Tips for booking your flight to Ghana

I just booked my flight to Ghana for Rest and Remember this September!

Even though I’ve been before, there’s still something magical about pressing “confirm purchase” on that ticket. It makes everything feel real.

If this is your first time traveling to Ghana (or even your first time traveling internationally), I want to share the simple, practical tips I use for finding affordable flights—and that have helped others in our retreat community, too.

• I compare prices across sites.
  I use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, or Expedia to search across airlines and find the best rates. I’ve found the same flight is listed for different prices on different sites.

• I try to be flexible with dates.
  I’ve found that flying mid-week or adjusting my trip by even a day or two can make a big difference in cost. If your schedule allows, check prices for surrounding dates. It might end up saving you money to come to the retreat a day early.

• I look at different departure cities.
  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, which means I have a few airports to choose from. I’ve found that international flights from San Francisco are often cheaper than those from Oakland. In some cases, flying out of Los Angeles, New York, or D.C. and booking a separate ticket to get there can actually save me money.

• I look at different routes.
  Most flights between Ghana and where I’m located go through a major European hub (like Amsterdam or Frankfurt) or through New York. I look at the different routes that the different airlines offer to find competitive options.

• I consider baggage fees.
  I’ve notices that some budget-friendly airlines may offer better rates, but charge more for checked bags. I take into account whether I’m planning to bring gifts or supplies—or just pack heavy—and check the baggage policy before booking.

• I book my your flight as early as possible.
  Flights to Ghana in September tend to rise in price the closer we get to the departure date. (I just talked to someone whose ticket price to Ghana went up by $400 the same day she was planning on buying it!) If you're joining us for Rest and Remember, now is a great time to book your flight.

Steel feeling stuck about when or how to book? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can also reach out to Eunice by calling her at (925) 339-3823 or via email at eunice@west2west.org . She’ll be happy to walk through options with you. For many of us, this kind of trip is a big deal. It’s not just travel. It’s a return. A remembering.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in Ghana!