Travel Planning

In Germany we have a saying:

Wenn einer eine Reise tut, dann kann er viel erzaehlen.

Loosely translated it means, when someone goes travelling, then he can tell lots of stories. Which is entirely true. However, I've not even started travelling and can already tell lots of stories.

This is the story of travel planning to San Francisco. It starts in 2002. 2002 is when I had my last vacation. It was just before I started my job at a university in Germany. The vacation wasn't that great, I mean Turkey at the beginning of the year isn't brilliant. Since then I've just constantly used my holidays for studying (doing an internship in Barcelona, and a semester at a university in London). When I was doing my PhD in Scotland, my vacations mostly consisted of short-trips home to Germany to see my family. So the last time I was on a proper vacation was in 2002. Since then, I've been trying to make my mind up where I would go, once I had finished my PhD.

And let me tell you... it's difficult to make your mind up! How about South Africa... or... uhm... a beach holiday in Barbados, or a cycling holiday in France? Golfing in Portugal? Uhhh.... well, the problem of selecting a destination has been solved with the trip to San Francisco and the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. And it's everything I could hope for: I'm going somewhere I've never been and there's some action involved - can't really see myself just bumming about on the beach. One problem solved!

So what's left: uhmm... transport and accomodation. Fortunately, I've got friends in San Francisco, so I get to stay with my friend Cristina who magically lives just about a mile from where the ferry leaves and all the action happens. Next up flights.

This is the frustrating part. I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but travel websites are frustrating. They are supposed to offer you the best deal, but effectively you have to look at about 5 to compare comparison sites. So I looked up flights from London to San Francisco, and oh joy, there were some on offer for a lot less than £500 (that's my travel allowance). Only problem, they're at times when it's really hard to get to any airport on public transport. - Naturally.

Finally, I found one at decent times (10 am) and for less than £500. So click to buy... aaannnndddd... nothing. All of a sudden the flight goes from less than £500 to just over £600...how!? So that one's out the window. In the end, I found one that is within the price range and even leaves at decent times. 10 am out of Heathrow (yeah, I know it's probably Terminal 5). It gets into San Francisco at 5 pm(ish), so I have time to get to my friend's place, have dinner, settle down and then pass out.

The flight back will be a bit of a mission. It leaves 11.45 pm and is the Red Eye to Chicago. Then onto across the Atlantic getting me into Heathrow at 10.45 pm. I don't know whether this flight is such a smart idea, but it'll get me home and I'll have the whole Saturday to still enjoy San Francisco or whatever I'm doing. It also gets me back late on a Sunday night and I haven't booked annual leave for the Monday. I can see a zombie going to work and just be present. - Shouldn't say that, should I?

Only the problem with getting to Heathrow. There's always the tube, I suppose. At the moment, it seems to be my lucky time though. The day after I booked the flight, I got an offer in my inbox - half price train tickets for the Heathrow Express. Two bought, quick travel sorted. I might even be in my bed by a half decent time when I come back. - With any luck!