Picture this: What if the key to your dream vacation lay not in endless scrolling through travel blogs, but in a quick chat with an AI that unearths hidden gems tailored just for you? That's the exciting reality of AI-powered holiday planning, where tech like ChatGPT is transforming how we explore the world. But here's where it gets controversial—can we truly rely on machines to handle our adventures, or are we risking disappointment? Dive in as we explore real stories of travelers who've embraced this trend, uncovering both the magic and the pitfalls that keep things fascinating.
Recently, I tasked an AI with crafting my ideal summer getaway, and the results were nothing short of inspiring. Let's break it down step by step, starting with how it recommended a charming coastal village that became the star of my family's trip.
Imagine a historic church perched atop a cliff, its Gothic arches watching over a rocky harbor where local fishermen haul in fresh catches of sardines and anchovies each day. This isn't just any spot—it's the 700-year-old Santa María de la Asunción in Castro Urdiales, a quaint seaside town in northern Spain with a population of around 30,000 residents. For Alan Smith and his loved ones, this was the ultimate holiday find, even though Alan had never come across it before. He turned to ChatGPT after hearing about its capabilities.
A new report from the travel group ABTA reveals a growing trend: more and more people are enlisting AI for holiday help, from picking destinations to mapping out day-by-day plans (check out the details here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdjzm2gv7qo). It's a shift that's gaining momentum, as highlighted in this related piece: More holidaymakers using AI to plan trips (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdjzm2gv7qo). And if you're curious about the bigger picture, ponder this: Would you let AI plan your next holiday? (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy3qp15x73o).
Alan, along with his wife, towed their caravan from Kent to northern Spain last month to reunite with their daughter and her partner. He prompted ChatGPT for nearby spots to explore, ensuring the drives wouldn't be exhausting. Castro Urdiales popped up as a top suggestion from the AI tool.
'It was the absolute pinnacle of our vacation,' Alan shares. 'The place was alive with energy, reminiscent of a scaled-down San Sebastián. You could indulge in countless pintxos—those delightful Basque-style tapas that are a food lover's dream—but with a cozy, less crowded vibe and fewer international visitors.' For context, pintxos are small, savory bites often pinned to bread, perfect for sharing and exploring local flavors without a formal meal.
At 62 years old, Alan fits into a demographic where, per the ABTA study, only 3% of travelers his age dabble with AI for trips. Across all ages, that figure jumps to 8%, but it's soaring among younger folks aged 25-34, hitting 18%. And this is the part most people miss—while AI can spark incredible discoveries, it's not infallible.
After getting location and route ideas from the chatbot, Alan verified them via Google to confirm their accuracy. He handled all reservations personally, wary of trusting the AI with financial transactions given the stakes involved. Alan started experimenting with this AI tool right after its launch in November 2022, now using it regularly for everything from researching destinations to whipping up recipes.
He prefers it over traditional search engines to avoid sifting through multiple websites, like travel blogs spotlighting hotspots in northern Spain. 'I've been amazed by what it delivers,' he admits, 'but it's not flawless—it can sometimes veer wildly off course.'
Now, contrast that with Hannah Read, a 37-year-old mother of three from Flintshire in north Wales, who attempted to organize a Norwegian adventure with her partner and kids. They envisioned a road trip from home, culminating in a North Sea ferry crossing.
'I figured it could be a fun, scenic drive,' Hannah explains. 'So I queried ChatGPT about ferries from the UK to Norway, and it assured me there was one running from Newcastle to Bergen.' But here's a twist that might surprise you—she double-checked on a ferry site and discovered no such service exists. A travel blog notes that this route last operated back in 2008.
'I was honestly let down when the AI's info proved wrong,' Hannah recalls. 'I'd already gotten my hopes up and started envisioning the whole journey.' Her takeaway? 'Don't put all your eggs in the AI basket—always follow up with solid research.'
On the flip side, David Harris, 46, took a more confident approach when using AI to shape his family's maiden voyage to New York City. Unlike Alan's caution or Hannah's letdown, David had his destination locked in and knew his travel method—but needed help squeezing in as much as possible during a tight four-and-a-half-day schedule.
He asked the AI to recommend sights and activities, organized by neighborhood for easy walking with his young family. 'We wanted to pack in everything with four of us,' David says, 'from Taylor Swift's iconic home to the quirky Ghostbusters museum.' Drawing on his professional experience with ChatGPT and knowing NYC attractions often stay open late, he skipped verifying hours or directions.
'It required a few tweaks to narrow it down—it initially overwhelmed me with extras—but ultimately, it crafted an excellent lineup.' David notes he didn't think to ask for budget flight options, but plans to experiment with that for an upcoming Mediterranean getaway. 'AI could revolutionize travel for everyone if they'd just learn how to prompt it effectively,' he adds.
Alistair Berry, a moderator on the UK Travel subreddit—a popular online community for seeking travel tips—emphasizes that while AI has a role in planning, users must grasp how it operates and always verify its output. 'These bots sometimes dish out subpar guidance,' he warns. 'We see plenty of Americans, who get limited vacation time, posting AI-generated plans claiming they can cram London, Edinburgh, and the Cotswolds into four days and enjoy it. In truth, they'll likely waste hours stuck on trains.'
He points out that AI's design often leads it to be overly supportive and affirmative, fulfilling user requests without questioning feasibility. 'There's definitely value in AI for travel, but always double-check its ideas,' Alistair advises. 'You want to avoid nasty surprises when relaxation is the goal.'
So, what's the bottom line? AI holiday planning offers thrilling possibilities, like unearthing overlooked paradises or crafting efficient itineraries, but it demands a healthy dose of skepticism. As we've seen, it can lead to euphoric successes or frustrating errors. But here's where it gets truly provocative—is AI's 'optimistic' bias actually a feature or a flaw that could mislead inexperienced travelers? And if machines are getting better at personalization, should we worry about losing the serendipity of human-curated adventures?
What do you think? Have you ever used AI for travel planning, and how did it go? Do you see it as a game-changer or a risky shortcut? Share your experiences or opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you're team AI or prefer sticking to tried-and-true methods!
