As AI continues to revolutionize various industries, its impact on travel is becoming increasingly apparent. In a recent survey conducted by Matador Network of 1,000 travelers, more than 1 in 5 (22.8%) said they have used artificial intelligence (AI) to plan or assist with travel, representing more than a 40% increase since last September. A similar survey from Matador Network in September of 2023 found that only 16% of travelers had used AI to plan and assist with travel. AI Tools for Travel 

The new survey also found that more than one-third (34.4%) of all travelers say they are likely to use AI to plan or assist with fall travel.

GuideGeek, an AI-powered travel planning platform created by Matador Network, helps travelers plan their trips by providing personalized itineraries, destination recommendations, and travel tips.

The vast majority (82.7%) of travelers using an AI tool to find inspiration and book trips reported being satisfied with the experience. Of travelers who have used AI to assist with travel planning:

• 71.1% said AI helped them find activities or attractions
• 57.8% said AI saved them time while planning
• 39.6% said AI helped them find exciting new destinations
• 23.5% said AI helped them adjust plans quickly
• 22.2% said AI helped them stay within budget

“Travelers and travel companies alike are continuing to realize the vast array of use cases for GenAI in planning and booking travel,” says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. “GuideGeek is an open-ended platform that can help travelers discover new destinations, plan entire itineraries, hunt for bargains, or make a quick pivot in the middle of a trip.”

Travelers don’t need to download a new app or create an account to use GuideGeek — instead, they can send their travel queries for the AI through the message function on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook Messenger.

“We used GuideGeek to find activities on Swiss National Day in Switzerland,” says Anna from South Carolina. “We were unsure about business closures or festivals in the area and were able to make the most of our one day in Zurich!”

Previous surveys from Matador Network found that families with children, LGBTQ+ travelers and travelers with disabilities are adopting AI tools for travel at faster rates than average.

“AI has transformed how I plan trips with my 10-year-old son, who has high social anxiety,” says Jamie from Michigan. “The possibilities are endless, but what I appreciate most is how AI can pinpoint destinations that offer the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and minimal social pressure. It’s like having a personalized travel guide that ensures our trips are both enjoyable and stress-free.”

The benefits of natural language AI for travel are now being realized by destination marketing organizations (DMOs, or tourism boards) as well. Custom versions of GuideGeek have recently been launched by DMOs around the world such as DiscoverGreece.com, the Aruba Tourism Authority and Visit Reno Tahoe. These AI assistants prioritize information from the DMO in their responses, in addition to drawing on GuideGeek’s more than 1,000 integrations for travel data.

Challenges of AI Travel Planning

While AI has made significant strides in travel planning, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. One challenge lies in its ability to cater to highly specific interests or niche experiences. AI may struggle to recommend off-the-beaten-path destinations or activities that aren’t widely documented.

Another potential issue is the risk of bias in AI recommendations. The algorithms used to generate suggestions are trained on vast datasets, which may inadvertently introduce biases based on factors like location, demographics, or popular trends. This could lead to recommendations that favor certain destinations or experiences over others.

Finally, AI travel planning often relies on internet connectivity, which can be limited or unreliable in certain destinations. If travelers encounter connectivity issues, they may find it difficult to access AI-powered tools or receive real-time updates.

Other AI Tools for Travel

Here are some additional AI-powered tools that can assist with travel planning:

AI-Powered Trip Planners:

• Wonderplan: This platform creates personalized itineraries based on your preferences and budget.
• TripIt: While primarily a trip organization tool, TripIt leverages AI to provide real-time updates on flight delays, gate changes, and more.
• Hopper: This app uses AI to predict flight and hotel prices and suggests the best time to book for the best deals.

AI-Driven Destination Discovery:

• Mindtrip: This tool helps you find unique and personalized travel destinations based on your interests and preferences.
• ReiseGenie AI: This platform offers personalized travel recommendations and itineraries.

AI-Powered Language Translation:

• Google Translate: This popular tool can translate text, images, and even speech into various languages, making communication easier while traveling.
• DeepL: Another excellent option for language translation, known for its high-quality and natural-sounding translations.

AI-Enhanced Travel Experiences:

• Travel Bot: This AI-powered digital companion can assist with various travel tasks, such as finding restaurants, making reservations, and providing local recommendations.
• Speakspots: This tool offers a free AI travel planner that helps users quickly and effortlessly plan their itineraries.

These are just a few examples of the many AI tools available to enhance your travel experience. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and helpful tools to emerge in the future.