Journeys With Jani

Today Show Travel Talk: What You Need to Know Before You Get Too Excited.

This morning, I was sipping my French roast and watching the Today Show (you know, my daily dose of news and life lessons), and Vicky Nguyen was on chatting all about travel. Y’all know I leaned in for that! She had some great tips and insights, and I was loving every second of it…BUT. And you knew there was a “but” coming, didn’t you?

Let’s have a little real talk. When you hear those magical price tags floating through the air—Atlanta to Chicago for $67 round trip or Los Angeles to New York City for $99 round trip—go ahead and assume this: you’re not flying Delta, United, or any other major airline that lets you sip your club soda with a little legroom and dignity. Unless you’re sitting on a nice pile of SkyMiles or frequent flyer points, those kinds of prices usually come with some fine print the size of a gnat.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re willing to rough it a little—think red-eye flights, economy seats, carry-on only, and maybe a connection that feels like a scavenger hunt—then yes, those deals do exist. And hey, sometimes the adventure is in the journey, not the seat that reclines a whole inch.

Now for some good news: travel costs are down compared to last year. But let’s keep our feet on the ground here—we are not back to pre-COVID prices, and honestly, we probably never will be. The world has changed, friends, and so has the travel industry.

So what’s the move? Let’s start thinking a little differently about our travel plans.

🤠Go off the beaten path—those lesser-known gems often bring the most unforgettable experiences.

🗓️Consider off-season travel—the crowds are thinner, prices are better, and you get to experience destinations in a more authentic way.

✈️ And if you must have that Delta flight with a checked bag and a comfy seat, let’s plan ahead and use those miles or look for bundled deals that actually make sense for your budget.

Bottom line? You can still see the world without selling a kidney, but it’s all about how flexible you’re willing to be. And if you need help navigating all of this, well—you know where to find me.

Let’s go somewhere fabulous—smartly!

XOXO, Jani