The length of a journey by air between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) close to San Jos, Costa Rica, is an important issue for vacationers. This length is influenced by a number of components, together with the chosen airline, particular flight path, and prevailing wind situations. Continuous flights usually supply the shortest journey time, whereas flights with layovers can considerably lengthen the general journey. Understanding this journey length is important for planning connecting flights, airport transfers, and general journey itineraries.
Correct estimations of this journey length allow vacationers to optimize their schedules and decrease potential disruptions. Whether or not for enterprise or leisure, figuring out the standard vary permits for environment friendly time administration and reduces travel-related stress. Traditionally, developments in aviation know-how and optimized flight routes have contributed to lowering journey occasions between these two locations, making Costa Rica a extra accessible vacation spot for vacationers from Southern California.
This understanding of journey length types the premise for exploring associated subjects reminiscent of optimum flight selections, journey ideas for long-haul flights, and methods for minimizing jet lag. Additional exploration of those subjects can improve the general journey expertise and contribute to a extra pleasing and productive journey.
1. Common
The “5-6 hours direct” determine represents the standard length of continuous flights between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) in San Jos, Costa Rica. This benchmark serves as an important planning aspect for vacationers, influencing itinerary improvement and general journey group.
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Scheduled Flight Occasions
Airways publish scheduled flight occasions that usually adhere to this 5-6 hour vary. Nevertheless, these are estimates, and precise flight occasions can fluctuate resulting from components reminiscent of air site visitors management, climate situations, and potential delays. Consulting particular airline schedules stays important for correct planning. For instance, some airways may supply barely shorter or longer direct flights relying on their route and plane kind.
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Influence on Connecting Flights
The direct flight length influences the feasibility of connecting flights. Vacationers with tight connections ought to consider potential delays and permit ample time between flights. A delayed arrival in San Jos may impression subsequent journey plans, significantly for these with onward connections to different locations inside Costa Rica or neighboring nations.
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Comparability with Connecting Flights
Direct flights supply vital time financial savings in comparison with connecting flights, which might add a number of hours to the entire journey time. The comfort and effectivity of a direct flight usually justify the potential value distinction for vacationers prioritizing time administration. A connecting flight by one other hub, reminiscent of Panama Metropolis or Houston, may simply lengthen the entire journey to 8-10 hours or extra.
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Time Zone Distinction
Whereas the flight itself takes 5-6 hours, vacationers should additionally think about the two-hour time distinction between Los Angeles and San Jos. Departing LAX at 8:00 AM may lead to an arrival in San Jos round 2:00 PM native time, regardless of the six-hour flight. This time zone shift impacts scheduling and requires adjustment for jet lag.
Understanding the “5-6 hours direct” benchmark allows vacationers to develop life like expectations for his or her journey between Los Angeles and San Jos. Contemplating the components influencing precise flight occasions, reminiscent of airline schedules, potential delays, and the time zone distinction, contributes to a extra knowledgeable and environment friendly journey expertise.
2. Continuous flights accessible
The supply of continuous flights considerably impacts the general journey time between Los Angeles (LAX) and San Jos, Costa Rica (SJO). This facet is essential for vacationers looking for to reduce journey length and optimize their time in Costa Rica. Understanding the nuances of continuous flight choices permits for extra knowledgeable journey planning and contributes to a smoother, extra environment friendly journey expertise.
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Airways Providing Continuous Service
A number of main airways supply continuous service between LAX and SJO, offering vacationers with selections by way of schedules, pricing, and facilities. These choices allow flexibility in choosing flights that finest align with particular person preferences and journey wants. As an illustration, some airways may supply extra frequent continuous flights, whereas others may present premium cabin choices for enhanced consolation.
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Time Financial savings In comparison with Connecting Flights
Continuous flights symbolize a considerable time saving in comparison with connecting flights, which regularly require prolonged layovers and a number of boarding processes. This time effectivity is especially worthwhile for enterprise vacationers or these with restricted trip time. A continuous flight can scale back the entire journey time by a number of hours, permitting for extra productive time on the vacation spot.
