How to use AI to plan your trip: what works, what doesn’t and tips for the best results

Illustration of man on computer in a park with a girl flying a kite in the background.

Thinking about letting AI take over your travel planning? Tools like Mindtrip, Vacay, and GuideGeek are helping travelers pull together detailed itineraries faster than ever. And while AI is changing how we plan trips, it’s not without its quirks. Attractions close, flights change and sometimes AI forgets the details. So before you pack your bags and leave everything to the bots, let’s talk about how to get the most out of using AI as your trip-planning assistant. 

The pros and cons of AI-powered travel planning

AI systems like ChatGPT, TripIt and Hopper are changing the game when it comes to trip planning. They analyze tons of data to suggest flights, predict price drops, recommend hotels and even map out daily itineraries. They’re efficient, easy to use and can save you hours of research. 

But here’s the thing: AI doesn’t know everything. Flights can be canceled, natural disasters may occur, restaurants may close and some of those “hidden gems” might actually be tourist traps. AI relies on historical data, meaning it’s not always current. So, things like sudden closures, holiday hours or unexpected weather could totally throw a wrench in your “perfectly” generated itinerary. 

Systems we recommend

With so many AI-powered tools out there, it can be hard to pick which one to use. Here are a few that we recommend to help you create trip itineraries, gather destination info and more:

ChatGPT: ChatGPT is a super versatile tool—perfect for brainstorming trip ideas or building personalized itineraries. Just know its data isn’t always up-to-date (current info stops at October 2023). A paid version is also available and offers quicker and more reliable data, but still requires some of your brain power. 

So before heading to that cute cafe in Lisbon, make sure to do some of your own research. Start with questions like, “When’s the best time to visit Portugal?” or “How can I get from Lisbon to Porto?” 

Ask KAYAK: Ask KAYAK is KAYAK’s latest free AI travel planning tool that helps you discover your next vacation. All you have to do is enter your budget, travel dates and interests, and it’ll give you destination options from all over the world. It can also suggest flights, the best times to travel and more. Keep in mind: Ask KAYAK is powered by ChatGPT, so don’t always assume the data is completely accurate. Make sure to research the information given to you to avoid any travel mishaps. 

TripIt: TripIt is an AI-powered travel organizer that keeps all your trip details in one place. Simply forward your flight, hotel, rental car and other reservation confirmation emails, and TripIt will automatically create a master itinerary for you. It offers real-time alerts for flight changes, driving directions and weather updates, so you’re always in the loop. 

For an enhanced experience, TripIt offers a premium upgrade with TripIt Pro. This paid version includes all the features of the free version, along with valuable extras such as country-specific information, check-in reminders, an alternate flight finder and so much more. Check out all the benefits here

Hopper: Hopper is a free tool that uses AI to predict the best times to book flights and hotels. It analyzes historical data and advises whether to book now or wait for prices to drop. Just enter your details, and Hopper will find the best deals for you. Plus, it tracks price fluctuations and notifies you of any changes. 

People looking at a computer and a map.

How to get the most out of AI

AI is a great tool for travel planning, but here are a few tips to make sure you’re using it effectively:

Double-check all the information. AI doesn’t always have the latest info, especially when it comes to things like travel restrictions, local guidelines and hours of operation. Always verify key details on official websites to make sure you’re getting the correct information. 

Be specific with your questions. The more specific you are, the better the results are. Instead of asking something broad like “What should I do in Italy?”, try narrowing it down to “What are the best family-friendly activities in Rome in October?” This way, you’ll get more relevant recommendations. 

Mix AI suggestions with your own research. AI can give some great ideas and inspiration but don’t rely on it alone. Complement its ideas by checking travel blogs, YouTube, TikTok or talking to someone who’s been there before. Use AI as a starting point, then build on it. 

Use multiple AI tools. Each tool offers something different, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. For example, use ChatGPT to create a general itinerary and Hopper to find the best time to book your flights.  

Consider paid versions for a premium experience. While free AI tools can be useful for the basics, investing in paid versions provides more accurate and reliable information, as well as advanced features that can significantly improve your travel experience. 

Ready, set, go!

At Faye, we get it—sometimes you just need to chat with a real person, not a bot. Even if AI helped plan your next trip, our customer support team of real humans is available 24/7—including holidays and weekends. Whether you’re dealing with a flight delay or simply want to know where the best pastry shop is near your hotel, we’re ready to help.

 

These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for how to use AI to plan your trip.

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