Tips on buying a healthy snake

[Annarose15]

I'm going to be buying my first snake from a reptile expo soon. I'm getting a ball python, but I need some tips on picking a healthy snakes. I know to check for mites, leftover shed, and aggressiveness, but that's about all I know. Also, could you give me some tips on choosing a good vendor/breeder to buy from?
It's going to be a 3-4 hour drive back home with the snake. Will that be safe? Any info on traveling with snakes?

Just a comment on "aggressiveness" - You are getting a baby snake, not a puppy. Ones that might do a little defensive striking, in my experience, tend to be good eaters. They typically grow out of it, and the occasional hatchling tag feels like a flea bite. If you are too uncomfortable with the idea, then by all means, don't pick that baby. However, don't assume it's "mean" because it happens to be willing to try to defend itself in the midst of a crowded and confusing expo.

One thing you can do for selecting a vendor/breeder: Look up the vendor list on the expo website and search for reviews for those vendors on the Faunaclassifieds.com "Board of Inquiry". That way, you can know before you walk in the door who has a positive reputation for quality animals and helpfulness.