The period of a journey by air between Houston, Texas, and Liberia, Costa Rica, is influenced by a number of elements. These embrace the chosen airline, the presence of layovers, particular routes, wind situations, and air visitors. Continuous flights typically provide the quickest journey possibility, whereas flights involving a number of stops naturally lengthen the general journey period. Vacationers could discover important variations in general journey time relying on the precise itinerary chosen.
Understanding the everyday vary of durations for this route permits vacationers to successfully plan their journeys. Correct time estimations allow higher coordination of floor transportation, lodge check-ins, and different logistical preparations. This info is essential for each enterprise vacationers working below tight schedules and leisure vacationers aiming to maximise their trip time. Traditionally, developments in aviation know-how and evolving flight routes have influenced journey occasions between these two locations.
Additional exploration of this subject may embrace inspecting seasonal differences in flight schedules and durations, evaluating totally different airways’ choices for this route, and delving into the impression of present occasions on journey logistics. Moreover, investigating journey choices to and from airports serving each cities can present a extra complete image of the general journey expertise.
1. Continuous Flights
Continuous flights symbolize a major issue influencing the general journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Selecting a continuous possibility usually minimizes journey period in comparison with itineraries involving connecting flights and layovers. Analyzing the specifics of continuous flight choices supplies beneficial insights for vacationers prioritizing time effectivity.
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Scheduled Flight Length
Continuous flights usually vary between three and a half to 4 hours. This represents the quickest journey possibility, excluding time spent in airports for check-in, safety, and baggage declare. Precise flight occasions could differ barely relying on the airline and particular flight path.
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Airline Availability
A number of airways provide continuous service between Houston (IAH, usually) and Liberia (LIR). United Airways is a distinguished instance. Researching out there airways permits vacationers to match schedules, pricing, and facilities to pick out the most suitable choice.
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Value Issues
Continuous flights generally command a premium value in comparison with connecting flights. This displays the comfort and time financial savings provided by eliminating layovers. Vacationers ought to weigh the worth of time saved in opposition to potential price variations when deciding on a flight.
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Airport Expertise
Choosing a continuous flight streamlines the airport expertise. Vacationers keep away from navigating connecting airports, transferring baggage, and enduring a number of safety checks. This simplification can considerably scale back travel-related stress and fatigue.
Contemplating the advantages of continuous flights, notably the minimized journey time, turns into an important aspect of environment friendly journey planning between Houston and Liberia. Whereas different elements like price and airline choice play a task, understanding the time-saving benefits of continuous service empowers vacationers to prioritize their wants and make knowledgeable selections.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights symbolize a major issue influencing general journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Whereas they usually current a extra economical different to continuous routes, connecting flights introduce further complexities and concerns relating to complete journey period. Understanding these nuances is essential for efficient journey planning.
The first impression of connecting flights lies within the added time spent throughout layovers. Layover durations can differ significantly, starting from transient connections of below an hour to prolonged stays exceeding a number of hours. Every layover provides to the general journey time, requiring vacationers to think about potential delays, airport navigation time, and any obligatory procedures like baggage re-checking. For instance, a flight routing via Atlanta may contain a two-hour layover, extending the overall journey time considerably in comparison with a continuous possibility. Moreover, connecting flights introduce the opportunity of missed connections as a consequence of unexpected delays. A delayed preliminary flight may result in a missed connecting flight, necessitating rebooking and probably including substantial delays to arrival in Liberia.
Selecting a connecting flight usually necessitates a trade-off between price financial savings and journey time. Airways providing connecting itineraries usually current decrease fares. This price benefit, nonetheless, comes on the expense of elevated journey period as a consequence of layovers and the potential for delays. Vacationers should fastidiously weigh these competing elements when deciding on a flight. Understanding the logistical implications of connecting flights, together with layover durations and potential delays, facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and contributes to extra reasonable journey expectations. Finally, successfully evaluating these elements empowers vacationers to make decisions aligned with their particular person priorities, whether or not prioritizing time effectivity or price financial savings.
3. Layover Durations
Layover durations symbolize a pivotal part throughout the general journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica, notably for itineraries involving connecting flights. The period of layovers straight impacts the overall time spent in transit, influencing scheduling selections and general journey expertise. A brief layover, for instance, may contain a fast switch between gates throughout the similar airport, including minimal time to the journey. Conversely, an prolonged layover may necessitate navigating a distinct airport, probably involving floor transportation, including a number of hours to the general journey time. As an illustration, a connecting flight via Miami with a six-hour layover considerably extends the journey in comparison with a shorter layover or a continuous flight.
