AI is quite literally changing our world at a pace that is hard for many of us to keep up with! This includes revolutionizing travel planning and offering savvy travelers innovative ways to maximize their budget and travel experience. So does this mean that AI vacation planning is a thing now?
That’s the exact question we set out to answer in this blog. To that end, we researched and even tested out several AI tools.
Of course, we have to start with a disclaimer:
Please note that the information in this blog is not meant to endorse one platform over another or tell you which platform you should choose. Your travel needs are no doubt unique and no AI tool will work in every situation.
That said, here are some strategies and platforms we found that can help some travelers leverage AI for cost-effective travel:
AI Can Help You Work Your Budget:
It Can Help You Find the Best Deals Quickly
One of the biggest advantages of using AI is that it can help travelers cut vacation expenses by rapidly comparing prices and finding budget-friendly options.
In a recent CBS News experiment, a traveler used AI to plan a Vegas vacation. The AI tools were able to reduce the overall search time by over 90% and generate an itinerary that saved 5% total cost over traditional search methods.
The catch?
Overall the cost and time savings are great. But, in that cited case, the AI itinerary also sent that traveler to events at the wrong time or that were no longer available! That’s not too big of an issue in Las Vegas where there is an abundance of things to do and plans can be adjusted quickly. However, that may not be the case in other locations!
So maybe use that 90% time savings to fact-check and confirm the parts of your itinerary that are most important to you.
You Can Optimize Travel Timing
AI can pinpoint the optimal times to travel, helping you avoid peak tourist seasons and extreme weather. These tools analyze your destination goals and suggest cost-effective travel windows, potentially saving you significant money on accommodations and activities.
This could be a real game changer for travelers who get stranded or need last-minute accommodations.
Honestly, though, using these tools is actually a lot of fun when planning any trip. We tested out searching flights with Gemini and were surprised at how comprehensive the results were and how easy it was to book directly from the AI results.
Want to give it a try? Click Here
It Helps You Discover Wallet-Friendly Activities
AI travel assistants like Gemini and GuideGeek can help you to:
- Find free local attractions
- Identify budget-friendly restaurants
- Suggest cost-effective entertainment options
- Create customized itineraries that maximize value
A Word of Caution
There are TONS of AI travel assistants popping up right now. In our research, we found several that were hard to use, had a paywall, or otherwise just felt scammy.
Feel free to use whatever platforms you want but trust your gut as well. While AI tools are helpful, always be weary of potential scams.
In short, you can have fun with your AI travel planning but also verify deals, check multiple sources, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true!
Pro Tips for AI Travel Planning
While the research done for this article in no way makes us experts on AI travel, we learned a few powerful lessons that are worth sharing:
- Be Specific: Provide detailed preferences to get the most tailored recommendations
- Double-Check Information: While AI is powerful, always verify critical details about attractions, hours, and availability
- Use Multiple AI Tools: Compare suggestions from different platforms to get the most comprehensive view
A Final Note: Stay Human
While AI is incredibly helpful, it cannot replace the human experience. You can use AI tools to save time or as guides but try to remain open to spontaneous discoveries.
By strategically using AI travel planning tools, you can create a memorable, budget-conscious trip that maximizes your travel dollars this December.