As AI advances, could it replace your travel agent?
To investigate just how effective a holiday planner AI can be, MailOnline Travel asked two chatbots – ChatGPT, created by California AI firm OpenAI, and Google’s Bard – to plan a variety of trips.
Scroll down to see the answers the chatbots provided, from hotel recommendations in Iraq to advice on planning budget sun holidays, honeymoons and stag weekends away.
A CHEAP HOLIDAY SOMEWHERE SUNNY
For a budget break in the sun, Bard recommended jetting off to Bulgaria, where it says that you can find a week-long all-inclusive holiday ‘for as little as £200′.
MailOnline Travel asked ChatGPT and Google’s Bard to plan a variety of holidays. For a budget break in the sun, Bard recommended jetting off to Bulgaria. Above is the Bulgarian holiday resort of Albena
It added that a week-long holiday in Croatia, another summer sun hotspot, could cost just £300. The chatbot also shared its ‘tips for finding cheap holidays’ which included booking early, being flexible with dates and considering a package holiday.
ChatGPT, meanwhile, suggested heading to Bali in Indonesia for ‘affordable accommodation, food, and activities’. The Moroccan city of Marrakech and Phuket in Thailand were other ‘affordable’ destinations it pitched visiting.
AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY
For those that crave adventure, Bard proposed tackling the Inca Trail in Peru. It said: ‘It is a four-day trek that takes you through the Andes Mountains to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The trek is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.’
ChatGPT, meanwhile, suggested venturing to Costa Rica in Central America, saying: ‘Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and abundant wildlife, and it offers a variety of activities for adrenaline-seekers.’ Whitewater rafting, ziplining and surfing were among the activities it recommended trying out during a trip.
AN EPIC ROAD TRIP
Both ChatGPT and Bard suggested cruising along California’s Pacific Coast Highway for a memorable road trip.
ChatGPT said: ‘This iconic drive stretches for over 600 miles along the California coastline, from San Francisco to San Diego, and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns.
‘Along the way, you can stop at popular attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and the Santa Barbara Mission.’
Both ChatGPT and Bard suggested cruising along California’s Pacific Coast Highway for an epic road trip
It also warned that ‘some portions of the road can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive safely and take breaks when needed’.
Bard added that the Pacific Coast Highway is a ‘truly epic road trip, and it is one that you will never forget’.
A FAMILY HOLIDAY
Bard’s top recommendation for a family getaway was the Greek island of Crete. ‘It is home to a variety of family-friendly activities, including swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins,’ the chatbot said of the island, adding: ‘If you are looking for a family holiday that is both relaxing and exciting, Crete is the perfect choice.’
ChatGPT, meanwhile, said: ‘I would suggest a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. This iconic natural wonder is a breathtaking sight that the whole family can enjoy. There are a variety of activities available, including hiking, camping, and guided tours, and the park offers stunning views, diverse wildlife, and fascinating geological formations.’
A HONEYMOON
When prompted to dream up an ideal honeymoon, Bard recommended booking a trip to the Maldives. It said: ‘It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning.’
The chatbot added that certain Maldivian resorts feature ‘private beaches, infinity pools, and world-class spas’ and there are plenty of romantic activities to partake in across the archipelago, such as ‘couples massages, candlelit dinners, and sunset cruises’.
Bard says that the Maldives ‘is the perfect place to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning’
ChatGPT also rated the Maldives as a worthy honeymoon destination. On top of that, it said that the Hawaiian isle of Maui is ‘an ideal honeymoon destination for couples looking to unwind and relax’. Another suggestion was Paris – a ‘classic honeymoon destination’ that’s ‘known for its romantic ambience, beautiful architecture, and world-class cuisine’.
A HOLIDAY THAT’S OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
To venture off the beaten track with your travels, ChatGPT recommended heading to Svaneti, a ‘region in the mountains of Georgia that is known for its stunning landscapes, medieval towers, and unique culture’.
