Using AI and ChatGPT to plan your perfect trip: tips and prompts

Planning a trip can be a daunting task, but with the power of AI and tools like ChatGPT, it has never been easier to create detailed and personalized itineraries. Whether you’re looking for the best places to stay, top restaurants, exciting excursions, or convenient transportation options, AI can simplify the process. Here are some tips on how to use ChatGPT to plan your next vacation, along with specific prompts to tailor your trip to your needs.

Before you start planning your trip with AI, you might want to check your budget or talk to your advisor to ensure you have enough money to enjoy your vacation without going into debt. If you do not currently have a financial advisor, check out our guide to finding your right-fit advisor.

A few words of caution:

• Don’t take the AI response as a definitive answer, but rather use it as a guide to find ideas and ballpark numbers. When AI says that a meal could cost €30, it may not include fancy starters, desserts, or alcohol. Your final bill always depends on your actual selections!
• Verify the information by going directly to the source, e.g. the hotel’s own website to confirm whether it is really located on the beach and what the prices are for your dates.
• Let us say it again: while 90% of the AI feedback may be accurate and useful, you are almost guaranteed to also get feedback that is incorrect and not applicable to your specific plan and requests.

Why use AI for trip planning?

1. Personalized recommendations: AI can provide suggestions based on your interests, budget, and preferences.
2. Time-saving: Instead of spending hours researching, get quick and comprehensive answers.
3. Comprehensive details: From accommodations to dining and activities, AI covers all aspects of trip planning.
4. Up-to-date information: Get the latest information on costs, availability, and more.

Tips for creating effective prompts

1. Be specific: The more details you provide, the better the AI can tailor the recommendations. You can request weather, what to pack, transportation options, costs, exchange rates, and so much more.
2. Include preferences: Mention your preferences for activities, budget, types of accommodations, and dining options.
3. Ask for multiple options: Request a range of choices to compare and select what suits you best.
4. Incorporate your interests: Whether you love hiking, museums, or gourmet food, make sure to include these interests in your prompt.

Specific prompts for planning a vacation

General trip planning

“Plan a 7-day trip to Italy for a family of four, including places to stay, costs, restaurants, excursions, and transportation.”
“Create a 10-day itinerary for a solo traveler to Japan, focusing on cultural experiences, historical sites, and local cuisine.”

Accommodations

“Find the best luxury hotels in Paris for a honeymoon, including nightly rates and amenities.”
“Suggest budget-friendly hostels in Barcelona that are close to major attractions.”

Restaurants

“Recommend top vegan restaurants in New York City with approximate costs per meal.”
“List family-friendly restaurants in Tokyo with English menus.”

Excursions and activities

“Suggest day trips from Lisbon that include historical sites and natural scenery.”
“Plan a weekend of outdoor activities in Colorado, including hiking trails and kayaking spots.”

Transportation

“Provide options for getting around London, including public transportation passes and car rental information.”
“Suggest the best way to travel from Rome to Florence, with costs and travel times.”

Specific interests

“Plan a week-long art tour in Amsterdam, including museum visits, art galleries, and street art tours.”
“Create a hiking itinerary in the Swiss Alps for adventure enthusiasts, including trail details and difficulty levels.”

How can AI simplify trip planning?

1. Comprehensive research: AI quickly gathers information from various sources, providing you with a well-rounded overview of your destination.
2. Customization: By understanding your preferences and needs, AI can offer personalized suggestions that align with your interests.
3. Budget management: AI can help you keep track of costs, suggesting options that fit within your budget without compromising on quality.
4. Itinerary building: AI can organize your trip into a coherent itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your time and cover all must-see spots.
5. Real-time updates: Get the latest updates on travel restrictions, weather conditions, and local events to ensure a smooth trip.

Sample of a simple itinerary created by AI

*You can ask AI to include weather for your specific dates, links to maps, walking directions, and even to let you know if there are local events happening during your travel dates.

Destination: Madeira, Portugal

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal

• Accommodation: Luxury Villa Madeira – €300 per night
• Dinner: Restaurante Do Forte – €40 per person

Day 2: Funchal city tour

• Morning: Visit Mercado dos Lavradores and Sé Cathedral (Free)
• Afternoon: Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Monte Cable Car – €25 per person
• Lunch: Taberna Madeira – €25 per person
• Dinner: Armazém do Sal – €40 per person

Day 3: Levada walk

• Hike: Levada do Caldeirão Verde with Madeira Adventure Kingdom – €45 per person
• Lunch: Packed lunch provided by tour
• Dinner: O Tasco – €30 per person

Day 4: Whale and dolphin watching

• Morning: Boat trip with VMT Madeira – €50 per person
• Lunch: The Ritz Madeira – €30 per person
• Afternoon: Relax at Praia Formosa beach
• Dinner: Gallo d’Ouro – €70 per person

Using AI and ChatGPT, you can streamline your trip planning process and ensure a well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable vacation. Start by crafting detailed prompts that capture your needs and preferences, and let the AI do the rest. Happy travels!

Are you looking for the confidence that your retirement plan can afford to take fun trips like the examples mentioned above? Meet with a Goodwin Investment Advisory, CFP® advisor to find out!

Disclosure:
Goodwin Investment Advisory is not a travel agency, nor are we gurus on the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools. However, we have some experience of using these tools in our company and in our personal lives, and we share the ideas above to stimulate your thinking – and to show what can be done with the latest tools. The AI responses may actually not be suitable to your needs, and the information provided may contain significant errors. Therefore, you should verify the accuracy and applicability of any information you obtain. GIA does not earn any compensation from ChatGPT or similar AI tools.