How to Use AI to Plan Your Next Trip

At the risk of making my blog obsolete before I have even really gotten started, I am going to write about using artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and book a trip. In my other life I am a training consultant, which is another area that is going to be disrupted by AI, so I have been researching and trying out how we can use these new tools to make our lives easier. I don’t want to spoil the ending but AI is very useful for planning not booking and finalizing. Think of it as a travel advisor instead of a travel agent.

The Quest Begins with AI Travel Assistants

My first step into this brave new world of travel planning was to dive into the realm of AI travel assistants. You’ve probably heard of them—think of Siri or Alexa, but with a knack for sniffing out the most exciting travel deals and experiences. I started by simply asking, “Where should I go on vacation?” The response was a digital smorgasbord of destinations tailored to my interests and budget. I felt like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, except instead of Wonderland, I was exploring hidden gems from Bali to Barcelona.

Travel Apps and Sites

While Siri and Alexa are helpful, there are AI powered sites and apps that are created for this purpose. ChatGPT can be prompted to suggest locations and provide itineraries. For more specific travel sites, you can use Wonder Plan AI which creates excellent itineraries. The site I have played with the most is Travel Plan Booker. It has an AI trip planner that is incredibly powerful. You answer the questions on location, length of trip, and number of travelers, and it not only suggests an itinerary but it also provides links for booking flights, accommodations and activities. I have not used this site to book yet, but I have looked at the itineraries and it does a great job. If you’re looking for a one stop shop, this is the site I would start with.

Travel sites we have been using for years are also starting to incorporate AI into their sites. Trip Advisor has a page called Trips with options to Create Your Own Trip or Build a Trip with AI. The advantage of this is the prompts have already been written and embedded into the AI search so you do not have to become a prompt engineer to get the answer you are looking for.

Debunking the Myth of Overpriced AI Recommendations

One myth I had to test was the notion that AI recommendations come with a hefty price tag. Just like my experiment with incognito mode searches (spoiler: they don’t save you money), I dove in, comparing prices manually. To my surprise, the AI consistently found deals I would’ve missed, like a hidden boutique hotel at a fraction of the cost of bigger chains. It turns out, AI doesn’t care about weekends or Tuesdays—it’s all about real-time data and algorithms that work 24/7 to find the best prices.

The Reality of AI Travel Planning: It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows

However. let’s be real, relying on AI isn’t without its hiccups. There was that moment of panic when the AI suggested a fantastic deal on a flight that, upon closer inspection, it had two layovers and a 5 a.m. departure. No thank you! It reminded me that while AI can suggest, it’s up to us humans to make the final call based on our preferences and sanity.

Booking with Confidence (But Double-Checking the AI’s Homework)

When it came time to book, I followed my golden rule: always double-check the AI’s homework. AI provides you with excellent recommendations but you may still find a better deal or activity that was not suggested. I don’t think I’m ready to let AI do all of my trip planning but it certainly cuts down the amount of time it takes to figure out the highlights. I will still use the sites I’m comfortable with to do the actual booking.

The Verdict: AI as Your Travel Co-Pilot

So, would I let AI plan my trip? Absolutely—with a caveat. I know I spoiled the ending but think of AI as your travel co-pilot, offering insights and suggestions, but remember, you’re the one in the driver’s seat. There’s no substitute for personal judgment and the thrill of discovering a hidden gem on your own. But for the heavy lifting? I’m all for letting AI take the wheel.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Future, But Keep Your Passport Handy

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in travel planning, my advice is to embrace the possibilities AI offers. Follow those AI-generated rabbit holes to discover destinations you’d never thought to explore, but remember, the best travel experiences come from a blend of technology’s convenience and our own sense of adventure. So go ahead, let AI be your guide, but I still want the thrill of plotting your course on the map, passport in hand, ready for whatever comes my way. Side note: I once read a study that said people feel as happy while planning a trip as they do when they are on the trip. I do not want to lose the fun and thrill of planning but I am happy to add AI to my trip planning toolbox.

Happy travels, fellow adventurers! May your journeys be as limitless as the technology at our fingertips.

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