In recent discussions on holiday planning, many travelers are increasingly utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for assistance. Alan Smith, a 62-year-old from Kent, recently used the AI to help plan a family caravan trip to northern Spain. He selected Castro Urdiales as a destination after the AI suggested it, highlighting that the seaside town was vibrant and offered a local atmosphere with fewer foreign tourists compared to other popular regions like San Sebastián. Despite being impressed by the AI’s recommendations, Alan double-checked the suggestions on Google before making bookings, expressing caution about AI’s reliability.
A report by the travel association ABTA indicates that about 8% of the general population employs AI for travel planning, with use highest among individuals aged 25-34. However, only 3% of those aged over 55, like Alan, have done the same.
Conversely, Hannah Read, a 37-year-old mother, encountered issues when she asked ChatGPT for ferry information between the UK and Norway. The AI mentioned a non-existent route, which led to disappointment after she had begun planning the trip. She advises others to not rely solely on AI for travel information, emphasizing the importance of traditional research.
In another example, David Harris, 46, successfully used AI to create a detailed itinerary for his family’s trip to New York. Unlike Alan, he was more confident in the AI’s suggestions, although he noted it required adjustments to meet his family’s specific interests.
Experts, including Alistair Berry, a moderator on a travel advice forum, stress the importance of verifying AI-generated recommendations while recognizing their potential usefulness in travel planning. They recommend that users be aware of the limitations of AI and check its suggestions to ensure a smooth holiday experience.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8w6kn2dyzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss