Nish Kumar for 30% of the nights (or afternoons) of this trip. That might be a touch excessive, possibly. I have no regrets. Well, not about that. I have many regrets, but booking too much Nish Kumar is not one of them.

I also have a somewhat updated Fringe calendar:

I rebooked Sheeps. They were on my original schedule at their original time that was something like 10 PM, I was going to see them on my first day there. But then they moved, I got a refund automatically, but I'd already booked things that clashed with their new time on every night. I wasn't sure if it would be worth dropping something for them, but I learned this weekend that I'll get to hear Greg Larsen's show when he tours it after the festival, so I dropped Greg Larsen for Sheeps. That kind ruins the nice little "Australia Day" I had going on August 6, with seeing Zoe Coombs Marr and Greg Larsen and Dan Rath all in a row. But I think Sheeps will be very good, and this is probably their last show together, my only chance to see it.

I also added Aaron Simmonds, because I liked his Disabled Coconut show on NextUp, and because his show this year is about being a fan of Harry Potter (but, the blurb crucially mentions, he's not a fan of the author - it's nice when people clarify that so you don't have to wonder, so to be clear, JK Rowling has ruined my childhood with her pronouncements from the last few years, I do not endorse those and will carefully keep my Harry Potter-based tourism to looking at old buildings with Harry Potter vibes, and would not do anything that could translate to profit for her). It looks good.

There are a few more holes in the schedule that I'm hoping to maybe fill with something vaguely different. I know I should do more of that, that the point of a festival is to try out stuff you don't already know. That's what I do at folk festivals - wander from stage to stage, catch the singers I already know and love but also discover new people every time. That's because the folk festivals I attend are in Canada, and even though I've travelled fairly far for folk festivals before, I've never flown across an ocean for one. It's hard to fly across an ocean just to be a punter. If I try something unfamiliar and it sucks, I am wasting precious time on a short trip that's cost me a lot of money. I'm also not seeing any mixed bills besides ACMS, but I'm fine with keeping it that way. We have plenty of mixed bills at home.

But I do wish I had a better appreciation for types of comedy besides just storytelling stand-up, so I'll try to fit in something weird, and preferably free. Something weird enough to maybe have a word like "experimental" or "clowning" in the blurb, but preferably not the word "magic" or "puppets". Someone I've never heard of is doing a costume-based show about Pokemon that I think I could slot into one of the days, maybe I'll go see that.

So that's my current plan. Just over three weeks away. I still can't believe it's happening for real.