Saturday I had lunch with a young friend who travels a great deal. I learned he does all his own travel planning. I asked why? His response was why not? After much conversation, I learned he enjoys the hunt. He no longer hunts for his food so he enjoys the hunt for the best airline ticket and the best price. It is the “ah ha” moment for him when he finds it. Of course he never knows if indeed he did find the best.
I do understand the enjoyment of finding what you want. It is no different that the woman looking for the perfect outfit or finding a perfect book or gift. The joy of the “I got it” is a good feeling; for this is what I do all day for other people, so clearly I understand. I also know it is safer to hunt with another.
Earlier this week, a client called to go from Orlando to Kona, Hawaii. He had done some homework, but did not find the “ah ha” deal. So together we explored the flight options; their pluses and minuses. Together we came up with a plan he had not found. The real plus for him was I could quickly advise him on fare options.
When is time more valuable than the hunt? How long does it take for you to write two sentences? “I need to be in DC on Tuesday 10am return on Thursday 4pm, staying at the Westin Georgetown.” Less than a minute? How much is your time worth? Today, we usually find others to do most things for us and we do what we do best! We are no longer farmers and fisherman. We simply go to the market. When was the last time you changed your own oil in your car or baked a loaf of bread? Sewed a dress or milked a cow!? Sure some of us still do a few of these things because we enjoy it… never because it saves money or time.
You have heard me say it before and as I never seem to reach everyone, so I repeat and repeat… Begin the hunt if you wish but let me finish it with you. Traveling is enough of a hunt. Sometimes just finding the gate or how to exit an airport is enough of an “ah ha!”
Leave much of the rest to me.
AlwaysHarriet 