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Influence on Itinerary Planning
The supply of continuous flights simplifies itinerary planning, enabling vacationers to precisely predict arrival occasions and schedule actions accordingly. This predictability reduces travel-related stress and facilitates a extra organized and pleasing journey. Vacationers can confidently guide excursions, make dinner reservations, or prepare transportation figuring out their arrival time in San Jos is comparatively predictable.
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Potential Value Concerns
Whereas continuous flights usually command a premium in comparison with connecting flights, the time saved and added comfort usually outweigh the worth distinction for a lot of vacationers. Evaluating the trade-off between value and time effectivity is essential for making knowledgeable reserving choices. The price premium could also be significantly justifiable for households touring with younger youngsters or people with mobility limitations.
The presence of continuous flight choices considerably streamlines journey between Los Angeles and San Jos. By understanding the varied airways providing these flights, recognizing the time financial savings in comparison with connecting itineraries, and contemplating the general impression on journey planning, vacationers can optimize their journey and maximize their time in Costa Rica. This environment friendly journey strategy contributes to a smoother, extra pleasing, and productive journey general.
3. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights inherently lengthen the general journey length between Los Angeles (LAX) and San Jos, Costa Rica (SJO). This prolonged length outcomes from a number of components inherent in connecting itineraries. Layover occasions, which might vary from a minimal of 1 hour to a number of hours relying on the connecting airport and flight schedules, contribute considerably to the elevated journey time. Extra time can also be required for deplaning and re-boarding, navigating connecting terminals, and potential delays associated to baggage switch. For instance, a connecting flight by Houston with a two-hour layover may add at the least three to 4 hours to the entire journey in comparison with a continuous flight.
The selection of a connecting flight usually displays value issues, as these flights are usually inexpensive than continuous choices. Nevertheless, the associated fee financial savings come on the expense of time. The elevated journey length related to connecting flights impacts itinerary planning and requires cautious consideration of connection occasions to keep away from missed flights. Vacationers should consider potential delays on the origin airport (LAX) that might impression their potential to make the connecting flight. As an illustration, a flight from LAX delayed by an hour may result in a missed connection in Houston, necessitating rebooking and additional extending the general journey time to San Jos.
Understanding the implications of choosing a connecting flight versus a continuous choice is essential for successfully planning journey between LAX and SJO. Whereas connecting flights may supply value advantages, the prolonged journey time and potential for delays necessitate cautious analysis of the trade-offs concerned. This knowledgeable decision-making course of ensures a smoother journey expertise and permits vacationers to optimize their time on the vacation spot. Elements influencing this resolution embrace the general journey price range, the worth positioned on time effectivity, and the traveler’s tolerance for potential journey disruptions.
4. Seasonal Variations
Differences due to the season exert a notable affect on flight occasions between Los Angeles (LAX) and San Jos, Costa Rica (SJO). These variations stem primarily from climate patterns and fluctuating demand. Throughout Costa Rica’s dry season (December to April), elevated vacationer site visitors usually results in airways scheduling extra frequent flights and probably using bigger plane. This larger demand can contribute to extra congested air site visitors, probably inflicting minor delays. Conversely, the wet season (Might to November) usually experiences decrease demand, leading to probably fewer flight choices and presumably shorter flight occasions resulting from much less air site visitors.
Climate situations themselves additionally immediately impression flight occasions. The dry season, characterised by secure atmospheric situations, usually facilitates predictable and constant flight durations. Nevertheless, the wet season can introduce unpredictable climate patterns, together with sturdy winds and thunderstorms. These situations can necessitate flight path alterations and even trigger delays, extending the general journey time. For instance, a flight encountering headwinds may expertise an extended flight length in comparison with a flight benefiting from tailwinds. Moreover, extreme climate within the neighborhood of both LAX or SJO may cause floor delays, impacting departure and arrival occasions.