The strategic number of layovers can serve varied functions. A short layover prioritizes minimizing journey time, albeit with a better threat of missed connections as a consequence of potential delays. Longer layovers, whereas growing general journey time, provide alternatives to relaxation, discover the layover metropolis, or deal with important duties. Moreover, layover period concerns usually correlate with ticket pricing. Flights with shorter layovers continuously command larger costs as a consequence of their time-saving benefits, whereas longer layovers generally coincide with extra economical fares. Successfully evaluating these trade-offs empowers vacationers to pick out itineraries aligned with particular person priorities.
Understanding the affect of layover durations on complete journey time permits for reasonable planning and expectation administration. Factoring in potential delays, airport switch occasions, and layover actions supplies a complete understanding of the general journey timeline. This consciousness equips vacationers to make knowledgeable selections about flight choice, minimizing potential journey disruptions and optimizing the general journey expertise.
4. Airline Variations
Airline variations symbolize a notable issue influencing flight durations between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Totally different airways make use of various plane sorts, route configurations, and operational procedures, all of which contribute to discrepancies in general journey time. Understanding these variations permits vacationers to make knowledgeable selections aligned with their scheduling wants.
Plane sort considerably impacts flight pace. Some airways make the most of newer, extra fuel-efficient plane able to larger cruising speeds, probably lowering journey time. Conversely, different airways may function older plane or these designed for shorter routes, leading to longer flight durations. Route choice additionally performs a task. Some airways go for direct routes, minimizing journey time, whereas others may incorporate intermediate stops or much less environment friendly flight paths as a consequence of operational constraints or community configurations. These route variations can add appreciable time to the general journey. Operational procedures, equivalent to floor dealing with effectivity and adherence to schedules, can additional affect flight occasions. Airways with streamlined processes have a tendency to attenuate delays and preserve tighter schedules, contributing to extra predictable journey occasions.
As an illustration, Airline A may function a continuous flight utilizing a contemporary, fuel-efficient plane, leading to a flight period of roughly 3.5 hours. In distinction, Airline B, providing a connecting flight with an older plane and a much less direct route, may require a complete journey time exceeding 6 hours, together with layover. Recognizing these variations empowers vacationers to pick out airways providing flight choices greatest suited to their particular person journey preferences and schedule constraints. Cautious consideration of airline-specific factorsaircraft sort, route configuration, and operational proceduresenables vacationers to anticipate potential variations in flight durations and plan accordingly, minimizing potential journey disruptions and optimizing the general journey.
5. Seasonal Modifications
Seasonal adjustments exert a substantial affect on flight schedules and availability between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Peak journey seasons usually witness elevated demand, impacting each flight frequency and pricing. Conversely, the low season usually presents fewer flight choices and probably decrease fares. Understanding these seasonal fluctuations is essential for efficient journey planning.
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Peak Season (Dry Season – December to April)
Throughout Costa Rica’s dry season, which coincides with North American winter, Liberia experiences a surge in tourism. This elevated demand usually ends in larger airfares and decreased availability of continuous flights. Reserving properly upfront is very beneficial throughout this era to safe desired itineraries.
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Shoulder Seasons (Might-June & September-October)
Shoulder seasons provide a stability between nice climate, manageable crowds, and probably extra favorable flight choices. These durations can current alternatives for securing extra inexpensive fares and experiencing Liberia with fewer vacationers in comparison with the height season.
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Inexperienced Season (Wet Season – July to August & November)
The inexperienced season, characterised by elevated rainfall, usually witnesses decrease demand for flights to Liberia. This era usually presents alternatives for price financial savings on airfare, although vacationers must be ready for potential weather-related disruptions and think about the impression of rainfall on out of doors actions.
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Hurricane Season (June to November)
Whereas Liberia is just not straight within the hurricane belt, the broader area is inclined to tropical storms and hurricanes throughout this era. Vacationers ought to monitor climate forecasts intently and think about journey insurance coverage to mitigate potential disruptions. Flight availability and schedules is likely to be affected by extreme climate occasions.
Contemplating seasonal differences when planning journey to Liberia from Houston is crucial for managing expectations relating to flight availability, pricing, and potential weather-related disruptions. Aligning journey dates with private preferences for climate, crowds, and finances requires a complete understanding of those seasonal nuances. This consciousness facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and contributes to a smoother, extra pleasing journey expertise.
6. Airport Decisions
Airport decisions play a major function in figuring out the general journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Deciding on essentially the most applicable departure and arrival airports can considerably impression each flight availability and complete journey period. Cautious consideration of airport choices is crucial for optimizing journey logistics and minimizing potential transit time.