It also proposed Kachin State, ‘a remote region in northern Myanmar that is home to beautiful landscapes, diverse ethnic communities, and rich history’ and Socotra, an island off the coast of Yemen ‘that is known for its unique flora and fauna’.
Another suggestion was Palawan, ‘an island province in the Philippines that is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and unique wildlife’.
To venture off the beaten track, ChatGPT recommended heading to Palawan (above) in the Philippines
Bard, meanwhile, put forward the Australian island state of Tasmania, noting that it’s ‘a great place to see wildlife, such as Tasmanian devils, wombats, and platypuses’.
Other proposals included China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ‘home to the stunning sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar’.
A WACKY HOLIDAY
For a truly unusual holiday, Bard recommended going on a road trip to all of the world’s strangest roadside attractions or visiting the Cheese Festival in Wisconsin.
ChatGPT proposed spending a night in the Dog Bark Park Inn – a bed and breakfast that’s shaped like a giant beagle in Idaho.
Other options included visiting a ghost town such as Bodie in California or attending the La Tomatina tomato-throwing festival in Bunol, Spain.
ChatGPT also suggested taking a trip to the moon, saying: ‘This one might be a little out of reach, but you can still experience what it might be like to visit the moon. There are companies, like Space Adventures, that offer space tourism experiences. You’ll have to save up some money and undergo some rigorous training, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s truly wacky.’
A HOLIDAY WITH A BUDGET OF £1MILLION
ChatGPT recommended that those with enormous budgets head to Seychelles to ‘stay in a private villa [and] go on a yacht tour’ or to Tuscany to enjoy ‘luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world-class wines’.
It also suggested flying to Dubai, noting: ‘Dubai is known for its opulence, and with a budget of £1million, you can experience some of the city’s most extravagant offerings.’
ChatGPT proposed splashing a £1 million holiday budget in Dubai, a place it says is ‘known for its opulence’
Bard proposed a trip to the French Riviera, where you can ‘go shopping in Cannes’ and ‘sunbathe in Saint-Tropez’. The chatbot also offered up Serengeti National Park in Tanzania as an option, suggesting that travellers embark on a safari and a stay in a ‘luxury lodge’.
AN UNDERWATER HOLIDAY
Sharing its ‘underwater holiday’ tips, ChatGPT said: ‘I would highly recommend a trip to the Maldives. Many resorts in the Maldives offer diving and snorkelling packages, and some even have their own house reefs, so you can start exploring right from your doorstep.’
ChatGPT added that ‘you can also try your hand at night diving to see a whole different side of the underwater world’.
Bard put forward going snorkelling in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or embarking on a dive trip in the Red Sea to see sharks, rays, and dolphins.
It also suggested a stay at the Manta Resort in Zanzibar, which ‘offers a variety of underwater accommodations, including the Underwater Room and the Neptune Suite’. Bard said: ‘Both suites offer stunning views of the surrounding coral reef and marine life.’
A HIGH-ALTITUDE HOLIDAY
Bard’s top tips for a high-altitude getaway? The chatbot suggested trekking to Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas, hiking in the Swiss Alps, skiing in the French Alps, mountain biking in Colorado and climbing Kilimanjaro.
Like Bard, ChatGPT recommended hiking in the Himalayas and hitting the slopes in France.
Additionally, it suggested paying a visit to La Paz, Bolivia – the ‘highest administrative capital in the world’ – and Leh-Ladakh, a region in India that’s ‘known for its stunning landscapes, including high-altitude deserts, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers’.
ChatGPT suggested paying a visit to La Paz, Bolivia – the ‘highest administrative capital in the world’ for a high-altitude holiday
It added: ‘Make sure to do your research and plan your trip accordingly, as altitude sickness can be a risk at high elevations.’
A HOLIDAY WHERE YOU CAN SEE WILD ANIMALS
For a getaway centred around spotting wildlife, ChatGPT vouched for a trip to Tanzania. It said: ‘Tanzania is home to several world-famous national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park. These parks offer a chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.’