Understanding these seasonal influences permits for extra knowledgeable journey planning. Vacationers aiming to reduce potential weather-related disruptions may want to journey in the course of the dry season, accepting the opportunity of barely longer flight occasions resulting from elevated air site visitors. Conversely, these prioritizing value financial savings and probably shorter flight durations may think about touring in the course of the wet season whereas acknowledging the elevated danger of weather-related delays. Whatever the chosen journey interval, consulting up-to-date climate forecasts and airline schedules stays important for correct planning and mitigation of potential journey disruptions.
5. Airline schedules fluctuate
Variability in airline schedules considerably influences the length of journey between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) in San Jos, Costa Rica. This variability manifests in a number of methods, impacting each direct and connecting flight choices. Totally different airways function on distinct schedules, providing flights at varied occasions all through the day. This vary of departure and arrival occasions impacts the general journey expertise, requiring cautious consideration throughout planning. For instance, one airline may supply a red-eye flight departing LAX late at night time and arriving in SJO early morning, whereas one other may supply a daytime flight with a distinct length. Moreover, the frequency of flights varies amongst airways, with some providing a number of each day departures whereas others might need just one or two. This frequency immediately impacts flexibility and selection for vacationers.
The kind of plane employed additionally contributes to schedule variability. Totally different plane sorts have various cruising speeds, which immediately have an effect on flight length. A more recent, extra fuel-efficient plane may full the journey sooner than an older mannequin. Moreover, airways modify schedules seasonally to accommodate fluctuations in demand. Throughout peak vacationer seasons, airways usually enhance flight frequency, probably introducing extra continuous choices. Conversely, throughout off-peak seasons, flight schedules is likely to be decreased, probably limiting continuous availability and rising reliance on connecting flights with longer general durations. Understanding these components allows knowledgeable decision-making and facilitates more practical journey planning. As an illustration, vacationers prioritizing minimal journey time may choose an airline providing continuous service on a contemporary plane, even when the ticket value is barely larger.
Efficient administration of journey time between LAX and SJO necessitates a radical understanding of airline schedule variability. This consists of researching particular airline schedules, evaluating flight choices primarily based on departure and arrival occasions, and contemplating the potential impression of seasonal changes. Cautious consideration to those components permits vacationers to pick flights finest suited to their particular person wants and preferences, contributing to a smoother and extra environment friendly journey expertise. Failing to account for airline schedule variations can result in suboptimal itineraries, probably extending journey time unnecessarily or limiting flexibility on the vacation spot.
6. Wind Circumstances Matter
Wind situations play a major function in figuring out flight occasions between Los Angeles (LAX) and San Jos, Costa Rica (SJO). Jet streams, prevailing winds at excessive altitudes, considerably affect plane velocity and, consequently, journey length. Understanding the impression of those wind patterns permits for a extra nuanced understanding of flight time variability and contributes to extra life like journey planning.
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Jet Stream Influence
Jet streams, fast-flowing air currents at excessive altitudes, can both help or impede an plane’s progress. Flights touring eastward from LAX to SJO usually encounter headwinds, rising flight occasions. Conversely, westward flights from SJO to LAX can profit from tailwinds, lowering journey time. The energy and place of the jet stream fluctuate all year long, resulting in fluctuations in flight durations.
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Prevailing Wind Patterns
Prevailing winds, constant wind patterns at decrease altitudes, additionally affect flight paths and durations. Whereas not as impactful as jet streams, these winds can nonetheless have an effect on journey time. For instance, constant northerly winds may necessitate slight changes to flight paths, probably rising mileage and, consequently, flight length.
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Influence on Gas Consumption
Wind situations immediately affect gasoline consumption. Headwinds enhance drag, requiring extra gasoline and probably extending flight occasions if refueling stops turn out to be obligatory. Conversely, tailwinds scale back gasoline consumption, contributing to sooner and extra environment friendly flights. This impression on gasoline effectivity is a key consideration for airways in route planning and scheduling.