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Departure Airports (Houston)
Whereas George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves as the first worldwide airport in Houston, providing essentially the most direct flights to Liberia, different airports like William P. Pastime Airport (HOU) may present connecting flight choices. Evaluating potential departure airports primarily based on flight availability, price, and comfort is essential. Departing from a smaller regional airport may necessitate further connecting flights, probably extending the general journey.
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Arrival Airports (Costa Rica)
Daniel Oduber Quirs Worldwide Airport (LIR) serves Liberia, Costa Rica. Nevertheless, relying on the chosen airline and route, some itineraries may contain connecting flights via Juan Santamara Worldwide Airport (SJO) in San Jos. Whereas SJO gives a wider vary of worldwide connections, arriving there necessitates further floor transportation to Liberia, including important time to the general journey. Direct flights to LIR typically provide essentially the most time-efficient journey possibility.
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Connecting Airport Issues
For itineraries involving connecting flights, the selection of connecting airport can considerably affect layover period and general journey time. Some connecting airports provide extra environment friendly switch processes and shorter minimal connection occasions, whereas others may require prolonged layovers as a consequence of airport structure or flight schedules. Evaluating connecting airport choices primarily based on layover period, switch effectivity, and potential for delays is crucial for optimizing journey time.
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Floor Transportation
Contemplating floor transportation choices to and from chosen airports is essential. Journey time to and from airports in Houston and the ultimate vacation spot in Costa Rica must be factored into general journey planning. The provision and effectivity of floor transportation optionssuch as taxis, ride-sharing companies, or rental carscan considerably impression complete journey period.
Strategic airport choice is subsequently integral to environment friendly journey planning between Houston and Liberia. Evaluating out there choices primarily based on flight availability, connecting airport effectivity, floor transportation logistics, and potential layovers empowers vacationers to optimize their itineraries and reduce general journey time. A complete understanding of those elements contributes to a extra seamless and time-effective journey expertise.
7. Time Zone Distinction
The time zone distinction between Houston, Texas, and Liberia, Costa Rica, performs an important function in precisely calculating and understanding general journey time. Whereas the precise flight period stays fixed no matter time zones, the departure and arrival occasions displayed on itineraries replicate native occasions, necessitating cautious consideration of this distinction to keep away from scheduling conflicts and guarantee correct planning.
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Central Commonplace Time (CST) vs. Costa Rica Commonplace Time (CST)
Houston observes Central Commonplace Time (CST), which is six hours behind Coordinated Common Time (UTC-6) throughout customary time and 5 hours behind throughout daylight saving time (CDT). Liberia, then again, observes Costa Rica Commonplace Time (CST), which is constantly six hours behind UTC (UTC-6) year-round. Which means Liberia doesn’t observe daylight saving time.
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Sensible Implications for Journey Planning
A flight departing Houston at 10:00 AM CST throughout customary time would arrive in Liberia at 10:00 AM CST, regardless of a flight period of a number of hours. This seemingly instantaneous arrival displays the time zone distinction. Throughout daylight saving time in Houston, a ten:00 AM CDT departure would translate to an 11:00 AM CST arrival in Liberia. Understanding this shift is crucial for coordinating floor transportation, lodge check-ins, and different scheduled actions upon arrival.
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Adjusting to the Time Distinction
The time distinction may also impression vacationers’ physiological changes upon arrival. A shorter flight period westward minimizes the preliminary impression of jet lag, whereas longer journeys may require extra time for acclimatization. Planning for relaxation upon arrival or adjusting sleep schedules previous to departure can mitigate the consequences of the time change.
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Scheduling Issues
The constant time distinction simplifies scheduling concerns for vacationers between Houston and Liberia. Not like locations with various daylight saving practices, the mounted six-hour distinction facilitates simple time conversions and eliminates the necessity for advanced changes all year long.
Subsequently, factoring the time zone distinction into journey calculations supplies a extra reasonable understanding of arrival occasions and facilitates correct scheduling of post-flight actions. This consciousness contributes to a smoother journey expertise by minimizing potential confusion and permitting vacationers to successfully handle their time upon arrival in Liberia.
8. Potential Delays
Potential delays symbolize a crucial issue influencing general journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Whereas scheduled flight occasions present a baseline, varied unexpected circumstances can disrupt journey plans, extending the overall journey period. Understanding these potential delays and their implications permits for extra reasonable planning and proactive mitigation methods.
