Daniel Levine, a keynote speaker specializing in tourism trends, is among the many travelers who have been experimenting with ChatGPT for travel planning.
In his experience, he says, generative AI tools tend to do best when it comes to information that’s fairly static, like sightseeing: He recently asked an AI chatbot to plan a seven-day itinerary for a drive down the coast of Chile, and it produced a good starting point for an itinerary. On another trip, AI also revealed a little-known Terminal Transfer Bus that saved him time at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
When it comes to planning a vacation, nothing beats a custom recommendation from a fellow traveler who’s already explored the area or a travel agent with deep knowledge of the locale. There’s a human touch that comes with making solid recommendations. But for those plotting out itineraries, ChatGPT can be a great starting point for trip planning—that is, if you know how to feed it the correct prompts and you’re patient enough to fact check the intel.
Fourteen percent of American travelers have reported recently using ChatGPT to plan a trip, though about a third plan to enlist the generative AI in the future, according to Longwoods International.
How Accurate Are ChatGPT’s Travel Suggestions?
But ChatGPT’s travel suggestions often send people to places that don’t exist, fall short of logistical planning, or suggest restaurants and attractions outside of operating hours, according to a study from SEO Travel. For the analysis, the travel site asked ChatGPT to plan 100, two-day weekend itineraries in top destinations.
Anecdotally, those who have queried ChatGPT have experienced some of those hiccups first-hand.
Alice Ford, an adventure filmmaker, travel host and stunt woman who runs the site Alice’s Adventures on Earth, experienced ChatGPT as an experiment for a YouTube video last summer. She was looking for adventurous activities in Los Angeles.
“What I found was that it did give me a few ideas I hadn’t already thought of but then when it comes to finding the real tour operators or adventure guides that was more difficult,” she says. “One of the things it suggested was a seasonal activity that would have been a 5-hour, one-way drive.”
Levine says AI chatbots have been misleading when replying to queries like “list hotels in Tokyo with 2-bedroom suites,” even offering up properties that are closed. “For trip planning it’s best to think of ChatGPT as a tool rather than a travel agent, says Levine. “You have to spend time with it to massage its answers.”
15 ChatGPT Prompts To Help Plan Your Vacation
ChatGPT can help you find hidden gems, local shops, walking tours and more.
(Adene Sanchez via Getty Images)
Here’s 15 customizable ChatGPT prompts to help you plan your next trip, with some parameters to help yield the most helpful results:
1. Recommend a [X-point] walking tour of [X city or neighborhood] within an [x-mile radius]
You can tweak this prompt so that it builds out an itinerary around a spot you’re planning to visit first.
2. Make a list of [X] expressions to help navigate [x country]
Use this as a cheat sheet to learn basic expressions in a foreign language.
3. Provide a list of the best [x type of cuisine] in [x city]
Be sure to fact check ChatGPT to verify all of the restaurants are still in business. You can also give it parameters such as “within walking distance of [x destination]
4. What are the top cultural institutions to visit in [x city]
For more niche responses, you can ask about historic cultural institutions, art institutions, etc.
5. Make a table of day hikes in [X destination} and include mileage, elevation change, and time needed.
ChatGPT can also produce tables and you can input information points you want included such as difficulty of the hike, average time it takes to complete it and more. This prompt works great for national parks.
6. Suggest a list of family-friendly activities in [X city or destination]
If you’re traveling with kids or planning a family vacation, this prompt can help you find fun, safe, and educational activities for all ages. You can tailor the query for various interests, such as “outdoor activities” or “educational tours.”
7. What are the top wellness retreats or spas in [X city or destination]?
For those seeking some R&R during their travels, a prompt like this can help you identify the best wellness spots—whether that’s a luxurious resort spa or a high-rated day spa loved by locals.
8. Create a packing list for a [X-day] trip to [X destination] in [season]
Tailor your packing by asking ChatGPT for suggestions based on the length of your trip, location, and time of year. It can help to make sure you don’t overlook items (or, on the flip side, pack too much).
9. Find the best scenic drives or road trips near [X city]
If you’re planning a road trip or looking for scenic routes, this prompt can provide you with beautiful drives in or near your destination. This can be a great tool for those seeking a less structured, slow travel experience.
10. Give me a list of must-try street foods in [X city or country]
For culinary enthusiasts, ChatGPT can suggest local street foods that offer an authentic taste of the region. You can even ask for food stalls or markets that are highly recommended by locals.
11. Find the best hidden gems (off-the-beaten-path spots) in [X destination]
If you’re trying to avoid tourist traps and discover lesser-known attractions, this prompt can help you find unique and authentic spots that may not be on every guidebook list.
12. Create a 3-day itinerary for [X destination] for someone who loves [X activity or interest]
Whether you’re into hiking, history, art, or exploring the food scene, this prompt can help you design a tailored itinerary that centers around your specific interests.
13. Recommend eco-friendly travel options or sustainable tours in [X destination]
For environmentally conscious travelers, this prompt can help identify eco-friendly activities, tours, or accommodations that minimize your carbon footprint.
14. What are the best local markets to visit in [X city] for unique souvenirs?
If you’re looking to take home a memorable souvenir or experience local culture, this prompt can guide you to the best markets where you can find handmade crafts, fresh produce, or unique antiques.
15. Give me a list of the best viewpoints or observation decks in [X city or destination]
For travelers looking to capture breathtaking views or take in the cityscape, this Chat GPT prompt can help you discover the top spots for panoramic views in your destination.
As you incorporate these prompts into your travel planning, you’ll begin to see how AI can help streamline the process, giving you a well-rounded overview of your destination while saving you time. But just as with any travel tool, it’s essential to use it in conjunction with your own research and insights from trusted sources.