I have discovered it does not matter where you are flying to
the process of buying plane tickets is more like gambling than retail shopping.
When your trip requires several stops to get where you are going and your final
destination is an Island with limited flights it becomes even more of a
challenge.
We have always had mixed feelings about flying and we have
often chosen to drive rather than fly in the states. When you have the option
to drive it is possible to balance out all the pros and cons. It is often
cheaper to drive and we love to take in the view and enjoy the ride. With all
the changes in Airport security and travel restrictions it has become more and
more difficult to get through the airport and on the plane.
While it is technically possible to drive to Honduras I
think in this case the cons greatly outweigh the pros of driving. It would be amazing to have a wonderful
adventure driving all the way to La Ceiba and take the ferry to the
island. It would not be a logical means
of travel for a short term visit. So
this leaves us with no option other than flying to our beautiful island.
So as I said I find myself gambling for plane tickets. It is
a challenging process and when it was just a matter of finding an affordable
vacation to a great location for the best available price, the process was kind
of fun. Now we find ourselves needing to
go to the island at specific times with limited funds and this game is not as
fun.
I find myself searching the internet with multiple screens
open to many travel sites in search of the elusive Tuesday afternoon. I play
the game of plane seat roulette, do I wait another week in hopes of better
prices, do I take the price they offer before the plane is full. Do I jump on the available seats before the
50 day window closes?
Then of course there is the balance of price vs number of
stops, and time taken for the trip. It can be downright dizzying to sift
through all the possible routes, times, stops and final arrival time.
There are really no magic answers to the plane ticket
gamble. I try to set a price I am willing to pay for flights and a list of must
haves for route and time, as soon as I get close to that price or below that
price I take the plunge. Then I try not to look back, because if you look back
a few day or weeks later and find you could have saved hundreds of dollars you
know you have lost this round.
Ultimately the great reward is the destination. Arriving on
my island becomes the primary goal and ultimate reward for my efforts and once
you see the island below the whole game dissolves into anticipation of sun,
snorkel, and sipping a nice island drink.