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Climate-Associated Disruptions
Climate situations in each Houston and Liberia can considerably impression flight schedules. Inclement climate, equivalent to thunderstorms, fog, or hurricanes, can result in flight cancellations or delays. As an illustration, a hurricane impacting Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirs Worldwide Airport may floor flights, stranding vacationers and necessitating rebooking, probably including days to the meant journey time. Equally, extreme winter climate in Houston may delay departures, impacting connecting flights and general arrival occasions in Liberia.
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Air Visitors Congestion
Air visitors congestion, notably at main hub airports, can result in departure delays. A flight scheduled to depart Houston throughout peak hours may expertise delays as a consequence of air visitors management restrictions or runway availability. These delays, whereas generally minimal, can have cascading results on connecting flights and general journey time to Liberia. Moreover, congestion on the arrival airport in Liberia, although much less frequent, may also contribute to delayed landings and prolonged journey durations.
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Mechanical Points
Mechanical points with plane may cause sudden delays or cancellations. Previous to departure, a mechanical downside may necessitate repairs, delaying the flight or requiring a change of plane. In-flight mechanical points can divert flights to alternate airports, inflicting important disruptions and lengthening the overall journey time to Liberia. Whereas airways attempt to attenuate such disruptions, mechanical points stay an inherent threat in air journey.
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Safety or Customs Delays
Safety or customs procedures at each departure and arrival airports can contribute to unexpected delays. Enhanced safety screenings or sudden customs inspections can lengthen the time spent in airports, impacting departure occasions or delaying entry into Liberia. Whereas these procedures are important for security and safety, they symbolize a possible supply of journey delays that must be factored into planning.
Incorporating potential delays into journey planning permits for the event of contingency plans and mitigates the impression of disruptions on general journey time to Liberia. Methods equivalent to reserving flights with ample connection occasions, permitting for buffer time in itineraries, and monitoring climate forecasts can reduce disruptions. Whereas unexpected circumstances can not at all times be prevented, anticipating potential delays permits for extra reasonable expectations and facilitates a smoother, much less anxious journey expertise.
9. Total Journey Time
Total journey time encompasses extra than simply the flight time from Houston to Liberia, Costa Rica. It represents the overall period from leaving one’s level of origin in Houston to arriving on the remaining vacation spot in Liberia, factoring in a number of variables that stretch past the time spent within the air. This holistic perspective is essential for correct planning and reasonable expectations.
A number of elements contribute to the discrepancy between flight time and general journey time. Pre-flight procedures, equivalent to airport check-in, safety screenings, and baggage drop-off, can eat a major period of time, notably throughout peak journey durations. For instance, navigating a busy Houston airport throughout vacation season may simply add two or extra hours to the general journey. Equally, post-flight procedures, together with immigration, baggage declare, and customs clearance in Liberia, contribute to the overall time. Floor transportation to and from airports, whether or not by taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental automobile, additional extends the period. As an illustration, journey from a Houston suburb to the airport, mixed with transportation from Liberia’s airport to a remaining vacation spot like Tamarindo, may add a number of hours to the general journey time. Connecting flights introduce further complexities, with layover durations, potential delays, and airport switch occasions considerably impacting the general journey. A two-hour layover in Miami, whereas seemingly transient, provides significantly to the overall journey time in comparison with a continuous flight.
Understanding the excellence between flight time and general journey time is crucial for reasonable planning. Focusing solely on the scheduled flight period can result in underestimations and logistical challenges upon arrival. Incorporating pre and post-flight procedures, floor transportation, and potential delays into journey calculations supplies a extra correct evaluation of the overall time dedication. This complete understanding empowers vacationers to create reasonable itineraries, reduce potential disruptions, and handle expectations successfully, finally contributing to a smoother and extra pleasing journey expertise.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica, providing concise and informative responses to facilitate efficient journey planning.
Query 1: What’s the shortest doable journey time between Houston and Liberia?
Continuous flights usually provide the quickest journey possibility, with scheduled flight occasions starting from roughly three and a half to 4 hours. Nevertheless, general journey time ought to account for airport procedures and floor transportation.
Query 2: How do connecting flights impression general journey time?
Connecting flights introduce layovers, extending the general journey. Layover durations differ considerably, including a number of hours to the overall journey time. Potential delays additional complicate scheduling and must be thought-about.
Query 3: How do seasonal adjustments have an effect on flight schedules and availability?
Peak journey seasons, coinciding with Costa Rica’s dry season (December to April), usually see elevated flight frequency but additionally larger fares and decreased availability. The inexperienced (wet) season (Might-June & September-October) and low season may provide decrease fares however with fewer flight choices.
Query 4: What function do airport decisions play in general journey time?
