ChatGPT for travel: The good, the bad, and 15 prompts for trip planning

In his experience, he says, generative AI tools tend to do best when it comes to information that's fairly static, like sightseeing: He recently asked an AI chatbot to plan a seven-day itinerary for a drive down the coast of Chile, and it produced.

When it comes to planning a vacation, nothing beats a custom recommendation from a fellow traveler who's already explored the area or a travel agent with deep knowledge of the locale. There's a human touch that comes with making solid recommendations.

What Happened

But for those plotting out itineraries, ChatGPT can be a great starting point for trip planning—that is, if you know how to feed it the correct prompts and you're patient enough to fact check the intel. Fourteen percent of American travelers have.

• If you're looking to take home a memorable souvenir or experience local culture, this prompt can guide you to the best markets where you can find handmade crafts, fresh produce, or unique antiques.

• What are the best local markets to visit in [X city] for unique souvenirs?

• For environmentally conscious travelers, this prompt can help identify eco-friendly activities, tours, or accommodations that minimize your carbon footprint.

Key Details

But ChatGPT's travel suggestions often send people to places that don't exist, fall short of logistical planning, or suggest restaurants and attractions outside of operating hours, according to a study from SEO Travel. For the analysis, the travel site asked ChatGPT to.

• Whether you're into hiking, history, art, or exploring the food scene, this prompt can help you design a tailored itinerary that centers around your specific interests.

• If you're trying to avoid tourist traps and discover lesser-known attractions, this prompt can help you find unique and authentic spots that may not be on every guidebook list.

• You can even ask for food stalls or markets that are highly recommended by locals.

Why It Matters

Anecdotally, those who have queried ChatGPT have experienced some of those hiccups first-hand. Alice Ford, an adventure filmmaker, travel host and stunt woman who runs the site Alice's Adventures on Earth, experienced ChatGPT as an experiment for a YouTube video last summer.

• For culinary enthusiasts, ChatGPT can suggest local street foods that offer an authentic taste of the region.

• This can be a great tool for those seeking a less structured, slow travel experience.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Yahoo Creators as more details emerge