Love the show? Help shape what’s next—take this quick listener survey.

Delta is using AI to price tickets in real time. Are you getting a deal… or getting played?

Delta has started using artificial intelligence to personalize airfare pricing, and it could change how you book flights forever. But is this new tech a money-saver or just a smarter way for airlines to charge more?

In this episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down what Delta’s AI pricing strategy actually means for travelers, why this shift matters, and how it fits into a much bigger trend in the airline industry. From the evolution of flight pricing to the rise of hyper-personalized fares, this conversation will give you a clearer view of what’s happening behind the scenes the next time you search for a flight.

You’ll get insight into what’s changing, what to watch for, and a few potential ways travelers are trying to avoid getting overcharged.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What we know about Delta’s AI pricing system and how it could impact your airfare
• The difference between dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing
• A few practical ways travelers are trying to work around AI-driven fares

Whether you fly often or only once in a while, this episode will help you make smarter decisions when it comes to booking your next trip.

Tune in to find out what the algorithm might already know about you and how it could be shaping your next flight price.

Like this, WANT MORE? Tune into these episodes about how AI is transforming the travel industry:

1. Will AI Take Over Travel? What Every Creator and Traveler Needs to Know Right Now w/ Ross Borden #194
2. What Every U.S. Traveler Needs to Know About the 2025 REAL ID Deadline | TRAVEL TALK #169
3. The Future of Travel: Pros & Cons of Digital & Biometric Passports | TRAVEL TALK #102

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

Ever wondered what it’s really like to travel across the U.S. by train?

In this episode, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Amtrak’s Empire Builder, one of the most scenic and underrated train routes in North America.

Host Kim Anderson shares her personal experience riding the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago with her young son, and walks you through everything you need to know about planning your own Amtrak train trip.

Whether you're curious about cross-country train travel, looking for an alternative to road trips and RV life, or just want a relaxing, unplugged adventure with incredible views, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What it’s like to travel the full Empire Builder route from Seattle to Chicago
• Where to stop along the way (hint: there are AMAZING options!)
• What to expect from Amtrak sleeping cars, meals, and lounge access
• Pro tips on luggage, Wi-Fi, and why this journey is a great option for families, solo travelers, and slow travel fans

This is your sign to slow down, take the scenic route and see a whole new side of America.

Planning your own Amtrak adventure? Tune in to learn how to make the most of the Empire Builder route and decide if cross-country train travel might be your new favorite way to explore.

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

AI is changing how we travel—and raising big questions about who gets left behind.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Ross Borden, the founder of Matador Network to explore how artificial intelligence is turning the travel world upside down. From simplifying trip planning to disrupting the creator economy, this conversation dives deep into the promise—and the peril—of a new era.

You’ll hear how Matador’s GuideGeek AI is reshaping the way travelers find information, why personalization is becoming the norm, and how brands are racing to keep up. But it’s not just about innovation: Ross shares honest reflections on the ethical challenges of AI, the environmental impact of large-scale data models, and what all of this means for the future of authentic travel storytelling.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The inspiration behind building an AI travel assistant and what it can (and can’t) do
• How AI is eroding traditional web traffic and changing how creators earn a living (spoiler alert: it's not al doom and gloom!)
• Why ethical considerations, accuracy, and sustainability matter more than ever

Whether you’re a digital creator, an avid traveler, or simply curious about where technology is taking us next, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and maybe a few tough questions to ponder.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Ross on Instagram & Matador Network Website
• GuideGeek
• ⚡️ROUND travel tip: Skip the crowds at Muir Woods and check out the redwoods on Stinson Beach Steep Ravine Trail instead.

Like this? Try these epsiodes:

1. Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: FromCorporate Girlie to Full Time Travel Creator w/ Your Travel BFF Janelle on a Jet #129
2. Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
3. Astrotourism 101: How to Plan the Ultimate Stargazing, Dark Sky, and Northern Lights Trip w/ Stephanie Vermillion #172

EPISODE DETAILS:

07:41 - Even with the rise of AI creators will become

14:54 - Websites that are not AI-centred

16:05 - Optimized for AI

20:40 - Double down on your own experience

21:47 - Branch out

31:11 - To keep your environmental footprint down

23:36 - Be as specific

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout