AI Chatbots for Travel Planning: A Promising, But Flawed Tool
The concept of using artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing for travel planning is intriguing. However, their capabilities and accuracy still raise some skepticism.
While I couldn’t test Bing due to a waiting list, I found ChatGPT relatively easy to use. It asked for my interests, budget, and trip duration before providing recommendations. It suggested popular beach destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Florida but adjusted its suggestions when I mentioned that I live in Singapore, recommending Bali, Langkawi, Phuket, and Krabi instead.
ChatGPT also provided recommendations for great food in various cities, such as Penang, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, and Bangkok. When I asked about avoiding crowds, it suggested secluded spots in Langkawi, Krabi, and the less crowded beaches in Bali. It even suggested treehouse accommodations in Bali and provided hotel ratings from Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Google. However, there were some inaccuracies in the reviews and it mistakenly included Free Spirit Spheres, which is in Canada, as an option in Bali.
The chatbot excelled in providing information on road trips like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Great River Road in the United States, as well as train trips in Europe. However, it stumbled with outdated information about the Orient Express, which is no longer in service.
When it came to flights, ChatGPT could name airlines but lacked real-time pricing information and couldn’t assist with bookings. It did mention that January and February, as well as March and November, are usually the cheapest months for the London-to-New York route. However, it didn’t have access to up-to-date flight data.
As for restaurant recommendations, ChatGPT offered lists of both popular places and those with industry awards. While some suggestions were accurate, others were outdated or incorrect, such as listing a closed restaurant.
Unfortunately, I encountered errors and access limitations, preventing me from accessing previous chats. These technical issues, along with the incomplete and outdated information, pose significant drawbacks for travelers in the planning process.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT is fast and conversational, it still needs improvements in terms of accuracy, up-to-date information, and resolving technical issues. As it currently stands, travel agents’ expertise and personalized advice are still invaluable for travelers.