So I decided it was time to visit my cousin in Memphis next month. Been years since we caught up, and flights ain’t cheap these days. Started digging around like mad for the fastest way from Boston.
First: Flight Hunting
Hopped on my laptop around 7 PM Sunday – bad idea. Every site showed confusing prices jumping up and down. Filtered for “nonstop” flights only. Saw three airlines offering BOS-Memphis direct. Almost booked a cheap $120 one-way until I noticed the 4-hour layover in Atlanta buried in tiny print. Ugh.
Driving Route Check
Pulled up maps next morning coffee in hand. Typed BOS to Memphis – damn! 1,200 miles showing 19 hours drive time. No way. Checked alternate routes avoiding NYC traffic. Big mistake: mountain roads in Virginia added extra hours when I tested the GPS on my phone. Decided driving solo ain’t happening unless I wanna show up looking like zombie.
Bus & Train Shock
- Greyhound said 32 hours with transfers – nope
- Amtrak routes looked good till I saw “multiple connections” and “up to 36 hours”
- All options required sleeping sitting up. Hard pass.
Flight Re-Check
Tuesday morning tried again fresh. Filtered strictly by duration. Found a nonstop Delta flight clocking 3 hours 20 minutes total – perfect! Booked immediately when prices dipped during lunch hour. Pro tip: midweek mornings work better than weekends for flight deals.
Lessons Learned
- Nonstop flights always win for time
- Never trust initial route estimates – double check detours
- Long bus rides drain your soul. Seriously.
My cousin’s picking me up at Memphis airport Friday evening. Whole trip door-to-door will be under 5 hours if TSA doesn’t screw me over. Mission accomplished!
