Flight Deal vs. Dream Trip - The Hard Choice I Made
If you know me or follow my blog, you know I am an advocate for copping flight deals and booking the ticket in the moment, and planning later. For the most part, that's how I travel the world. I rarely plan a trip before jumping on a sale or glitch fare. However, there are times when you just want to go where you want to go!
The Conflict I Had
Last week there was a pretty good flight deal to a certain country I am interested in visiting. I was looking at dates, and prices, and then I thought to myself, "Why have I still not visited the place I've been dreaming about visiting since I was a child?" So I started using Google Flights to search the destination and possible dates. I then noticed that the costs to travel there were almost the exact same as the deal I was originally searching.
So, what did I do?
I'd like to say I just booked the ticket right then and there. I didn't. I checked with others who said they were traveling there. I consulted with a couple other wanderlusts to get their opinions, and then I thought to myself, "Are you ready for another major solo trip?" I slept on it, and the next morning when I checked and saw that the prices were the same, I did what??? I BOOKED IT! That's what the hell I did! And now...
I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT...
I will be going in the late Fall. I'm famous for escaping New York City during the colder months for warm climates. When I clicked "Purchase" on the ticket, I could have sworn my allergies started acting up. There's no other explanation for why my eyes were getting glossy. I was about to walk over to the hipster baristas at the Brooklyn Roasting Company, and tell them to dust the damn corners!
I won't mention the destination I was originally going to travel to, because I am in a sensitive state right now and I'd hate for me to have to snap on anyone for telling me how awesome said destination is, and how I should've decided to book that ticket. I'll go there eventually...but for now, your boy has to follow his dreams. I think he's more than earned it. Wait...why am I speaking in third person?
Why is Egypt my dream trip?
There are a number of reasons, but it originates back to when I was a non-bill-paying lad and was learning stories of the Bible. All of the illustrations and stories of Ancient Egypt often sparked my curiosity. For years, I thought Egypt was a mythical place. I also learned much about the country in elementary school, and was fascinated by Egyptian royalty, the pyramids and even hieroglyphics.
In adulthood, I began to pursue membership into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. In the Spring of 2006, I was initiated into the Brotherhood and my desire to visit Egypt magnified ten fold. There are many connections between Alpha Phi Alpha and Egyptian culture. Not to mention, in all my travels, I have yet to visit the Motherland. I figured it was time for that to end! Note: I plan to visit South Africa, as well, but that's a trip I'd like to go on with a couple friends.
These are some of bucket list bullets I can check off while in Egypt:
- Seeing the Great Pyramids with my own LASIK-corrected eyes.
- Taking a photo with the Great Sphinx of Giza in the background, acting like I'm kissing it, touching its nose or whatever else tourists do when they see it.
- Cruising the Nile River (or at least getting on a boat that's on the Nile for a few minutes).
- Visiting Aswan. I've heard nothing but great things about it.
The great thing about this solo trip is that I'll have the opportunity to visit other places of interest as well. On my way to Cairo (the largest city in the middle east), I will stay one night in Rome, and at the end of my trip, I will stay one night in Milan in addition to a free 8-hour day in Lisbon. My plan is to return to my office the very next day after I get home...because I'm a boss...but there's no doubt that I'll have an attitude. What's new, though?
It doesn't matter, though. Why? BECAUSE YOUR BOY IS GOING TO EGYPT!!!!
There I go with that third person, again.
Bye.