I’m heading to Europe soon, and setting up my trip was surprisingly easy! Yes, you heard that right! A lot of the planning was handled by artificial intelligence, and it can assist you in organizing your next vacation too.

Let’s Get Started

Here are several ways you can use AI as your personal travel advisor. While there are numerous paid websites and applications available, I haven’t discovered any worth the expense. Instead, we’ll stick to using popular AI chatbots:

◾ ChatGPT: My top choice for an AI chatbot based on my testing; it yields the most helpful results.

◾ Gemini: Google’s chatbot is incorporated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. While convenient, I find it less effective than ChatGPT and occasionally offers odd suggestions.

1. Share Your Preferences and Desires

Your AI travel partner can do a lot more than just recommend common tourist attractions; it can tailor your journey specifically to your preferences. Keep in mind, the more details you provide about your interests, the more personalized the recommendations will be.

By Interest

AI can generate a list of attractions based on your hobbies or those of your travel companions:

◾ “Locate the finest food tours in Paris that include wine tastings.”

◾ “What stunning hiking paths can I find within 30 miles of Denver?”

◾ “Recommend essential art galleries in NYC for modern art enthusiasts.”

By Weather

AI can direct you to locations based on your weather preferences for any time of the year, which is far more convenient than sifting through climate charts!

◾ “Suggest a warm destination in the U.S. for January where the average temperature is above 70°F.”

◾ “What are the top ski resorts in Wyoming for late December?”

◾ “Where can I enjoy golfing in May with pleasant spring-like weather?”

By Occasion or Mood

If you’re feeling uncertain about your destination, let AI find the spot that aligns with your mood. If you’re struggling to articulate the kind of atmosphere you want, simply express how you’d like to feel during your trip.

◾ “What are some enchanting destinations in Italy?”

◾ “Recommend family-friendly vacation spots that feature amusement parks and beaches.”

◾ “Where can I go to relax and rejuvenate in March on a budget?”

The great thing about AI is that it doesn’t just provide standard lists; it customizes your ideal getaway based on your individuality, needs, or even things you wish to explore.

2. Streamline Bookings and Reservations

AI goes beyond just answering inquiries. It simplifies the entire planning journey so you can concentrate on enjoying your travels.

Flights and Transportation

AI can help identify the best flight times, routes, and transportation choices based on your budget and preferences.

◾ “What’s the most direct route from (origin) to (destination) with a layover no longer than 2 hours?”

◾ “Locate affordable train options from [city] to [city] that offer beautiful views.”

◾ “Which airlines provide the best in-flight amenities for long-distance journeys?”

Hotels and Accommodations

If you have specific needs for accommodations, AI can assist you in evaluating the options. It handles the challenge of sorting through reviews, amenities, and locations for you, which is incredibly helpful.

◾ “What’s a family-friendly hotel in (destination) that includes a pool and complimentary breakfast?”

◾ “Recommend eco-conscious accommodations near hiking trails in (region).”

◾ “Find a charming boutique hotel in (city) that is within walking distance to top-rated restaurants.”

3. Ask the Right Questions

This approach worked wonders for me: “What unique experiences can I find in Berlin and Vienna during the first week of January?” The outcomes? Festive Christmas markets, scenic countryside getaways, and a hot springs spa. Not bad at all, right?

For each city I’m visiting, I got creative with my questions:

◾ “Help me devise a travel route between Paris and Vienna. My family enjoys unique experiences, scenic drives, and fantastic cuisine.”

◾ “I plan to visit Berlin. What tourist attractions are must-sees?”

◾ “What would be a day-to-day itinerary for Paris that includes local cuisine, hidden treasures, and cultural highlights?”

Don’t settle for basic inquiries! Push further, and your travel companions will be wondering, “How did you discover this?”

◾ “Which under-the-radar restaurant do the locals frequent in (destination)?”

◾ “What festivals or seasonal events are happening in (destination) on (dates)?”

◾ “What’s the easiest way to save on tickets or skip the lines at (popular attraction)?”

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4. Master the Art of Packing

We’ve all been guilty of forgetting essential items like phone chargers or overpacking as if we’re relocating for a lengthy stay.

◾ Perfect Packing: “What should I bring for a (length of trip) to (destination) in (month)?”

◾ Weatherproof Your Packing: “What’s the typical weather like in (destination) during (month)?”

◾ Keep Your Documents Ready: “What documents do I need for traveling to (destination)?” This way, you’ll be prepared and worry-free during your trip.

Make sure you have everything ready for customs when you’re departing from the country. (Also, you can now renew your passport through an online process!)

Share this with your favorite travel companion and start planning your next adventure. Happy travels!