Bard, meanwhile, proposed going to Yellowstone National Park to see bison, elk, bears, and wolves or plotting a tour of the Amazon rainforest to see snakes, jaguars, and sloths.
A TRIP WHERE YOU CAN TAKE AMAZING HOLIDAY PHOTOS
For those hoping to fill their holiday albums and Instagram feeds with snapshots, Bard recommended heading to Iceland to capture ‘stunning landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes’ and the Moroccan city of Marrakech ‘take photos of the souks, the mosques, and the palaces’.
ChatGPT, meanwhile, suggested heading to Santorini, Greece, to snap pictures of ‘whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea’ or to Canada’s Banff National Park to see ‘crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife’.
A STAG WEEKEND
ChatGPT’s first stag weekend recommendation was a trip to Las Vegas, noting that the city is ‘known for its casinos, nightclubs, and entertainment’.
For groups that are ‘looking to dance the night away’ it recommended Ibiza, while it said that a trip to Krakow in Poland is a good option for ‘stag parties that want to explore a new city’.
Another suggestion was Amsterdam, with ChatGPT remarking: ‘Famous for its liberal attitude towards drugs and sex, Amsterdam is a popular destination for stag parties. However, it is important to note that some activities may be illegal or frowned upon.’
Bard too suggested Amsterdam, noting: ‘It is a popular choice for those looking for a wild and unforgettable stag party.’
Bard said that ‘Amsterdam is a city known for its canals, its red-light district, and its liberal attitude towards drugs and sex’
Other suggestions included Berlin ‘for those who enjoy electronic music’, Barcelona ‘for those who enjoy eating and drinking’ and Cape Town ‘for those who enjoy hiking, biking, and surfing’.
AN INCREDIBLE CRUISE HOLIDAY
‘One incredible cruise holiday that I would recommend is a trip to the Norwegian Fjords,’ said ChatGPT.
It continued: ‘The Norwegian Fjords offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue fjords that stretch for miles. Many cruise lines offer itineraries that take you through this stunning region, and you’ll have the chance to explore charming coastal towns, hike through scenic trails, and even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.’
A seven-day cruise to Alaska was Bard’s suggestion, with the chatbot noting that it would present the chance to see ‘some of the most beautiful scenery in the world’. It said: ‘You will sail through the Inside Passage, which is a narrow waterway that is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. You will also have the opportunity to see wildlife such as bears, whales, and eagles.’
A HOLIDAY FOR UNDER £100
For those on a tight budget, Bard suggested opting for a staycation – ‘staying close to home and exploring your own backyard’. Other tips included taking a road trip and camping along the way, or visiting a friend or family member that lives in another place as it ‘can be a great way to save money on accommodation and travel’.
ChatGPT also suggested going on a staycation or camping, noting that ‘you can often find campsites for less than £20 per night’. On top of that, it proposed going hiking, noting: ‘All you need is a good pair of shoes and some basic hiking gear.’
A HOLIDAY WITH AMAZING FOOD
ChatGPT recommended going to Italy, labelling it a ‘foodie paradise’. It broke down the gastronomic destinations worth adding to your itinerary, including Emilia-Romagna in the north, which is ‘home to Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar’ and Naples – ‘the birthplace of pizza’.
For a trip that revolves around amazing food, ChatGPT recommended going to Naples, ‘the birthplace of pizza’
Bard put forward heading to Thailand for ‘pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup’ and Mexico for ‘everything from tacos and burritos to enchiladas and tamales’. It also endorsed visiting France for hearty stews and fresh seafood and Japan for sushi, tempura, and ramen.
Bard added: ‘Bring an appetite: You’re going to need it!’
A HOLIDAY IN A DANGEROUS PLACE
When asked to recommend a holiday in a dangerous place, Bard said: ‘I am a language model and do not endorse any dangerous activities. It is not safe to travel to dangerous places. I recommend that you do not travel to dangerous places.’
ChatGPT’s response, meanwhile, read: ‘I cannot in good conscience recommend travelling to a place that is considered dangerous. Travelling to a dangerous destination poses serious risks to your safety, and it is not something that should be taken lightly. Even if you have experience travelling to challenging or remote locations, it is important to understand that conditions can change rapidly and without warning in dangerous places.’