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Turbulence Concerns
Sure wind situations can create turbulence, impacting passenger consolation and probably inflicting minor delays. Whereas circuitously affecting general flight time normally, turbulence can necessitate changes to flight paths or altitudes, not directly influencing the length of the journey. Extreme turbulence, whereas uncommon, may necessitate diversions or delays, additional impacting journey time.
Contemplating wind situations is essential for understanding the complexities of flight occasions between LAX and SJO. Whereas printed flight schedules present estimated durations, precise flight occasions are topic to variations primarily based on prevailing wind patterns, jet stream influences, and potential turbulence. Acknowledging these components allows vacationers to develop extra life like expectations and handle potential journey disruptions successfully.
7. LAX Departure Occasions
Departure occasions from Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) immediately affect the general length of journey to San Jos, Costa Rica (SJO). This affect stems from a number of interconnected components, together with the interaction of airline schedules, prevailing wind patterns, and potential connections. Selecting a particular LAX departure time strategically can considerably impression the entire journey time skilled, impacting each the journey itself and the efficient utilization of time on the vacation spot.
Airline schedules usually dictate the vary of LAX departure occasions accessible. Some airways may supply early morning departures, probably permitting for same-day arrival in San Jos and maximizing daylight for actions. Different airways may schedule night departures, leading to in a single day flights and morning arrivals in Costa Rica. For instance, a 7:00 AM departure from LAX may supply an arrival in SJO round 1:00 PM native time, permitting for a day of exploration, whereas a ten:00 PM departure may lead to an arrival the next morning round 6:00 AM. Moreover, the chosen departure time can impression connection occasions for itineraries involving layovers. An earlier departure may supply extra flexibility in case of delays, making certain a profitable connection. Conversely, a later departure may enhance the chance of lacking a connecting flight if the preliminary flight experiences any delays.
Prevailing wind patterns additionally work together with LAX departure occasions to have an effect on general flight length. Flights departing LAX throughout sure occasions of day may encounter extra favorable wind situations, probably lowering journey time. Conversely, departures throughout different occasions may face headwinds, extending the journey. This interplay necessitates consideration of typical wind patterns alongside the flight route when choosing an LAX departure time. Optimizing the departure time to align with favorable wind situations can contribute to a extra environment friendly and probably shorter flight. Strategic collection of LAX departure occasions permits vacationers to exert a level of management over the general journey length to San Jos. Cautious consideration of airline schedules, connection occasions, and prevailing wind patterns empowers vacationers to optimize their itineraries and decrease journey time, in the end contributing to a extra environment friendly and pleasing journey.
8. SJO Arrival Occasions
Arrival occasions at Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) symbolize a essential element of general journey time from Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX). Understanding the varied components influencing SJO arrival occasions allows knowledgeable decision-making concerning flight choice and itinerary planning, contributing to a smoother and extra environment friendly journey expertise. Cautious consideration of those arrival occasions permits vacationers to optimize their time in Costa Rica and decrease potential disruptions.
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Time Zone Concerns
The 2-hour time distinction between Los Angeles and San Jos necessitates cautious consideration to arrival occasions. A seemingly brief flight length can translate right into a late arrival in San Jos as a result of time change. For instance, a six-hour flight departing LAX at 8:00 AM arrives in SJO at 2:00 PM native time. This time distinction considerably impacts scheduling for floor transportation, lodge check-in, and preliminary actions upon arrival. Precisely accounting for the time change is important for life like itinerary planning and avoids potential scheduling conflicts.
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Connecting Flight Implications
SJO arrival occasions for itineraries involving connecting flights are topic to better variability as a result of potential for delays on the connecting airport. A delayed arrival on the connecting airport can cascade right into a delayed arrival in San Jos, probably impacting subsequent journey preparations. Vacationers with tight connections ought to consider potential delays and think about reserving flights with longer layover occasions to mitigate the chance of missed connections. Selecting an itinerary with a later arrival time in San Jos may present a buffer towards potential delays, minimizing disruptions to onward journey plans.
