Fly Southwest: PVR to Grand Rapids, Michigan

Alright, so you've decided to flip the bird to your routine grind and jet off on a whimsical holiday, eh? Well, kudos to you, adventuring spirit! You're taking a skip and a hop from Puerto Vallarta to Grand Rapids and you're considering floating on the wings of Southwest Airlines? Perfect, let me run you through it all. Take a deep breath, and sit back while we cruise through some useful stuff you might want to know. We've got you covered on 'flights,' 'direct flights,' 'round-trip,' 'baggage allowance,' and 'best time to book. Pleased to provide you the glow of that vital insider knowledge!

First off, let's chat about the flights. Now, when it comes to this particular route, bear in mind that Southwest doesn't run a direct flight. Yep, it's a smidge inconvenient, but hey, it's a great opportunity for some adventure in-between! You'll usually have a layover in one of the domestic hubs like San Diego or St. Louis. This could actually be a brilliant mid-journey refresher - a pause button on your travel video, customize it the way you want.

Now, are you a one-way ticket kind of traveller or more of a round-trip enthusiast? Neither is wrong, but it's worth noting that snagging a round-trip flight can often be a super smart way to save a bit of moolah. This is particularly true if your dates are pretty set in stone and you're not looking for spontaneity to whisk you away to another locale on a whim. It's always worth doing a quick comparison though!

Next up, a decidedly un-glamorous, yet crucial factor to chew over - the baggage allowance. Southwest, unlike many airlines, still lets you check two bags for free. That's right! Two whole suitcases of vacation essentials (or non-essentials, because you've earned the right to pack that extra pair of shoes you might never wear), free of charge. Bonus, your carry-on and personal item also won't incur any extra costs. Just make certain everything fits within their size guidelines though, otherwise you might find yourself in a bit of pickle.

And how about the best time to book? Well, this elusive sweet spot varies for everyone. Some swear by the "Tuesday-afternoon" theory - you know, when supposedly airlines kick out their weekly deals. Others advocate for a "6-weeks-out" strategy. Truth is, no single magic trick guarantees the cheapest airfare, but generally speaking, booking a couple of months ahead for these international flights could serve well.

Watch out for Southwest's occasional flash sales too, when the airline breaks out some real zingers of deals. You would need to keep your eyes peeled though, as they're typically not long-duration sales. But hey, a little vigilance can arguably transform into monetary savings!

All right, there you have it - a rough sketch of what this journey might look like. But remember, this dalliance with Southwest should be more than just flights, layovers, and baggage details. It's about new experiences, surprise encounters, untold stories, and the simmering anticipation of engaging in the soul of a new city. It's about you being the author of your own odyssey. Safe travels, my friend!