Phase 3.5!

First, an explanation of the phase system.

In an attempt to keep ourselves excited for the trip before we're actually on the trip, me and Ryan instituted the phase system. Anytime we accomplish a milestone in planning the trip, we get to upgrade another phase - which means a celebration!

The Phases so far

Phase 1 - Seriously considering trip, Jan 2005
Phase 2 - I go to KS for President's Day Weekend, Trip planning moves in serious stage, Mar 2005
Phase 3 - Ryan and Aaron books tickets to Europe, July 2005, Mike and Brandle follow suit, late Sept 2005.
3.5 - Book tickets all the way to Spain, Ryan, Mike, YESTERDAY!
Phase 4 - The five of us book our first hotel, for Spain, Sept 2005.

So, as you can tell, we are all on different levels. Ryan and Aaron are full phase 4 individuals, Mike and Brandle are only lacking phase 3.5 classification, while me, I'm only phase 1, 2 and 4, since I have yet to book my tickets to Europe because I'm departing with my family.

So, yesterday was a significant day. Ryan and Aaron both booked their tickets to Madrid. Time for more fill-ins.

Aer Lingus currently has some incredible fares from North America to Dublin - one was for $190!! By far the best fares to Europe that we have ever seen, so without wasting any time, everyone (except me) booked their tickets before fares rose. But we aren't going to Dublin first, we're going to Espana! Therefore, we had to book a ticket from Dublin to Madrid, or some other city in Spain. Again, Aer Lingus had fares from 50 euros, while RyanAir had possible cheap fares to Malaga (south of Spain), but we would have to wait to book those and risk that we never get the cheap fare. The risk was not worth it, so, Ryan and Aaron took the safe path and bought their ticket to Spain.

Assuming they can get a cheap deal from Kansas City to Chicago (Southwest has fares from $40), the total price to Spain will be less than $300 ($190 + $60 +$40) one way, amazingly cheap especially considering the huge gas fuel costs. See more about our trip finances in the Budget Travel section.