AI for Travel: Should an Algorithm Plan Your Next Holiday?
A lot of thought goes into planning a holiday. The researching, the scheduling, the budgeting. It’s no wonder so many travellers have begun outsourcing this process to AI agents that promise to do it all for you, constructing the ‘perfect’ custom itinerary tailored exactly to your preferences.
As these tools become increasingly ubiquitous, the value of personalised insights, unique experiences and cultural depth has risen to the forefront of travel planning. Here’s our take on artificial intelligence (AI) for travel and the importance of genuine expertise when it comes to planning your next holiday.
The rise of AI travel planners
Quick, custom and convenient. AI tools for travel planning promise to save time, building tailored itineraries that accommodate your schedule, budget and interests. These platforms leverage machine learning, big data and natural language processing to identify your preferences and create customised experiences that feel like they were designed just for you.
What do AI travel planners do?
Typically, AI travel agents adopt the same conversational interface you might have seen from ChatGPT, Gemini or CoPilot. The user inputs questions or information about what they are looking for, and the tool responds with travel advice.
Some AI agents will ask clarifying questions before delivering a complete itinerary, customised to your responses. They claim to be able to find the best deals by scanning large volumes of online data to find the cheapest flights and accommodation. Increasingly, users are even turning to AI for visa information, safety advice and real-time updates.
Can artificial intelligence replace industry expertise?
While AI travel planners are able to pump out itineraries at impressive speeds, trust among users remains low. Artificial intelligence is prone to hallucinations, privacy concerns and limitations. Understanding these limitations can help travellers make informed decisions when using AI for trip planning.
Hallucinations
As the fine print on almost every generative AI platform warns: AI can make mistakes. These errors, known as hallucinations, occur when AI confidently provides inaccurate or entirely fabricated information. When you’re travelling in a foreign country, those mistakes can be costly.
Imagine being stranded in Peru, lost on the road to a destination that doesn’t exist, or hiking a mountain top only to find the return route closed. Avoiding these dangerous mistakes requires detailed fact-checking and human judgement. Remember: AI cannot discover a hidden gem that no one else has heard of. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Privacy concerns
The personalisation that makes AI tools so appealing relies heavily on collecting your data. Any information you supply in conversation with these tools may be automatically collected and stored along with your device data, browsing habits, location and even personal identifiers.
This information can be used to customise your experience, train AI models and target advertising or marketing communications. In some cases, it can also be sold to third party businesses. Not all travel planners are equally transparent about their data practices. Before using any AI driven tool, it’s worth reviewing the privacy policy to understand what you’re agreeing to.
Limited local insights
Artificial intelligence relies on regurgitating online data. It can’t wander down a hidden alley in Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to find a smorgasbord of charming street stalls. It can’t taste the coffee at that quiet seaside café in Greece or chat with the barista who knows a quiet hike to a hidden beach.
While AI travel planners excel at suggesting popular attractions and well-reviewed restaurants, they often offer the same mainstream recommendations everyone else gets. If you’re looking for authentic cultural experiences, quirky neighbourhood finds or those elusive hidden gems, an AI travel agent might not deliver the depth you’re after.
Lack of human touch
Human experts offer something AI simply can’t: personal connection. Although it may simulate enthusiasm, an AI tool cannot truly share in your excitement for a long-awaited holiday or genuinely congratulate you on a celebratory milestone.
When it comes to soothing travel anxiety, managing decision fatigue or handling unexpected changes, the human element isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. The right personal touches can turn a good holiday into an unforgettable one. For travellers who value tailored advice or want support to handle unexpected changes, AI still falls short.
Alternatives to AI for travel planning
There’s more than one way to plan a holiday. Outsourcing everything to AI can take away the sense of discovery that makes travel so rewarding. If you’re looking for a more personal, creative or trustworthy approach, there are plenty of alternatives that offer quality support and a richer experience.
Go analogue
Holiday planning doesn’t have to mean a sea of open internet tabs. Find inspiration in travel books or flipping through glossy magazines. Make a vision board or mark up a paper map. These tactile experiences can spark inspiration in ways AI never could.
Talk to well-travelled friends and family members. Their recommendations often come with heartwarming stories, unexpected detours and adventures gone awry. Plus, there’s something special about retracing the steps of your grandparents’ honeymoon or ordering breakfast at your bestie’s favourite Parisian café.
Seek expert advice
Travel agents and industry experts still play a vital role in crafting unforgettable holidays. They bring years of experience, insider knowledge and access to deals even AI won’t find on public booking sites. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family getaway or a solo adventure, a human expert can tailor your trip with care and creativity.
You can also turn to trusted travel blogs, forums and review sites. These platforms offer real-world insights, honest opinions and up-to-date information that AI tools might miss. Look for articles that offer specific advice on great destinations, local experiences, places to stay and insider perspectives.
Handcrafted holiday packages
If convenience is your priority, opt for a handcrafted holiday package. These packages are curated by travel professionals who’ve done the hard work for you, comparing flights, selecting quality accommodation and organising transfers and activities.
Plus, My Holiday packages come with exclusive Bonus Value inclusions like room upgrades, resort credits or added experiences. That means you get more for your money without having to scrounge for the cheapest flights or accommodations AI can find. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a well-rounded holiday, with all the perks and none of the decision fatigue.
Need help planning your next holiday?
Our Holiday Experts offer warmth, ongoing support, genuine knowledge and personal experience. We’ll take the time to understand your travel style, recommend the best options and customise your holiday package to meet your needs.
Let’s start planning your next unforgettable escape. Contact our Holiday Experts today.
Share to
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Email