Wondering how to leverage artificial intelligence for your next travel adventure? The real question might be: how not to use it?

A February survey from Adobe indicated that over half of Americans (53%) have sought AI’s assistance for their travel plans. The main tasks AI is used for include comparing prices (93%), finding opening hours for hotels and restaurants (90%), and locating nearby dining options and pharmacies (90%).

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The survey didn’t clarify how effective AI is in these scenarios, including potential misinterpretations and inaccuracies.

In reality, AI is not yet fully equipped for all travel tasks. Many free versions lack recent updates, can be inaccurate, and can’t finalize bookings for you just yet. However, AI can provide general guidance and distill vast amounts of data into actionable insights, and it does so at remarkable speed.

When is AI Useful for Travel Planning?

There are situations where AI can be particularly beneficial. Here are some examples:

• For travel recommendations: “AI can be quite handy for individuals looking to explore and narrow down potential travel destinations,” explained Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing, a global travel agency based in London. “I consider AI as a foundational tool for crafting a journey.” Yet, for a trip infused with personal touches and customized details, human expertise remains irreplaceable. No two travelers are identical, and this is where a personal travel consultant can design a more tailored itinerary for you. AI, at this stage, can’t fully grasp your personal preferences.
• To analyze extensive data: “Travelers often find themselves overwhelmed by data,” noted Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, which specializes in medical transport. “AI can sift through large amounts of information to discern a traveler’s likes and past choices, providing highly personalized recommendations.” If you’re eager to parse through substantial data and discover something valuable, like a dining suggestion or local activity, AI can certainly assist, especially when you specify your preferences.
• If you’re pressed for time: AI can quickly propose local attractions and popular sites in various languages, delivering rapid responses that surpass human efficiency. Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com, mentioned that AI can even manage certain customer service tasks at hotels much faster than a human could. “Humans simply can’t match the speed and accuracy required for such quick evaluations,” he stated.

According to Shiyi Pickrell, Expedia’s senior vice president for data and AI, “The potential for AI in travel really shines in the discovery phase.”

Expedia’s research found that travelers view an average of 141 pages of travel content in the 45 days leading up to a booking, Pickrell emphasized. “That’s a large chunk of time dedicated to planning, which generative AI could streamline.”

Thus, AI can be a valuable asset, provided you understand the right circumstances for its application.

When to Avoid Using AI in Travel Planning

However, there are important scenarios where you should steer clear of using AI tools. For instance:

• To get the most current information: Many free AI platforms do not provide up-to-date information. “This can make using AI for vacation planning highly risky,” cautioned Brandon Foster, owner of Magic Lamp Vacations, which focuses on theme park trips. “While an AI can suggest broad advice like ‘What do I do if my flight gets canceled?’ it cannot replace a human who has current information.” A practical tip: Always do your own research, including reaching out to businesses directly. Relying solely on AI is not advisable.
• If you seek insider knowledge: “AI is unlikely to uncover local favorites or hidden gems,” stated Peggy Cleveland, author of “100 Things To Do In Tacoma Before You Die.” With her expertise in discovering unique spots, she’s often queried ChatGPT for insider tips about Tacoma. Unfortunately, she frequently receives advice that leads travelers to less-than-ideal restaurants or attractions. A well-researched human-written piece would provide much more reliable information.
• When booking flights or accommodations: Current AI systems cannot access flight databases to find and reserve tickets or hotel prices, explained John Maly, a legal expert on AI. “For now, humans excel at this task, but that’s primarily because AIs lack direct access to these resources.” This might change in the future, but experts recommend caution when considering AI for travel bookings, as you might accidentally order something you didn’t intend to. (While AIs like Skyscanner’s Savvy Search and Google’s Gemini utilize AI, they still do not handle actual bookings.)

Experts suggest that we are not yet at a point where AI can be reliably used for travel planning.

Emily DeJeu, a communication professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, expressed skepticism: “I still don’t believe AI can be trusted for booking trips or making travel arrangements. Human travel agents carry a sense of responsibility for their clients, and that accountability fosters trust.”

My Experiences with AI

My journey with AI began when ChatGPT was first introduced. I’ve been impressed by the speed and expansive knowledge it provides. For instance, it created a comprehensive itinerary for my recent reporting trip to the Caribbean, which was largely accurate.

However, “largely” is the key term here. AI has suggested locations that were unavailable, given incorrect information on opening times, and guided me to attractions that were closed. Therefore, my trust in it remains limited.

Yet, not everyone shares my reservations. Katharine Nohr, a lawyer from Honolulu, turned to ChatGPT to organize a recent trip to Japan for a friend.

She mentioned, “I utilized AI to craft a thorough itinerary, highlight key attractions, and compile useful travel phrases in Japanese.” Nohr reported that the itinerary was dependable and that she has successfully used AI to organize other travel plans, including a summer visit to the Olympics.

Collaborating with AI feels akin to asking an overly knowledgeable friend to help plan your next vacation. It’s beneficial, but it’s wise to verify the details.