Best Practices For Using AI In Travel Planning

A travel planner with maps and notes for an organized journey.

More and more travelers are using artificial intelligence (AI) for travel planning, as it can streamline the process and make it more enjoyable. Using AI tools, travelers can create tailored itineraries, find budget-friendly booking options, and access real-time information. In fact, according to Phocuswright, more than three-quarters of travelers say AI improves trip planning. To get the most out of AI in your travel planning, consider the following best practices to help save you time and enhance your overall travel experience.

Understanding the Benefits of AI in Travel Planning

AI technology has changed how we plan trips by leveraging data analysis and machine learning by offering personalized offers. As such, tools like Google Travel and Kayak use AI to analyze millions of traveler preferences to suggest personalized travel options for customers.

AI excels at crafting unique itineraries tailored to your preferences. Examples include computing optimal travel routes and schedules, as well as finding competitive deals on flights and accommodations, and giving tailored recommendations for local attractions. Not sure what, exactly, you want or should see, ask AI and you will get a personalized response so that you have a starting point for your travel planning. AI efficiencies allow travelers to focus less on logistics and more on enjoying their adventures.

Which AI Platform?

There are several popular AI platforms from which to choose, and many people already have their go-to. If you don't, here is a short list of the most popular ones, with the travel-specific platforms listed first, although any of them should work well. If you have time and are curious, it might be a good idea to use the exact same prompt across a few of these and see how the responses differ/ which one you like the best.

Travel-specific AI platforms:

• Mindtrip -- Offers sleek visual itinerary planning with interactive maps, clickable recommendations, shareable calendar-style exports, and can even tailor suggestions based on blog posts or travel articles you upload. Just type your desired information in the chat box and let it do its thing. Really amazing as it includes a map view of recommendations if you are asking for an itinerary.

• Canva Trip Planner AI -- with the right prompts, you can get an outstanding itinerary with options to make changes/ tweaks as you see fit. You get up to 50 free itineraries before you need to pay. Lets you brainstorm destinations, build visually appealing itineraries using templates, and collaborate with others. Ideal for visual customization—great for designing shareable, flexible plans. Be sure to copy the output to a word processing document before trying to save it, though, as it can be glitchy and lose the output.

• Mylz -- Designs and instantly books personalized trips (flights, trains, hotels, and activities), remembers your preferences, allows itinerary remixing, and offers direct pricing with privacy-friendly design. UK-based should that be of interest. Seems to be free to use, and while itineraries are solid, they aren't as visually appealing as Canva's.

  
  

• Non-Travel-specific AI platforms to query:

  • Chat GPT

  • Claude -- need to set up an account (free)

  • Perplexity

  • Gemini 

Effective AI Prompting

The better your prompt for information from AI, the better your responses will be. Here’s how to help improve suggestions:

• Detail your travel style (e.g. adventure, relaxation, pacing (slow or fast), nature, or culture). The more information you provide about what you like (and don't like/ want), the more relevant and impressive the response will be.

  • If you don't like to dress up, for example, include that when asking for restaurant recommendations.

  • If you want to kayak among icebergs or want to visit all the art museums in Paris, include that.

  • If you know you will be in a place on a specific day, be sure to include that so that the AI platform doesn't make a recommendation for something closed on that day.

• Specify your budget and travel timelines.

• Note specific experiences you’re seeking, like must-try local cuisines, best natural attractions, or iconic sights. If you don't know about these things, ask what the iconic sights or foods are.

• Include things you enjoy by saying something like, "... for people who love xyz."

  
  

By providing this information, you equip the AI with the inputs necessary for tailored recommendations. If you don't get what you are looking for, try tweaking your prompt as that will change the output.

Utilizing AI for Budget Management

Traveling costs can add up quickly, but AI-powered applications can make budget management simpler. Consider these features:

1. Set Budget Alerts: AI tools like Skyscanner allow you to set alerts for when flight prices drop below your budget, potentially saving you hundreds.

2. Expense Tracking: Some AI tools, such as the Travel-Spend app, help track your spending while on the go, making sure you stick to your financial plan.

3. Price Prediction Features: Advanced platforms like Hopper accurately predict the best times to book flights and accommodations. Their analytics can help you save an average of 15% on travel costs!

By taking advantage of these AI features, you can travel confidently without financial stress.

Double-Check AI Results & Recommendations

Useful though AI may be in travel planning, it does not necessarily get everything right. If you like the results you're given, spend a little time confirming the information; you'll be glad you did.

Flexibility with AI

One of AI's greatest benefits in travel planning is its ability to offer flexibility, so be ready to pivot your plans if necessary:

• Embrace last-minute suggestions from AI tools when changes arise, such as finding similar accommodations if your first choice is unavailable.

• If your initial plans do not pan out due to unexpected circumstances like weather changes, AI can help find alternatives quickly.

This flexibility promotes spontaneity, leading to potential surprises that enhance your adventure.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

After your journey, share feedback about the AI tools you used. This is crucial for improving algorithms and ensuring better recommendations for future travelers:

• Contribute your experiences through reviews or ratings on platforms like Trustpilot.

• Use insights from your travels to refine your preferences, helping AI offer even better suggestions next time.

Your feedback not only aids developers but also benefits a community of travelers looking for the best AI solutions.

Embrace the possibilities offered by AI technology in your future adventures and experience how it can transform your travel planning game.