I can understand a lot of those concerns. Back in my hockey days in the summers I would be travelling across most of western Canada playing and occasionally having to go out east.
It was usually three or four road trips a year. (amateur players we pay out of our own pocket) Really the only way some of us could do it was to put money aside all year to be prepared for a month to month and a half stretch of hockey road trips.
For myself I would love to attend something like a Miggle convention or a tourney in California etc. But 6 weeks notice makes it tough (in regards to Miggle) though now I know that this is the sort of thing that happens in January so I can plan for it.
Go to the events you can afford to go to. Have fun while you are there and share the experiences with the rest of us!
