Use AI to plan your next vacation

Use AI to plan your next vacation
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I’m going to Europe soon, and planning my trip was a breeze. Yes, really! AI did a big chunk of the work for me — and it can help you plan your next getaway, too. Here are a few ways to turn AI into your travel agent. For this, let’s stick with using the big bots:

  • ChatGPT: My preferred AI chatbot; gives the best results.
  • Gemini: Google’s chatbot is integrated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. I don’t think it’s as thorough as ChatGPT, and it often throws in its weird opinions.

1. Start with your likes and wants

Your AI travel buddy can do so much more than suggest tourist traps — it can help you create a truly tailored adventure.

🎨 By interests

AI can curate a list of spots that match your hobbies:

  • “Find me the best food tours in Paris that include wine tastings.”
  • “What are some scenic hiking trails within 30 miles of Denver?”
  • “Suggest must-see art galleries in NYC for modern art lovers.”

☀️ By weather

AI can suggest destinations based on your preferred climate:

  • “Find me a warm destination in the U.S. for January with average temps above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”
  • “What are the best ski resorts in Wyoming for late December?”
  • “Where can I play golf in May with mild, spring-like weather?”

🎭 By occasion or vibe

Not sure where you want to go? Let AI find the perfect match for your mood:

  • “What are some romantic destinations in Italy?”
  • “Suggest family-friendly vacation spots with amusement parks and beaches.”
  • “Where can I go for a budget-friendly beach vacation in March?”

The best part? AI doesn’t just offer generic lists; it crafts your dream trip based on what you love or need — or just want to experience.

2. Ask the right questions

This one hit the jackpot for me: “What are unique experiences in Berlin and Vienna during the first week of January?” The results? Festive Christmas markets, snowy countryside escapes and a hot springs spa. Not bad, right?

For every city on my trip, I got creative with prompts:

  • “Help me plan a route between Paris and Vienna. My family loves hiking, scenic drives and amazing food.”
  • “I’m visiting Berlin. What are the most unique experiences I shouldn’t miss?”
  • “What’s a day-by-day itinerary for Paris that includes local food, hidden gems and cultural must‑sees?”

Don’t stop at the basics! Dig deeper:

  • “What’s an underrated restaurant where locals eat in [destination]?”
  • “Which festivals or seasonal events are happening in [destination] on [dates]?”
  • “What’s the easiest way to save on tickets and/or skip the lines for [popular attraction]?”

3. Time to pack like a pro!

We’ve all forgotten our phone chargers or overpacked like we’re moving abroad for a weekend trip.

  • Pack perfectly: “What should I pack for a [length of trip] to [destination] in [season]?”
  • Weatherproof your wardrobe: “What’s the weather typically like in [destination] in [month]?”
  • Stay document-ready: “What documents do I need for [destination]?” This way, you’re prepped for customs if you’re leaving the country. (Btw, you can now renew your passport online.)

👋 Share this with your favorite travel buddy and start planning for your next getaway. Bon voyage!

Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), ChatGPT, Europe, Gemini, plans, travel