Technology…it’s a love hate relationship. The learning curves are endless. While this does keep our gray matter sharp, it never lets us rest on our laurels. So, if you can’t beat them, join them. Embrace the change and extract it’s knowledge for your benefit.
One such technology is AI — Artificial Intelligence. Put simply, AI is a computer system performing tasks that used to require human intelligence. It analyzes data patterns across the entire world wide web, and extracts information matching your request.
If used correctly, this tool is efficient, automates tasks, and can improve accuracy. The travel industry is prioritizing AI with 46% of travel companies making it a top priority when planning a trip. The automation allows you to bypass traditional methods and create your own itinerary in a fraction of the time.
Trip itineraries used to take hours, if not days, to compile. Now, with the correct prompts, AI planning tools spew out your trip in seconds. While convenient, it’s not a panacea. Still in the infancy stages, fact checking is paramount.
As an experiment, I used AI to plan a trip I’d already taken and knew the proper information. There were few, if any, corrections or additions needed and I’m impressed with the results.
Here are AI planning tools to try. Start small with perhaps a weekend getaway, or a destination you’ve visited previously.
GuideGeek
This is an AI powered travel assistant that helps you plan trips by providing personalized recommendations and travel advice. The best part is it’s free. You access GuideGeek via What’sApp, Instagram or Facebook Messenger. I use GuideGeek.
The first step is bring up GuideGeek.com on your phone. You can use your laptop/desktop computer, but it’s more user-friendly on your phone.
The Home page will give you three choices to access GuideGeek. Click on the platform of your choice or scan the QR code. It redirects you to the desired page. Click on message and start your request.
You now have a virtual travel assistant available 24/7. It’s as easy as that.
On a trip to Iceland, my travel companions and I created our journey the “old fashion” way researching an eight day trip in August on the Ring Road starting and ending in Reykjavik. We then asked GuideGeek to build an itinerary.
Within seconds, the app gave us lists of destinations, including must see beaches and glaciers. We then asked the highlights of each place on the itinerary. It outlined villages, farms, waterfalls, museums, and more. We delved deeper and ask GuideGeek for hotels in each area, tours, and popular restaurants. It provided quick and accurate responses.
When we compared the itinerary we spent days planning and GuideGeek’s recommendations, they were nearly identical. In fact, the AI app suggested a few hidden gems unaware to us.
These examples are just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended 😉). You can ask much more — best time to visit, must know customs, safety info, daily travel budgets, visa requirements, vaccination recommendations, best photo opportunities, and more.
Trip Planner AI
This app is the same concept as GuideGeek. It uses AI algorithms to analyze user data, then generates suggestions on destinations, accommodations, activities and more based on input of what you need.
The difference, Trip Planner AI is not free. It costs $4.17/month or $24.99/year. A more comprehensive app, it generates detailed itineraries and can assist with the booking process. Their group planning feature is helpful for family and friend getaways involving numerous people. Price comparison across travel services also aids in budget friendly vacations.
Think of this as more of an AI travel agent. You’ll be asked myriad questions to best plan your journey; are you flying solo? What’s the vibe? How do you want to get around?
Trip Planner AI includes an assigned virtual AI chat, unlimited trips, and shareable PDF itineraries. Depending on your travel needs, this may be the app for you.
Mindtrip AI
Numerous cost profiles are available with Mindtrip AI. There is the free basic version, which develops basic itineraries, travel suggestions, viewing photos, reviews and maps.
Should you want more options, Mindtrip AI has a premium plan at $9.99/month. This plan is geared towards business level accounts that need access to deeper insights into travel planning data.
It offers dedicated support and account management.
If you need a more involved custom itinerary for, let’s say, a 15-day extravaganza, there is a flat fee of approximately $200 to plan. It’s based on the complexity and length of trip. Once again, the business level vacationer would benefit more from this.
The digital age has certainly made trip planning more accessible and AI is revolutionizing the industry. Whether or not you should use one of these apps comes down to your comfort level, the amount of internet homework you want to contribute to the trip, and if you desire to have a travel agent accessible when you’re traveling.
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