I would have written this post earlier, but I was too worried I’d jinx my second shuttle launch attempt if I got cocky and started handing out advice and whatnot without ever actually having watched one lift off. Now that I’ve seen Endeavor safely into the sky, however, here goes. Because while seeing a shuttle launch wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t cheap, it was so amazing it brought tears to my eyes. I’m tearing up a little now just reminiscing about it. And to any aeronautics enthusiasts out there who are debating, I have to say, it was well worth the effort and expense. 100 percent. The experience is incredible, and now that I’ve seen a shuttle blast off into space, I can’t imagine passing up the chance while I had it.

So for anyone out there harboring the dream, you have one more shot with the space shuttle Atlantis (tentatively targeted for June 28 or possibly mid July) and here’s the lowdown on what I found works and what doesn’t. This is mainly situational advice, of course, since different strategies will serve better for different scenarios, but the goal is to present a good picture of what’s involved in making a trip to Titusville.

Initially, our plan was to fly in. But non-refundable commercial airline reservations came and went when the initial launch date was delayed, and then an expensive expedition by way of private plane (while a lot of fun, and important pilot-to-be practice) endured a low note when the launch was scrubbed. At that point, we decided driving was really the only feasible and fiscally-reasonable option — for us, anyway — to pursue. Judging by the number of cars pouring into Titusville, lots of people agreed, although some of those were surely rentals driven by people who did fly in. Not everyone lives close enough to the Cape to consider driving — at 8 hours distance, for example, it was quite a hike just from Atlanta — but there are several pros to hitting the road. It’s flexible, for one, and allows you to bring more stuff like lawn chairs and blankets and coolers and whatnot, which all make viewing the launch more comfortable.

When it comes to lodgings, the hotels in Titusville run an interesting (-ly complicated) process. It seems, from my experience anyway, that every time a shuttle is scheduled to launch, regular hotel booking practices go right out the window. Not that I blame them; the launches draw enormous crowds and bring major business to the area, but I suspect they also trigger huge headaches for the locals who have to deal with unpredictable en masse arrivals and sudden on the spot cancellations on a regular basis. So in one instance, for example, we were required to book a 3-night stay around the launch date, but we were able to cancel it when the launch date was pushed well in advance. The second time we booked reservations, we had to eat the cost when a delay came after the cancellation window had closed. Those deadlines are no joke.

On the day of the launch, yes, the traffic is dreadful, and yes, the crowds are teeming. But the excitement that’s stirred up from waiting with thousands of other eager fans is incredible, and with a little patience on the road, it’s pretty bearable. Plus, there are all sorts of roadside vendors selling food and space-related souvenirs to help pass the time.

Arrive as early as possible (think several hours in advance) to get close parking and good seats. Here are some NASA-suggested places to watch the launch from. The first time we camped out in front-row seats on a dock a couple of miles down the coast from the launch pad, but the second time around, we decided to go to Space View Park in Titusville, directly across from the launch pad. While more crowded, it’s significantly closer and the live audio feed piped in from NASA’s control room was really cool to listen to while waiting for the countdown to wrap up. Then it’s just a matter of getting cameras ready and keeping fingers crossed, in hopes the main event will go off without a hitch!

For more info on viewing the shuttle launches, check out NASA’s FAQs on the subject and instructions on how to get tickets to view the launch from the Kennedy Space Center. I’d say it’s worth it to enter the ticket lottery, but don’t get your hopes too high — the demand is staggering!

Anyone out there have additional advice for Atlantis hopefuls? Or stories about other shuttle launches they’ve seen? We’d love to hear them. Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to follow How-to Stuff on Facebook and Twitter.