Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is revolutionizing the way we plan our trips, but is it really the best option for a seamless travel experience? One traveler decided to put three A.I. planners to the test by asking them to create a four-day itinerary for a trip to Norway, a place they had never been before. The results were surprising, to say the least.
The traveler, who usually conducts obsessive online research before a trip, decided to let the A.I. planners take the lead. Two of the assistants, Vacay and Mindtrip, asked personalized questions to tailor their recommendations, while the third assistant, ChatGPT, did not ask any questions. The questions ranged from budget and accommodation preferences to outdoor activities versus cultural experiences.
After the chat sessions, the traveler had what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with a day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. However, the A.I. planners missed some key elements of the trip, such as saunas and salmon, which are quintessential experiences in Norway.
During the trip, the A.I. assistants provided instantaneous information and suggestions, but there were some hiccups along the way. ChatGPT repeatedly crashed during the planning stage, while Vacay’s premium service offered in-depth suggestions and booking links. Mindtrip, on the other hand, provided photos, Google reviews, and maps for free.
Despite the convenience of A.I. travel planning, the traveler found that human guidance was still necessary at times, especially when navigating complex logistics and finding accommodations in remote areas. The lack of phone apps for some of the A.I. assistants also posed a challenge, leading the traveler to rely on basic A.I. assistance in certain situations.
In the end, the traveler concluded that while A.I. can complement traditional travel planning methods, it may never fully replace the human touch and serendipity that comes with travel. As technology continues to advance, finding the right balance between A.I. assistance and human interaction will be key to a successful travel experience.
