Artificial intelligence, or AI, is everywhere these days. And now, it’s stepping into the world of travel planning. With AI tools promising to streamline everything from brainstorming destinations to booking accommodations, it’s easy to see the appeal.
But is AI vacation planning a tech fad, or is it truly reshaping how we vacation? Before exploring the promises and pitfalls of AI-assisted trip planning, the numbers highlighting its growing role in the industry are worth examining.
A look at the numbers
Travelers are jumping on board. A March 2024 survey by Statista revealed that 41% of leisure travelers in the United States and Canada have used generative AI for trip inspiration or itinerary planning — a 7% increase from just six months earlier. Meanwhile, an October 2024 survey by GuideGeek found that more than 1 in 5 travelers have used AI to plan or assist with travel, a 40% increase from September 2023. These stats underscore AI’s growing role in planning travel.
But while using AI to plan a trip may sound appealing, is the reality as impressive as it seems? Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of letting AI take the reins.
The upsides of AI-assisted travel planning
Letting artificial intelligence plan your vacation might sound futuristic — or maybe risky — but it’s already helping travelers. Whether you love a detailed itinerary or pack two hours before your flight, AI tools can make trip planning faster, easier and less stressful.
Brainstorm your perfect destination
Not sure where to go? AI can help. Whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff or someone who just wants a decent plate of pasta, AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini can suggest destinations that match your interests.
Dr. Niki Davis, director and professor of practice in hospitality, tourism and event management at Southern Illinois University, used Copilot to uncover activities for a September trip. “It led me to things based on my prompts that I wouldn’t have thought of or easily found,” she said. Think of it as a brainstorming buddy who knows every corner of the globe.
Plan like a pro
Once you’ve chosen a destination, AI tools make it easy to create a detailed plan. From creating itineraries to finding accommodations, they can guide you every step of the way.
Take it from two professional travelers, James Hills, editor of ManTripping, and his wife, Heather Hills, a travel advisor with Flow Voyages. They use AI to help plan trips and write about destinations. James says, “AI works better than most travel bureau contacts because it draws from my prompt versus what they want to promote.”
Heather often crafts specific prompts such as: “My clients are a married couple in their 70s who love Mexican culture but need to have accessible excursions for their March Mexican Riviera cruise.” The Hills report that tools like ChatGPT and Claude produce excellent results, but there are important caveats to consider, which are covered below.
Budgeting made simple
One of the most stressful parts of travel planning is figuring out costs, but AI tools can make budgeting a breeze. With just a few prompts, AI provides ballpark estimates based on your destination, travel dates and activities. It’s a great way to see if your dream trip to Paris is realistic — or if you need to consider a regional road trip instead.
Get ready to go
AI helps ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip, from personalized packing lists tailored to your itinerary to guidance on tipping etiquette and local customs. Safety is another area where AI excels, offering advice on common scams and sharing practical tips to keep you secure. Whether it’s identifying pickpocket hotspots or suggesting safe taxi services, AI tools help you travel smarter.
Save time
Planning a vacation can feel like a full-time job — scrolling through endless reviews, comparing prices and browsing through Instagram to uncover hidden gems. AI tools like ChatGPT Search can summarize multiple websites in seconds. Looking for the best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras? AI delivers a curated list faster than you can say Laissez les bons temps rouler.
The pitfalls of letting AI plan your trip
While AI tools can inspire adventures and save time, they’re far from perfect. The same technology that simplifies vacation planning can also lead you astray. AI isn’t foolproof. Here’s why you can’t rely on it alone.
Flat out wrong
One of the biggest issues with AI-generated travel advice is that sometimes, it’s just plain wrong. Travel writer Lindsay Hindman discovered this firsthand when she asked ChatGPT recommendations in her hometown. “It claimed you could climb a local 100-foot monument that you definitely cannot climb or even touch. And, AI was insistent that there’s a river cruise here. There isn’t.”
Lindsay continues, “If you planned a trip to our city based solely on the AI-generated suggestions, you’d be very disappointed.” This experience prompted Lindsay to post an authentic content only pledge on her website.
Limited information
While AI excels at gathering basic information quickly, it lacks the nuance and depth that come from human expertise or local knowledge. Mary Beth Williams, a travel vlogger who used to live in Italy, discovered this when testing ChatGPT to plan a trip to Rome and she asked about free things to do. “It only said that some museums are free. There are actually 28 museums that are free on the first Sunday of the month, and it doesn’t tell you this.” Surface-level answers often mean you’ll need to do extra research.
Over-reliance on popular recommendations
The algorithms fueling AI tools often favor destinations, accommodations, attractions and restaurants based on the most mentions or highest online ratings. While this approach can surface tried-and-true favorites, it can also lead to overly generic suggestions. For travelers seeking unique experiences, AI recommendations might feel uninspired and further contribute to beloved places struggling with overtourism as listed by Condé Nast Traveler.
Focusing on popularity can also overshadow unique, locally-owned businesses and lesser-known attractions. Lindsay Hindman discovered this firsthand when testing ChatGPT for her hometown. “It kept suggesting a chain casino,” she said. “The casino isn’t bad, but I’d definitely rank it below all the cute locally-owned spots.”
How to successfully plan a trip with AI
AI can streamline your travel planning, offering tailored recommendations and handling some of the heavy lifting. But for the best results, you’ll want to combine AI insights with advice from human sources and make a few strategic choices about the tools you use.
Use an AI tool with real-time browser connectivity
AI tools work best when they have access to the most current information. While Reuters notes that the free version of ChatGPT is currently limited, platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Gemini pull real-time information from the web. For a fee, ChatGPT Plus also offers browsing capabilities, allowing you to access updated recommendations for your trip.
Verify
Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not an infallible travel guide. AI has been known to recommend experiences and suggest restaurants that no longer exist. If you plan a trip using AI, always verify its information, especially for business hours, pricing and availability. Always confirm using official websites and travel experts who embrace real, authentic content like those listed at Real Bloggers.
Be mindful of how you ask questions
How you phrase questions can significantly affect the quality of AI’s answers. For example, when Mary Beth asked, “Where should I eat in Rome?” she was given a list of the most popular dining spots. But when she asked, “What are the best restaurants in Rome?” she was given a list of restaurants with Michelin stars and other prestigious awards.
Test AI tools before you commit
Not all AI tools are created equal. Experiment with free versions of AI platforms to understand their strengths and weaknesses before subscribing to a paid version. This trial-and-error approach can help you find the tool that fits your travel style and needs.
Making AI work for your adventures
AI has revolutionized travel planning, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can spark inspiration and save time, it’s no substitute for your spontaneous discoveries or the expertise of locals and seasoned travelers. If you use AI to plan your next vacation, don’t overlook the human touch that makes travel memorable.
Sage Scott was bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time. Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage is a travel writer, world wanderer and photographer whose favorite color is golden hour.