I’m going to Europe soon, and planning my trip was a breeze. Yes, indeed! Artificial intelligence did a big part of the work. for Me – and it might even help you plan your next trip.
Start here.
Here are a few ways to turn AI into your travel agent. There’s a whole industry of paid sites and apps popping up, but I haven’t found anything useful enough to pay for. For this, let’s stick to using the big bots:
◾ Chat GPT: My Favorite AI Chatbot; Gives the best results based on my tests.
◾ Gemini: Google’s chatbot is integrated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. I don’t think it’s as thorough as ChatGPT, and it often gives weird feedback.
1. State your likes and desires.
Your AI travel buddy can do a lot more than recommend tourist traps – it can help you create a truly tailored adventure. Remember, the more information you put in about who you are and what you like, the more “you” suggestions there will be.
From interests
AI can generate a list of places that are part of your interests or the group you’re traveling with:
◾ “Find me the best food tours in Paris that include wine tasting.”
◾ “What are some beautiful hiking trails within 30 miles of Denver?”
◾ “Must-see art galleries in NYC for lovers of modern art.”
Depending on the weather
AI can suggest destinations based on your preferred climate at any time of the year. Much easier than looking up weather charts!
◾ “Find me a warm destination in the US for January with average temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”
◾ “What are the best ski resorts in Wyoming in late December?”
◾ “Where can I play golf in May with mild, spring-like weather?”
By chance or vibe
Not sure where you want to go? Let the AI find the perfect match for your mood. If you’re not sure how to describe the vibe you’re looking for, tell the AI how you want your trip to feel.
◾”What are some romantic places in Italy?”
◾ “Recommend family-friendly vacation spots with amusement parks and beaches.”
◾ “Where can I go to feel relaxed and refreshed in March without spending a ton of money?”
The best part? AI doesn’t just offer generic lists. It tailors your dream trip based on what you like, need or just want to experience.
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2. Make booking and reservation easier
AI does more than just answer questions. It simplifies the entire planning process so you can focus on the fun part of the trip.
Flights and Transportation
AI can help find the best flight times, routes and transportation options based on your budget and preferences.
◾ “Which is the most direct route from (origin) to (destination) with a time delay of less than 2 hours?”
◾ “Find me cheap train options here. [city] To [city] With scenic views.”
◾ “Which airlines offer the best in-flight perks for long-haul flights?”
Hotel and accommodation
Get specific with your housing needs, and AI will help you sort through the options. It can do the hard work for you to sort through reviews, amenities and locations. very cute
◾ “What’s a family-friendly hotel in (destination) with a pool and free breakfast?”
◾ Recommend eco-friendly accommodations near hiking trails in “(area).”
◾ “Find a cozy boutique hotel in (city) within walking distance of top-rated restaurants.”
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3. Ask the right questions.
This hit the jackpot for me: “What are the unique experiences in Berlin and Vienna in the first week of January?” The results? Festive Christmas markets, snowy countryside escapes and hot spring spas. Not bad, right?
For each city on my trip, I got creative with the prompts:
◾ “Help me plan a route between Paris and Vienna. My family loves unique experiences, scenic views, and amazing food.”
◾ “I’m going to Berlin. What tourist attractions should I not miss?”
◾ “What’s a day-by-day Paris itinerary that includes local cuisine, hidden gems and cultural must-sees?”
Don’t stop at the basics! Dig deeper and your travel buddies will ask, “How did you find out about that?”
◾ “Which is a low-end restaurant where locals eat in (destination)?”
◾ What festivals or seasonal events are happening in (destination) on “(dates)?”
◾ “What’s the easiest way to save tickets and/or skip lines for (popular attractions)?”
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4. Time to pack like a pro
We’ve all forgotten our phone chargers or overpacked like we’re going on a weekend trip abroad.
◾ Pack exactly: “What should I pack for (length of trip) to (destination) in (month)?”
◾ Weatherproof your wardrobe: “What is the weather usually like in (month) in (destination)?”
◾ Be prepared to document: “What documents do I need for (destination)?” That way, you’re ready for customs if you’re leaving the country. (By the way, you can now. Renew your passport. online.)
Share it with your favorite travel buddy and start planning your next trip. Bon voyage!
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Learn about all the latest technology. Low Commander Showthe nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and advises on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletter and more, visit her website.