A travel enthusiast, currently on a 48-day van tour across Europe with family, has found practical applications for AI in travel planning, specifically utilizing tools like Gemini and ChatGPT. With no formal tech background, the traveler and their companions rely on AI to suggest destinations while they chase sun and wind in the van.
The use of AI commenced during a trip near Plitvice Lakes National Park, where a quick search using the Gemini app for charming villages led them to Rastoke, Croatia. This destination was recommended as a picturesque “fairy-tale” village. The traveler notes that while traditional Google searches could have eventually pointed them to Rastoke, they would have required more effort and time navigating various results and advertisements.
A similar AI inquiry about nearby places after visiting Ravenna, Italy, where parking options were needed for their RV, highlighted how AI could address specific user needs by pinpointing suitable locations like Brisighella, which the traveler had not previously known about. They contrasted this with typical Google search results, which did not yield satisfactory suggestions for their query.
While AI tools have proven efficient, the traveler expressed concerns about the sustainability of such tech, questioning the dependency on human-generated content. If travel-related content diminishes, could AI maintain its effectiveness? Despite enjoying the benefits of AI, the traveler remains cautious, citing instances where inaccuracies in AI data could lead to potential issues for travelers. They also emphasize cross-referencing AI-generated advice with trusted sources like Google Maps and weather apps to ensure accuracy, particularly for activities like kitesurfing.
In conclusion, while AI travel planners enhance efficiency and enjoyment, the traveler raises important questions about the reliance on technology and its future as the landscape of online content evolves.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/report/823725/vanlife-ai-travel-planner-google-zero