Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past week or so, you’ve probably noticed that your town is facing a huge epidemic. Not only is America suddenly overrun with Pokémon, but kids of all ages (even those in their 30s or 40s…) are getting up and enjoying the great outdoors.
And it’s all thanks to a fun new app called Pokémon Go!
If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it basically lets you train to become a Pokémon Master. Tied into Google Maps, the game puts a Pokémon “skin” on the maps so your neighborhood is given a real cartoon feel. You walk around trying to find and catch Pokémon in your area, along with various objects. There are even Pokémon Gyms where you can train and fight other gamers.
Don’t worry if you see more cars than usual driving through your neighborhood or more kids going for walks with their phones out. It’s all in good fun.
Now, we can’t offer any help in nabbing these little “pocket monsters.” And sorry, but no cashback’s available for catching Pokémon either. There are, however, plenty of ways to earn cashback as you prepare for your next Pokémon Go Adventure!
Here’s a look at 10 Ways to Prepare for Your Pokémon Go Adventure:
1. Stay Hydrated - Be sure to pick up a good water bottle from a store like Sierra Trading Post! After all, hunting Pokémon can be a serious work out!
2. Power Up - Hit up Best Buy for a variety of great portable chargers for your cell phone. You can't catch them all if your phone runs out of juice!
3. Study Hard – Grab a copy of the Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook at a store like Barnes & Noble to brush up on all the characters you’re looking to catch.
4. Dress the Part – Express your Poke-love by wearing some of the best Pokémon apparel around from socks to T-shirts to hats. Stores like Hot Topic and Kohl’s have got you covered.
5. Watch ‘Em All – Pop the popcorn and pull up a comfy seat on the couch while you catch up on episodes of the Pokémon cartoon. Not only will you learn about each Pokémon type, but you’re sure to gleam some advice on how to catch ‘em! Sites like DeepDiscount.com have hundreds of episodes available.
6. Stay Dry – Nothing’s worse than being a few blocks from home when the sky opens up and starts pouring on you just as you’re about to catch your first Bulbasaur. Always be prepared and bring an umbrella like any of the adorable kids’ ones available at Toys R Us.
7. Protect Your Gear –Since you’ll be out and about, you need to be extra careful with your phone. A dropped cell won’t just let that Caterpie slither away, it could mean a cracked phone too! So protect your smartphone with a good solid case like the ones at Otterbox!
8. Be Seen – Safety first, right? That’s why you should get yourself a reflective vest (they have a wide variety at Dick’s Sporting Goods) to make sure that cars and other vehicles clearly see you on your Pokémon Go adventure. Don’t worry, the bright vest won’t scare off the Pokémon.
9. Best Foot Forward – Whether you’re biking around your neighborhood or walking around town, your feet are sure to get a good workout. Protect those footsies of yours with some new shoes that are both comfy and full of bounce. Nike’s Jordan Ultra.Fly might give you the air you need to snag those hard-to-reach Pokémon!
10. Sound Off – You can’t catch Pokémon without some good theme music, right? Be sure to bring a solid pair of wireless headphones with you on your adventure. Catch a set at Newegg and you’ll soon be listening to your favorite Pokémon soundtrack!
What’s the craziest place you’ve found a Pokémon so far?