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Influence on Floor Transportation
SJO arrival occasions immediately affect floor transportation choices. Late-night arrivals may restrict transportation selections, probably necessitating pre-arranged non-public transfers or reliance on much less frequent public transport choices. Arriving throughout peak hours can lead to longer wait occasions for taxis or ride-sharing companies. Contemplating the SJO arrival time in relation to floor transportation availability streamlines the arrival course of and minimizes potential delays upon reaching Costa Rica. Reserving transportation prematurely, significantly for late-night or early-morning arrivals, ensures a seamless transition from airport to ultimate vacation spot.
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Exercise Scheduling
The SJO arrival time performs a pivotal function in scheduling actions for the primary day in Costa Rica. A late arrival may restrict choices for excursions, excursions, or different deliberate actions. Selecting flights that arrive earlier within the day maximizes alternatives to have interaction in deliberate actions and benefit from the arrival day. Nevertheless, vacationers also needs to consider potential jet lag and keep away from over-scheduling the primary day to permit for acclimatization and relaxation. Reasonable scheduling primarily based on the SJO arrival time contributes to a extra relaxed and pleasing journey expertise.
The interaction of those components underscores the significance of strategically choosing flights primarily based on their SJO arrival occasions. Optimizing the arrival time to align with floor transportation availability, exercise schedules, and general itinerary issues contributes to a extra environment friendly and pleasing journey expertise. By understanding the multifaceted implications of SJO arrival occasions inside the context of general journey time from LAX, vacationers could make knowledgeable choices and maximize their time in Costa Rica.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the length of flights between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) in San Jos, Costa Rica. Clear and concise responses present vacationers with the data obligatory for efficient journey planning.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight length for a continuous flight between LAX and SJO?
Continuous flights usually vary from 5 to 6 hours. Nevertheless, precise flight occasions can fluctuate resulting from components reminiscent of air site visitors management, climate situations, and particular airline routes.
Query 2: How do connecting flights impression general journey time to SJO?
Connecting flights considerably lengthen the entire journey time. Layovers, which might vary from one to a number of hours, add to the length. Extra time can also be required for deplaning, re-boarding, and navigating connecting terminals.
Query 3: Do seasonal differences have an effect on flight occasions between LAX and SJO?
Sure, seasonal climate patterns and fluctuating demand affect flight durations. The dry season (December to April) usually experiences elevated air site visitors, probably resulting in minor delays. The wet season (Might to November) may see shorter flight occasions resulting from decreased air site visitors however carries a better danger of weather-related delays.
Query 4: How do wind situations affect flight occasions on this route?
Prevailing winds, significantly the jet stream, considerably impression flight durations. Eastbound flights from LAX to SJO usually encounter headwinds, rising journey time. Westbound flights can profit from tailwinds, probably lowering length.
Query 5: What function do airline schedules play in figuring out general journey time?
Airline schedules fluctuate considerably, influencing each departure and arrival occasions. Totally different airways supply flights at varied occasions all through the day, impacting connection occasions and general journey length. Moreover, the kind of plane utilized and seasonal schedule changes contribute to variability.
Query 6: How does the time distinction between Los Angeles and San Jos have an effect on arrival planning?
Costa Rica is 2 hours forward of Los Angeles. A six-hour flight departing LAX at 8:00 AM arrives in SJO at 2:00 PM native time. Precisely accounting for this time distinction is essential for planning floor transportation, lodge check-in, and preliminary actions upon arrival.
Understanding the components influencing flight occasions between LAX and SJO empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and handle expectations successfully. Cautious consideration of those components contributes to a smoother and extra environment friendly journey expertise.
