How to use AI to plan your next holiday

So you've got annual leave banked up, some cash to burn, and a serious case of "get me outta here". But when it comes to planning the actual trip, you're suddenly overwhelmed with 27 tabs open, all screaming "Top 10 things to do in..." like it's still 2013.

Enter: AI travel planning — your new digital travel agent, available 24/7, judgement-free and accessible wherever there is Wi-Fi.

If the idea of using artificial intelligence to map our your next getaway feels a bit... Black Mirror-ish, don't stress. It's not about robots taking over your trip, but about making the planning process way easier (and dare we say, kinda fun?).

Why is everyone talking about AI travel planning?

Turns out, AI is having a moment in the travel world. And not just because ChatGPT became everyone's favourite work distraction.

• A 2025 Booking.com survey of over 37,000 travellers across 33 markets found that 2 in 3 (67%) of global travellers have already used AI in some aspect of travel, and 89% are keen to use AI to plan their next trip.
• Adyen's 2025 Hospitality and Travel Report reports a 73% increase from 2024 in Aussies using AI to book holidays. Gen Z and Millennials are — as you may expect — the most active users of AI in trip planning, however Baby Boomers are fast getting in on the action with 106% year-on-year growth.
• Google launched its new AI-powered travel tool — Flight Deals — in 2025, helping bargain-hunting users explore the best deals on trip using flexible criteria such as "week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only".

In short? The robots aren't just coming — they've already unpacked their bags and booked the Airbnb.

How AI can help plan your trip

Whether you've got a destination locked in or you're still tossing up between Tokyo and Okinawa, AI tools can help you:

• Discover destinations based on your vibe (like "laid-back beach with good food")
• Build itineraries based on your timeframe, interests and budget
• Suggest transport options, activities and places to eat
• Help with translation and packing lists

And best of all? No pressure to "upgrade your room" or join a group tour with strangers.

When it's best not to rely on AI:

If you've ever asked ChatGPT how many "r's" are in "strawberry", you'll know it doesn't always provide the most reliable information — an article published by BBC details some of the mishaps that can happen when you don't fact-check the AI — it's best to think of it as a guide only. Be sure to refer to traditional travel sources when:

• Sourcing visa tips - always check visa requirements on Smarttraveller
• Planning the minutiae details - the best place to find current opening hours are provider websites

AI vs traditional travel agents — what's the difference?

So, is AI officially replacing human travel agents? No. Each has its perks — and in some cases, working together can actually be the best combo.

When AI might be better:

• You want to explore lots of destinations fast
• You're on a budget and don't want to pay agent fees
• You prefer to do things on your own time, with instant answers
• You like tweaking plans, mixing styles, or asking very specific questions

When a travel agent might still win:

• You're planning a complex, multi-country trip or a honeymoon
• You want expert advice from someone who's been there
• You don't want to lift a finger — just hand over your wishlist and go
• You're travelling as a group or have accessibility needs

In short: AI is amazing for inspiration, research and planning, while agents still shine when it comes to personalised support, niche knowledge, or booking intricate trips. It's not a war — it's a toolbox. Use what works for you.

Popular AI tools for travel planning (that aren't sketchy)

Here's a breakdown of some AI tools travellers are loving right now:

These aren't just "Top 10 lists" — they can actually tailor content based on your personal interests, travel goals, and timeframe.

AI prompts to try for better travel planning

Getting good results from AI = asking the right questions (aka, writing a decent prompt). Here are some examples you can copy/paste and tweak:

If you already have a destination: 

"I'm going to Rome for 5 days in May. Can you build a budget-friendly itinerary that includes food markets, vintage shopping, and local hidden gems?"

If you're still deciding where to go:

"Suggest 3 destinations for a solo traveller from Australia in their 30s who loves live music, food and nature. I want to travel in March for under $3,000."

For travel style matching:

"I'm a chilled-out traveller who hates rushing. Can you suggest a slow-travel itinerary in Europe with short train rides and great cafes?"

For deeper planning help:

"Can you help me compare public transport passes in Japan for a 2-week trip in April?"

The more specific you are, the better the output.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Look - we get it. AI can feel like stepping into some futuristic trip-planning multiverse. There's a lot going on. But just like learning to use Google Maps or booking flights online (remember when that felt wild?), this is just the next evolution.

You don't need to be a tech whiz. Start simple. Ask questions like you would a mate. You'll get the hang of it faster than you think.

Bonus: Why travel insurance still matters in the AI era

Even the smartest AI can't stop flight delays, sudden illness, or a dropped phone in the ocean. AI can plan the trip, but it can't protect it.

Travel insurance may offer cover for things like:

• Unexpected medical expenses
• Trip cancellations or interruptions
• Lost or stolen items

Just remember, if you do something illegal or not covered in your policy (like hiring a scooter without a license in Bali), your claim might not be paid. Always read the PDS carefully and check what's included.

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

Explore travel insurance options for your trip with Travel Insurance Direct.

Final word: AI isn't replacing the travel magic — it's enhancing it

Using AI to plan your trip doesn't take the soul out of it. You're still calling the shots — it just takes the admin off your plate. 

From destination brainstorming to mapping out a month-long food crawl across Europe, AI is here to help you travel smarter, not harder.

And hey — if you still want that one-on-one chat with someone who knows the secret gelato spot in Florence? A good travel agent is just a phone call away.

So fire up ChatGPT, pour yourself a cuppa, and get dreaming.