Hello Lykkers, it seems traveling is getting easier and easier thanks to AI, but how effective are these AI-driven solutions in real-world travel?

This article explores the use of AI travel planners through a weekend trip to Tallinn, Estonia, testing the capabilities of these tools to craft a budget-friendly and personalized itinerary, while also examining the challenges and benefits they bring to the travel planning process.

The Rise of AI Travel Planners

The use of tools like ChatGPT, Vacay, and GuideGeek is becoming increasingly popular among travelers looking to streamline the booking process for their next trip. These AI travel planners offer quick and user-friendly itinerary generation, which can be personalized based on input details.

A report by Omio's 2024 NowNext on travel trends revealed that 44% of European and American travelers plan to utilize artificial intelligence for booking and planning trips this year, showing a significant increase from the previous year.

According to Gen Z and millennial travelers interviewed by American Express, some of the most useful features of AI travel tools include budget management, activity recommendations, personalized travel advice, and translation assistance.

Curious about the effectiveness of AI travel planning, a weekend trip to Tallinn, Estonia, was selected for testing the capabilities of these tools.

Efficiency of AI Travel Planning

Utilizing ChatGPT predominantly for planning the trip, other platforms like Vacay and GuideGeek were also briefly explored for comparison. With the hotel already booked, these platforms were asked to plan a budget-friendly three-day, two-night itinerary.

All three platforms suggested similar itineraries with slight variations in restaurants, activities, and timings, completed in seconds and saving weeks of potential research.

Exploring Tallinn with AI Recommendations

ChatGPT's itinerary included classic attractions like Tallinn's Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kiek in de Kök Museum, Bastion Passages, Kadriorg Park, Kadriorg Palace, Balti Jaam Market, and more. These recommendations were explored during the visit, with highlights including the historic Kiek in de Kök tower and the serene Kadriorg Park.

The AI tools effectively captured the essence of Tallinn, recommending representative attractions and activities, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Challenges Faced with AI Recommendations

One significant challenge encountered during the trip was related to dietary preferences. While one traveler had a more varied palate, the other had dietary restrictions, posing a challenge as initial restaurant recommendations from the AI tools predominantly featured traditional Estonian dishes not aligning with preferences.

Multiple iterations were required to refine restaurant criteria to include more suitable options, impacting the overall itinerary suggestions provided by the AI tools.

Considerations for AI Travel Planning

Issues of outdated information were also encountered during the trip, with some recommended establishments found closed, leading to last-minute adjustments.

Despite encountering such challenges, AI travel planners can be useful for generating initial itineraries, but supplementing with personal research is advisable for a more tailored and informed travel experience.

In conclusion, while AI travel planners offer convenience and efficiency, they may lack real-time and nuanced information that can only be gleaned through firsthand experience and research. Using AI tools as a supplement to personal planning efforts allows for a more personalized and satisfactory travel experience.