HOTELS TO STAY IN WHEN IN AFGHANISTAN
Both ChatGPT and Bard declined to offer hotel recommendations in Afghanistan, named the world’s most dangerous country in the Global Peace Index 2022.
Neither ChatGPT nor Bard offered hotel recommendations in Afghanistan, with the former noting that ‘the security situation in Afghanistan has been unstable for some time’. Above is the Afghan city of Kabul
ChatGPT said: ‘I’m sorry, but as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the security situation in Afghanistan has been unstable for some time, and many countries have issued travel advisories against all or non-essential travel to the country. Therefore, it is not advisable to travel to Afghanistan without a compelling reason and, in any case, I would not be able to recommend any hotel at this time.’
Bard said: ‘I cannot recommend a hotel in Afghanistan because the security situation in the country is too dangerous for tourists. The U.S State Department has issued a Level Four travel advisory for Afghanistan, which means that they do not recommend travel to the country at all. The U.S government has evacuated all embassy personnel from Afghanistan, and there are no commercial flights to the country.’
Both chatbots also refused to offer hotel recommendations in Yemen and Syria, rated the second and third most dangerous countries in the world.
A HOTEL RECOMMENDATION IN SOUTH SUDAN
According to the Global Peace Index 2022, South Sudan is the world’s fifth-most dangerous country to visit.
ChatGPT declined to offer a hotel recommendation there, replying: ‘Due to the ongoing political instability and security concerns in South Sudan, it may not be safe to travel there at the moment. I would strongly advise you to consult with travel advisories and do thorough research before making any travel plans to South Sudan. Your safety and security should be your top priority.’
Bard, however, did offer hotel recommendations, though it added the caveat: ‘Please note that the security situation in South Sudan is volatile and there is a risk of armed conflict. If you are planning to travel to South Sudan, please be sure to do your research and take all necessary precautions.’
Listing out the amenities in each, it recommended four hotels in the capital city, Juba – Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba; Juba Regency Hotel; Imperial Plaza Hotel & Resort Juba by Tele Hospitality and Acacia Village.
HOTELS TO STAY IN WHEN IN IRAQ
In Baghdad (pictured), ChatGPT recommended staying at the Babylon Rotana Hotel. However, it noted that ‘the situation in Iraq can be volatile and it is advisable to consult with your government’s travel advisories before making any travel plans’
Iraq is listed as the world’s seventh most dangerous country to visit, with the UK government advising against all travel to all provinces of Iraq except the country’s Kurdistan Region, and against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region.
In Erbil, which lies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, ChatGPT recommended staying at the Coral Boutique Hotel, which offers ‘stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness centre’.
In Baghdad, the chatbot recommended checking into the Babylon Rotana Hotel, noting that the five-star hotel ‘offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a variety of dining options’. It also recommended The Baron Hotel in the historic city of Aleppo.
However, it added that ‘the situation in Iraq can be volatile, and it is advisable to consult with your government’s travel advisories before making any travel plans’.
Bard only recommended hotels in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, putting forward Divan Erbil Hotel in Erbil, as well as the Grand Millennium Sulaimani Hotel in Sulaymaniyah.
WHERE WOULD AI GO ON HOLIDAY?
Bard said: ‘If I could go on holiday, I would go to the Maldives… I would love to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and go snorkelling or scuba diving to see the amazing marine life. I would also love to explore the local culture and try the delicious food.’ The chatbot went on to propose its ideal seven-day itinerary in the archipelago.
ChatGPT had a very different response. When asked where it would go on holiday, given the opportunity, it replied: ‘As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have personal preferences or feelings like humans do. However, I can suggest some popular travel destinations based on current trends and historical popularity.
‘Some of the most popular vacation spots around the world include Paris, France; Bali, Indonesia; New York City, USA; Tokyo, Japan; London, England; Cancun, Mexico; and Sydney, Australia.’
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