Past flight occasions, quite a few different points contribute to a profitable journey. Exploring subjects reminiscent of visa necessities, foreign money trade, native customs, and really useful actions enhances the general journey expertise.
Suggestions for Managing Journey Time Between LAX and SJO
Optimizing journey time between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) entails strategic planning and consideration of a number of key components. The following pointers present sensible steering for minimizing journey length and maximizing time on the vacation spot.
Tip 1: Guide Non-Cease Flights When Doable: Direct flights eradicate layover occasions, considerably lowering general journey time. Whereas probably dearer, the time saved usually outweighs the associated fee distinction, significantly for vacationers with restricted time or these prioritizing effectivity.
Tip 2: Take into account Airline Schedules Rigorously: Airline schedules fluctuate significantly, impacting each departure and arrival occasions. Researching particular airline schedules allows collection of flights that align with desired journey plans and decrease general transit time. Take note of the kind of plane used, as newer fashions usually supply sooner cruising speeds.
Tip 3: Account for Seasonal Variations: Flight occasions can fluctuate primarily based on seasonal climate patterns and demand. Vacationers ought to pay attention to potential delays throughout peak seasons resulting from elevated air site visitors and the opportunity of weather-related disruptions in the course of the wet season.
Tip 4: Perceive the Influence of Wind Circumstances: Prevailing winds, together with the jet stream, affect flight occasions. Eastbound flights from LAX to SJO usually encounter headwinds, probably rising journey length. Consulting climate forecasts can present insights into potential wind-related delays.
Tip 5: Strategically Select LAX Departure Occasions: Choosing an optimum departure time from LAX permits for higher alignment with favorable wind situations and probably shorter flight occasions. Early morning departures may maximize daylight on the vacation spot, whereas night departures will be extra handy for some vacationers.
Tip 6: Plan for the SJO Arrival Time: The 2-hour time distinction between Los Angeles and San Jos requires cautious planning. Take into account the arrival time in relation to floor transportation choices, lodge check-in occasions, and deliberate actions to reduce delays and maximize effectivity upon arrival.
Tip 7: Pack Mild and Effectively: Streamlining baggage simplifies the journey course of, significantly for connecting flights. Minimizing checked baggage reduces ready time at baggage declare and facilitates smoother transitions between flights.
Tip 8: Put together for Potential Delays: Regardless of cautious planning, delays can happen. Packing important objects in carry-on baggage, staying knowledgeable about flight standing, and having a backup plan for floor transportation mitigates the impression of potential disruptions.
By implementing these methods, vacationers can successfully handle the length of their journey between LAX and SJO, maximizing their time in Costa Rica and contributing to a smoother, extra environment friendly journey expertise. These sensible ideas empower vacationers to navigate the complexities of air journey and arrive at their vacation spot ready and able to take pleasure in their journey.
From understanding the nuances of flight occasions to optimizing journey preparations, thorough planning is essential for a profitable journey. The concluding part of this text synthesizes the important thing takeaways and reinforces the significance of knowledgeable journey preparation.
Conclusion
Length of journey between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) hinges on a posh interaction of things. Airline schedules, continuous versus connecting flight choices, seasonal differences, wind situations, and chosen departure and arrival occasions all contribute to the general journey time. Direct flights supply the quickest choice, usually lasting 5 to 6 hours, whereas connecting flights introduce prolonged durations resulting from layovers and potential delays. Strategic planning, together with cautious consideration of airline schedules, seasonal influences, and potential climate disruptions, empowers vacationers to optimize itineraries and decrease journey time.
Efficient administration of this journey length facilitates seamless transitions, reduces travel-related stress, and maximizes time spent having fun with Costa Rica. Knowledgeable decision-making concerning flight selections, primarily based on a complete understanding of those influencing components, is essential for a easy and environment friendly journey expertise. This data equips vacationers to navigate the complexities of air journey and arrive in Costa Rica ready for a satisfying and productive journey.