AI is expanding into the realm of travel planning.
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Over the last year, Google’s various AI tools have hit the road running when it comes to trip-planning. They’re hitting a sweet spot for travelers who want the expert care of a travel agent but can’t afford one.
AI can help travelers do a range of prepping, such as generating tailored trip ideas, trawling reviews to give you the ‘real deal’ on hotels, alerting you to price drops, uncovering hidden gems using multi-language models, and much more.
But what does all that actually look like in practice? Let’s take a closer look behind the data-driven curtain to learn how you can use Google AI for trip-planning purposes.
Option #1: Hire Gemini as your intern
Gemini is Google’s most robust AI program. (It functions similarly to ChatGPT, in case you’re more familiar with OpenAI.)
Gemini can help you organize your trip from just about every angle. If you’re still in the brainstorming phase, it can also help point you in the right direction.
For example, you might know that you want to go to East Asia, but aren’t sure whether you should go to Tokyo versus Seoul and when. Gemini knows helpful things like when flights are cheapest, when the weather is ideal for your travel plans, and other key insights.
As you start to hammer out the details of your trip, Gemini can also store and organize all the loose ends—from expenses and budgeting to using rewards points for hotels or car rentals. Gemini can even help you nail the perfect packing list.
If you aren’t sure where to start with trip planning, start with Gemini.
Option #2: Research on Google Travel
I usually shop for flights on Google Flights, as the interface is cleaner and easier to use, and the flights available don’t hike in price every time I move my mouse around.
But Google Flights is one of three tools available on Google Travel. I suggest you utilize all three to take your planning to the next level.
Google Travel is a specialized search engine that lets you look into flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and other travel-related topics. Simply use the search bar and start exploring.
You’ll be taken to a tailored results page that includes options based on your previous search history, current location, and similar data.
Option #3: Use Google Maps highlights
Google Maps now has AI-powered features that let you check out a city’s highlights. From dining to underground art shows to the best bars, you can find a shortlist on Google Maps for just about any destination.
I think this is a great place to start for travelers who are less familiar with a city—or even travel to begin with.
However, I’d like to caution travelers from narrowing down the scope of their trip to Google Maps’ suggestions. You should also be relying on a range of travel platforms, from Get Your Guide to Expedia to TripAdvisor. And don’t forget about local tour companies, which often offer unparalleled experiences thanks to their expertise and experience.
