AI Can Help You Plan Your Next Trip – If You Know How to Ask

Experts weigh in on the best ways to use tools like ChatGPT for travel—and how to avoid being duped by AI “hallucinations.”

Some destinations, like the Mulafossur Waterfall of the Faroe Islands (seen here), have the benefit of being well-documented online. For those that aren’t, AI can sometimes “hallucinate” facts or recommendations to travelers, especially when the location is small or remote.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN EDSTROM, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

With the introduction of accessible new AI systems like ChatGPT, travel will never be the same.

AI has simplified planning, made it easier to discover new experiences, and streamlined the booking process. Instead of slogging through hours of research, users get similar results with a quick conversation with AI.

AI is great for some travel functions, like generating ideas, spotlighting small businesses, and translating languages—but there are tricks to using it well, especially when it comes to traveling.

Here’s what you need to know about how to best use AI for travel.

What are the best uses for AI for travel?

The best uses of AI for travel currently fall largely into the planning and purchasing phase. “All the excitement around booking a trip can quickly become overwhelming when travelers are faced with lots of options that each require research,” says Rathi Murthy, the CTO of Expedia Group. “This is what AI can solve in travel. ”

Many AI platforms use ChatGPT, which you can use for free, in-browser, or through an iOS app (an app for Android is also coming soon). Up to its knowledge cut-off date of September 2021, ChatGPT generates suggestions based on details in your request. For $20 a month, users can upgrade to GPT-4, which offers additional web plug-ins and searches for current information, like live pricing and weather.

One of the best uses of AI for travel is to coordinate multiple flights and suggest destinations based on certain parameters, including timing and pricing. For example, GPT-4 can find multiple flights for under $1,500 for five people traveling from five different cities in the U.S. and traveling to Amsterdam in August. GPT can save a lot of research by coordinating budgets and itineraries and searching for the best deals on multiple platforms.[…]