Why AI Trip Planners Are No Match For Expertly Curated Itineraries

With AI on the rise more than ever, we wanted to take a look at the wave of new automated travel planners and how they compare to good old fashioned lived expertise.

If there’s one standout buzzword for the summer of 2023, it has to be artificial intelligence. The concept has been around for decades, and grown rapidly throughout the 21st century, but until recently AI was still the plaything of boffins and tech developers. Now an explosion of accessible, useable AI software has become readily available.

The word ChatGPT has entered conversations in pubs, schools, offices and probably even government buildings. Every forward-thinking start-up is desperately trying to figure out how to utilise it for their benefit, while workers are trying to figure out whether this mysterious computerised info-machine is going to make their life and work easier, or replace them altogether.

This extends itself to travel, with the concept of AI travel planners becoming increasing visible. Booking.com are beta testing their own ChatGPT-powered system, which aims to act like an old fashioned travel agent. Simply have a chat with your computer friend about what interests you and what kind of travel experience you want, and the software can provide destination ideas, logistical support and even create full daily itineraries.

This probably comes as no surprise, but here at Culture Trip we don’t believe that artificial intelligence, no matter how sophisticated, will ever topple the value of human experience, lived-in expert advice and friendly local guides.

The initial plan was to tell you why our worldly Travel Experts offer a level of insight and experience that no amount of 0s and 1s can replicate. Or that our on-the-ground Local Insiders offer the best route into immersive, authentic travel thanks to their personal cultural insights and in-the-know tips you can’t find on the internet. That’s what makes our small-group itineraries extra special. We go deeper than the superficial, taking you to the heart of a destination through its people, its food, its natural landscape and its most undiscovered wonders. Our aim is to immerse, to provide genuine human experiences that will stick with you forever.

Nothing beats getting together with like-minded travellers and an expert local guide

Anyway, we figured it was only fair to give ChatGPT a right to reply. So, here’s what everyone’s favourite AI said when we asked about the difference between its own travel itineraries, and that of seasoned experts like ours at Culture Trip.

ChatGPT on travel planning

“While ChatGPT can provide valuable information and suggestions for travel itineraries, there are a few reasons why relying solely on it may not be as good as consulting seasoned travel experts at a company like The Culture Trip:

1. Experience and expertise: Travel experts at companies like The Culture Trip have extensive experience and knowledge about various destinations. They possess first-hand insights, recommendations, and local expertise that can enhance the travel planning process. Their expertise comes from years of researching, exploring, and organizing trips, allowing them to provide personalized recommendations based on individual preferences, interests, and budgets.

2. Human touch and interaction: Planning a trip involves more than just gathering information. It often requires a dialogue, where you can discuss specific requirements, seek clarifications, and receive tailored advice. While ChatGPT is an advanced language model, it lacks the empathy, intuition, and ability to understand nuanced requests that a human travel expert possesses. Human experts can offer personalized assistance, taking into account your unique needs and preferences, and can adapt the itinerary based on your feedback.

3. Up-to-date information: The travel landscape is dynamic, with constant changes in accommodations, attractions, transportation, and local conditions. Companies like The Culture Trip invest in staying updated on the latest travel trends, developments, and safety considerations. They have access to real-time information, local contacts, and industry resources that enable them to provide the most accurate and current recommendations. ChatGPT’s knowledge cutoff limits its ability to provide information beyond its training data, which might not include the latest updates.

4. Insider knowledge and access: Travel experts often have access to exclusive deals, partnerships, and insider knowledge that can enhance your travel experience. They may have relationships with local guides, hotels, or tour operators, enabling them to offer unique opportunities or arrange special experiences that may not be easily accessible or known to the general public. Such connections can add value and make your trip more memorable.

5. Liability and accountability: When planning a trip with a travel company, you have the assurance of their accountability and liability. They take responsibility for organizing and ensuring the smooth execution of your itinerary. In case of any unforeseen circumstances or issues during your trip, you have a point of contact to assist you and find suitable solutions. ChatGPT, being an AI model, cannot take such responsibility or provide direct support in case of any problems.

While ChatGPT can provide general information and initial ideas, it’s always beneficial to consult seasoned travel experts who can offer personalized recommendations, insights, and support throughout the trip planning process. They can provide a level of expertise, human touch, and accountability that AI models currently cannot match.”

So there you have it! From the horse’s mouth. Nothing but respect for ChatGPT’s humility there, but it’s hard to argue that no computer can compete with insider knowledge, first-hand experience and local connections. Above all else, it’s about the passion that drives the people at Culture Trip to explore the world and help others explore it with us.

Our amazing customer service team is on-hand to be a real, human voice you can interact with, whether that’s about choosing a trip, finding good dates or booking your flights. From the second your wanderlust starts tingling to the moment your trip comes to an end, we’ll be here to support you along every step of the way.

You can browse our full collection of itineraries here. Simply choose your dream holiday and book your space on the trip of a lifetime!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.