Why Travel Feels So Expensive Now — And the Simple System That Makes It Easier Again
Lisa BaumanShare
If planning a trip feels more stressful than it used to, it’s not just you. Travel costs have shifted dramatically over the past few years — not just flights, but hotels, rental cars, food, experiences, everything.
And if you’re a Gen Xer or early Boomer, you’re feeling it on two fronts:
• rising costs when you want to travel
• rising expenses everywhere else in life
It’s no wonder travel can start to feel like a negotiation rather than something you look forward to.
But here’s the good news:
There is a simple, calm system that makes travel feel easier again — without chasing deals, tracking dozens of alerts, or adding stress to your life.
Let’s break down what changed, why it feels so heavy, and what you can do to take back control.
Why Travel Feels So Expensive Right Now
Travel prices haven’t just gone up — they’ve become unpredictable.
Here’s what’s driving the pressure:
1. Demand snapped back stronger than supply
Flights and hotels bounced back fast after pandemic slowdowns — but staffing and inventory took longer. That imbalance pushed prices up.
2. Dynamic pricing got more aggressive
Airlines and hotels now adjust prices based on demand in real time. That means even “normal” dates can see unpredictable spikes.
3. Add-on costs exploded
Baggage fees, resort fees, upgrades, car rental insurance — the extras add up faster than most people expect.
4. The rest of your life got more expensive too
Groceries. Insurance. Home repairs. Travel isn’t happening in a vacuum — it’s happening on top of everything else costing more.
Which means even when you want to plan something meaningful, it can feel uncomfortable or out of reach.
But the Real Issue Isn’t Just Cost — It’s Weight
When travel gets more expensive, the emotional load gets heavier:
- “Can we afford this?”
- “Should we wait another year?”
- “Do we dip into savings?”
- “Why does everything feel so high?”
Financial stress steals joy from the planning phase — sometimes even from the trip itself.
The goal isn’t to travel recklessly.
The goal is to create a system that removes the pressure.
That’s where a Points Portfolio comes in.
A Points Portfolio Makes Travel Feel Doable Again
A Points Portfolio helps your everyday spending build the value behind your future trips — without extra effort or extra spending.
It’s the opposite of “travel hacking.”
It’s a calm, realistic structure that supports the travel you want while protecting your cash.
With the right setup, you can:
- Use points for flights during expensive seasons
- Offset hotel prices with earned nights or perks
- Avoid paying full price for rising travel costs
- Free up cash for food, experiences, and fun
- Travel without dipping into savings
Your spending starts building a buffer — one that makes travel feel possible again.
This is especially powerful for Gen X adults who want meaningful experiences and to protect their financial future.
Real-Life Examples of How This Makes Travel Easier
1. Summer or holiday flights covered with points
When airfare spikes, your cash doesn’t have to take the hit.
2. Hotels offset through perks and reward nights
The right cards can give you substantial value — especially in high-demand destinations.
3. Car rentals + baggage fees minimized through benefits
Perks often cover things you’d normally pay out of pocket.
4. Everyday spending → future trips
Groceries, bills, insurance, gas, holidays, medical — these categories add up fast.
Your day-to-day life helps pay for your future life.
That’s the beauty of a Points Portfolio:
You don’t need more spending.
You just need smarter structure.
It Doesn’t Have to Feel This Hard
You don’t have to fight every algorithm or chase every deal.
You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting to travel.
And you definitely don’t need to dip into savings every time you want to go somewhere meaningful.
You just need a system that reduces the cost — and the weight — before you even start planning.
That’s what quiet compounding looks like.
Lisa Logic
When travel feels expensive, don’t give up the trip — change the system behind it. Structure lowers costs long before you book.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready for travel to feel easier again, start building your Points Portfolio. It’s the calmest, smartest way to take the pressure off your future trips — without spending more or sacrificing your financial goals.
Reach out if you want the simple setup I use myself.