Ever wish you had a personal travel assistant? Well, guess what? AI’s got your back! New advances in technology are powering AI travel planner functionality.
While we’re not yet talking about traveling like the Jetsons with robots packing your bags, you can nevertheless easily use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cut hours off your travel planning. Spend less time planning and more time exploring using simple yet powerful AI tech.
What is AI?
Think of AI as a super-smart friend who lives in your phone or computer. It learns from loads of information, spots trends, and makes choices. Simply put, it’s like having a genius buddy who’s a know-it-all (in the best way) who is a master at travel planning!
Creating Your Perfect Trip using AI Travel Planner Tech
Take it from someone who has planned hundreds of trips over the last thirty years. While rewarding, it can also be excruciating. Tedious. Time-consuming. Especially if you’re like us and hopping around to multiple destinations in a year.
Trying to learn all there is to know about an area, the top things to do, its customs, the food scene, the lifestyle, the different areas and neighborhoods, myriad hotels, and more usually starts out completely overwhelming.
Over time, I get better at it and learn all the tools and searches to pull upon, but it still takes a long time. Sometimes it feels like my full-time job – and I already have one that I do remotely on the road.
Furthermore, each new place requires a whole new set of plans!
Enter AI Travel Planner Technology
What if you could create your perfect trip with a professional travel planner who has consumed virtually everything to know about any area, city, or country? And can even personalize the trip to exactly what you like and want? 24/7 of course!
And I’m talking not just where to go but where to stay, what to eat, how to explore and even get around, no matter your interests or budget.
So, why stick to generic travel plans when AI can craft something that’s uniquely you? Not to mention the hundreds of hours it can save you this year!
Let’s Plan Your Next Trip!
A Step-By-Step AI Travel Planning Guide
Ready to create your next great trip? Here are some simple steps you will take to generate your ultimate customized plan.
I’ll then give you specific AI prompts that you can customize with your interests and objectives to have your AI Travel Buddy generate the perfect trip for you.
There are several AI-powered travel apps and websites out there. I’ll cover some of these in another article, but I suggest you start with ChatGPT. In fact, all those other apps and websites are pulling data from ChatGPT.
If you still need to set up an account there (you’re missing out, so go do it), you can do that here.
https://chat.openai.com/auth/login
You have two options: use their free AI offer or get a monthly paid subscription.
Start with the free version, but I think you will want to consider the low monthly subscription price for the improvements over time.
Before diving deep, let’s get the basics sorted. You will have a nice, friendly chat with your AI Travel Expert.
Imgaine that you are sitting in front of a travel pro for the area you visit. What would you tell them you want out of the trip?
Here’s a very basic prompt idea:
“I’m planning a trip to [Destination] for [Number of Days]. Can you suggest an itinerary?”
This is very generic and will get you a fairly generic response, but it might surprise you – that simple reply often will be better than you working on it for 2-3 hours or more.
Maybe you are an art lover. Or you love (or hate?) museums. Perhaps you seek outside adventures to get your adrenaline pumping. Or maybe you are a foodie and want to eat your way through a city. Your job is to tell the AI specifically what you want. It’s happy to customize:
Prompt Example:
“I love history and food. What are the top historical sites and the best local eateries in [Destination]?”
Whether you’re a luxury traveler or on a budget, AI can find the perfect place for you. You just have to tell it what to look for. The more specific you are, the better your results. If you will only settle for five stars, tell it.
If you are on a backpacker’s budget – that’s fine, too – your AI will never judge. Be specific.
Prompt Example:
“Find me affordable hotels in [Destination] that have above average reviews and are centrally located, which are under $100 a night.”
Need to know the best way to get around? No problem. Just understand something. The models that AI is trained on are a bit dated. This means that perhaps Uber laws have changed. Make sure to always verify.
Prompt Example:
“What’s the most efficient way to travel between [Location A] and [Location B]?”
The more specific you get, the better your recommendations.
Prompt Example:
“I want to visit vineyards in [Region]. Can you list the top-rated ones and the best time to visit?”
Be bold and tell the AI that it is going down the wrong road. You won’t hurt its feelings. Throw in a “please” if it makes you feel better.
If you do not like the plan or some of the plan, tell it. Ask it to remove a suggestion or more. Tell it what it got wrong and what to improve upon. It’s happy to generate a new customized plan, and it won’t ask for anything in return 🙂 Not even photos from your trip!
Prompt Example:
“I loved your suggestion about [Specific Place]. Can you recommend similar places in [Destination]?”
The key is to be specific with your prompts and let the AI know exactly what you’re looking for. Next step? Pack those bags (sorry, the AI won’t do it) and prepare for your next trip.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Your AI travel expert is only sometimes up-to-date on the latest restaurants, hotels, or even travel rules. Remember that an AI is trained on preset data, which is just a bit “behind the times;” it might not know about the latest hot restaurant or hotel opening, not to mention a great place that might now be closed. Trust but verify 🙂
My Personalized Travel Planning Prompts You Can Copy and Paste
Here are some of my personal suggested prompts. Just copy and paste these into ChatGPT and just change what is inside the “( )” to match your interests. Sit back and wait for the magic to happen.