Deciding on departure and arrival airports influences journey logistics. Departing from smaller airports or arriving at airports requiring important floor transportation to the ultimate vacation spot provides to the general journey time. Direct flights to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirs Worldwide Airport (LIR) usually provide essentially the most environment friendly possibility.
Query 5: How does the time zone distinction have an effect on journey planning?
Liberia observes Costa Rica Commonplace Time (CST, UTC-6) year-round, whereas Houston observes Central Commonplace Time (CST/CDT), leading to a constant time distinction. A flight departing Houston at 10:00 AM CST arrives in Liberia at 10:00 AM CST. Accounting for this distinction is essential for scheduling post-arrival actions.
Query 6: What are frequent causes of flight delays on this route?
Climate situations in Houston or Liberia, air visitors congestion, mechanical points, and safety or customs delays can all contribute to flight disruptions and lengthen general journey time. Contemplating these potential delays is essential for reasonable planning.
Understanding these key features of journey time facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and ensures a smoother journey expertise between Houston and Liberia. Correct planning, incorporating potential delays and logistical concerns, contributes to a extra pleasing journey.
For additional info and particular flight particulars, consulting on-line journey businesses or contacting airways straight is beneficial.
Ideas for Planning Journey from Houston to Liberia, Costa Rica
Environment friendly journey planning hinges on understanding key elements influencing general journey time. The following pointers present beneficial insights for optimizing itineraries and guaranteeing a smoother journey between Houston and Liberia.
Tip 1: E book Flights in Advance, Particularly Throughout Peak Season: Securing flights properly upfront, notably throughout Costa Rica’s dry season (December to April), gives better alternative and probably higher fares. Final-minute bookings usually end in restricted availability and premium pricing.
Tip 2: Think about the Commerce-offs Between Non-Cease and Connecting Flights: Whereas continuous flights reduce journey time, connecting flights may provide price financial savings. Evaluating this trade-off primarily based on particular person prioritiestime versus budgetis essential.
Tip 3: Think about Layover Durations Realistically: Ample layover time is crucial for navigating connecting airports and minimizing the danger of missed connections as a consequence of potential delays. Overly brief layovers can introduce pointless stress.
Tip 4: Analysis Airline-Particular Flight Durations and Routes: Totally different airways make the most of various plane and routes, impacting flight occasions. Researching these variations beforehand permits for knowledgeable decisions aligning with schedule preferences.
Tip 5: Account for Time Zone Variations: Liberia observes a constant time distinction from Houston. Factoring this into planning ensures correct scheduling of post-arrival actions and facilitates clean transitions.
Tip 6: Monitor Climate Forecasts and Plan for Potential Delays: Climate situations in each Houston and Liberia can disrupt flights. Staying knowledgeable about climate patterns and incorporating buffer time into itineraries mitigates the impression of potential delays.
Tip 7: Think about Floor Transportation Time: Journey time to and from airports in Houston and inside Costa Rica contributes considerably to the general journey. Factoring these durations into planning ensures reasonable expectations.
Tip 8: Discover Journey Insurance coverage Choices: Journey insurance coverage can present beneficial safety in opposition to unexpected circumstances like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or misplaced baggage, mitigating potential monetary losses and journey disruptions.
By implementing the following tips, vacationers can optimize their itineraries, reduce potential disruptions, and guarantee a extra environment friendly and pleasing journey between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Knowledgeable planning and proactive consideration of key elements contribute considerably to a optimistic journey expertise.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and gives remaining suggestions for optimizing journey plans.
Conclusion
Journey time between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica, represents a multifaceted idea encompassing extra than simply scheduled flight durations. Elements equivalent to airline decisions, connecting flights, layover durations, seasonal differences, airport choices, potential delays, and floor transportation considerably affect general journey time. Continuous flights provide the quickest possibility, usually ranging between three and a half to 4 hours, whereas connecting itineraries introduce layovers, probably extending journey by a number of hours. Peak journey seasons usually coincide with larger fares and decreased availability, necessitating advance reserving. Strategic airport decisions, contemplating each departure and arrival places, can optimize journey logistics. Moreover, understanding the constant time zone distinction between Houston and Liberia is essential for correct scheduling. Potential delays as a consequence of climate, air visitors, mechanical points, or safety procedures necessitate reasonable planning and contingency measures. Lastly, factoring floor transportation to and from airports in each places supplies a complete understanding of general journey time.
Efficient journey planning requires a holistic method, contemplating all contributing elements to make sure correct time estimations and reduce potential disruptions. Cautious analysis of those parts empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable selections, aligning journey decisions with particular person preferences and schedules. Finally, a complete understanding of journey time dynamics facilitates a smoother, extra environment friendly, and pleasing journey between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica.