Create a Travel Itinerary
“Please create a custom travel plan using the custom data in the “()”: Who We Are (Single, Couple, Family, Small Kids, Grown Kids, Ages) + Where We Are Going (City, Country, Area) + How Long We Have (Days) + How Much of The Day We Want Scheduled (Half Day, Full Day) + How We Like To Move Around (Walking, Public Transit, Car, Rideshare, Mix) + Our Specific Interests (Food, Art, Museums, History, Outdoors, Walking, Hiking, Top Sites, Non-Touristy, Off the Beaten Path, Great Scenery & Photo Stops, Hidden Gems, Views, Beach, Nightlife) + What We Want To Avoid (Things You Do Not Like) + Our Budget (Luxury, Average, Affordable)”
After ChatGPT gives you your plan, feel free to refine it based on the initial result. AI never takes it personally. Ask to remove some suggestions if necessary and re-do.
Here’s an example of what it generated for me for a quick two-day trip to Lisbon:
My prompt using the above that I simply edited with our specifics:
“Please create a custom travel plan using the custom data in the “()”: Who We Are (Couple in our 50s) + Where We Are Going (Lisbon, Portugal) + How Long We Have (2 Days) + How Much of The Day We Want Scheduled (Full Day) + How We Like To Move Around (Walking and Rideshare if needed) + Our Specific Interests (Food, History, Outdoors, Walking, Top Sites, Great Scenery & Photo Stops, Hidden Gems, Views) + What We Want To Avoid (Museums due to time) + Our Budget (Any suggestions)”
Day 1: Historical and Scenic Exploration
Morning:
- Alfama District: Start your day in the oldest district of Lisbon. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the ancient architecture, and enjoy the Fado music echoing from local taverns.
- Sé de Lisboa: Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It’s a short walk in the Alfama district.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Head to this viewpoint for a panoramic view of Lisbon. It’s one of the highest and least crowded viewpoints in the city.
Lunch: Try a traditional Portuguese meal at “Tasca do Chico” in the Bairro Alto district. Don’t forget to taste the famous “Bacalhau à Brás” (codfish dish).
Afternoon:
- Baixa and Chiado Districts: Explore the heart of Lisbon, filled with historical landmarks, shops, and cafes.
- Elevador de Santa Justa: An antique elevator with a viewing platform at the top. Enjoy the views of the city and the Tagus River.
- LX Factory: A set of industrial buildings turned into a trendy cultural and dining area. Explore the unique shops, art installations, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Dinner: Dine at “Time Out Market”, a food hall offering a variety of cuisines. Try the seafood options, especially the clams and prawns.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Tagus River. The riverside, especially near the Praça do Comércio, is beautifully lit at night and offers a romantic setting.
Day 2: Outdoors and Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Belém Tower: Start your day by visiting this iconic fortress at the mouth of the Tagus River.
- Pastéis de Belém: A short walk from the tower, this bakery is famous for its traditional Portuguese custard tarts. Grab a few for a sweet treat.
- Discover the gardens of Belém: Wander through the Tropical Botanical Garden and the Garden of Belem.
Lunch: Head to “Ponto Final” in Almada. It’s a short ferry ride across the river. This restaurant offers great seafood with a view of Lisbon.
Afternoon:
- Cristo Rei: After lunch, visit the Christ the King statue in Almada. It offers a fantastic view of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
- Mouraria: Explore this lesser-known district, filled with history and local life. It’s a great place to experience authentic Lisbon away from the main tourist trails.
Dinner: Opt for a traditional Portuguese Fado dinner at “Clube de Fado” in the Alfama district.
Evening:
- Bairro Alto: Wander through the lively streets of Bairro Alto. While it’s known for its nightlife, it’s also a great place to enjoy the evening ambiance.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: End your day with a view of the city from this popular viewpoint.
I gotta say, as someone who has been to Lisbon quite a few times, that this is an excellent overall plan. In reality, it is perhaps a bit ambitious, and you might need to ask the AI for more suggestions. Google Maps will be required to figure out how to get point-to-point (though you could also ask the AI for that!)
Just remember that first output can be adjusted – just tell the AI what you’d like 🙂
Top Thing To Do
“Create a List of Top Things To Do/Can’t Miss Experiences in (City or Country) + For a (Couple, Single, Family) + Include (Hidden Gems, Most Popular Spots, Touristy, Less Touristy) + Cost (Free, Paid, Any) + Visited (First time, second time, many times)”
Best Places to Eat
“Create a list of the best places to eat in (City, Area, Country) + For a (Couple, Single, Family) + Include (Any cuisines you want to focus on, including local) + Avoid (any types of food you do not prefer) + Style (Casual, Dressy) + Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Any) + Cost (Affordable, Medium, Expensive)”
Summary: Your Own Personal AI Travel Planner
In summary, the advancement in AI technology now lets you plan trips and itineraries faster and easier than ever. From transportation, to hotels, to tours, to choosing the best sights and restaurants, using this new technology is truly like having your own personal AI travel planner. It’s just a matter of using the right tools, a few specific prompts, and adding personalized information.
In future articles, I’ll discuss using “plugins” where you can pull from other websites to get even more current suggestions and even potentially book your reservations for you automatically.
