Planning a road trip is exciting, but between picking the perfect route and finding must-visit stops, it can also feel as overwhelming as fitting everything into the trunk of a compact car. So what about using AI to plan a road trip? The latest technology promises efficiency and inspiration — but can it really go the distance?
Road trips are as American as Thanksgiving and tailgating — a little chaotic, full of snacks, and best enjoyed with plenty of room for spontaneity. But whether it’s cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the quirky charm of Route 66, planning the perfect road trip takes more than just Google Maps and good intentions.
Enter AI. From crafting scenic itineraries to uncovering off-the-beaten-path diners, AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can simplify the planning process and save you hours of research. But should you let AI ride shotgun, or will it send you to the middle of nowhere? Before you hand over the wheel, let’s take a closer look at how AI can enhance — and complicate — your road trip planning.
To help offset the costs of running QuoteQueendom.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via one of these links, there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission. You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the full disclosure page.
Table of Contents
Have You Used AI to Plan a Road Trip?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #sageroadtrips
A Look at the Numbers
Apparently, I’m not the only one considering an AI travel buddy. According to a March 2024 Statista survey, 41% of leisure travelers in the United States and Canada reported using generative AI for trip inspiration or itinerary planning — a 7% increase from just six months earlier. Meanwhile, an October 2024 survey by GuideGeek found that over 20% of travelers have relied on AI to plan or assist with travel, marking a significant 40% jump since September 2023. Clearly, AI is buckling up for the travel industry’s future.
But while using AI to plan a road trip may sound like the ultimate travel hack, does the reality live up to the hype? Here’s what I learned about AI as a co-pilot (and backseat driver).
How AI Makes Planning a Road Trip Easier
Letting AI plan your vacation might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s already helping travelers. Whether you love a detailed itinerary or prefer to jump in the car and start driving, AI tools are streamlining the process, making road trip planning faster, easier, and a whole lot less stressful.
Brainstorm Your Perfect Destination
Not sure where to go? AI can act as your virtual travel agent. Whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, or someone who just wants a decent plate of pasta, AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini can suggest destinations that match your interests.
Dr. Niki Davis, director and professor of practice in hospitality, tourism, and event management at Southern Illinois University, used Copilot to uncover activities for a September trip. “It led me to things based on my prompts that I wouldn’t have thought of or easily found,” she said. Think of it as a brainstorming buddy who knows every corner of the globe like a Jeopardy! grand champion.
Plan Like a Pro
Once you’ve chosen a destination, AI tools can create a detailed plan effortlessly. From building itineraries to finding accommodations, they can guide you every step of the way.
Take it from professional traveler, James Hills, editor of ManTripping. He uses AI to help plan trips and write about destinations. James says, “AI works better than most travel bureau contacts because it draws from my prompt versus what they want to promote.”
Hills reports that tools like ChatGPT and Claude produce excellent results, but they also stress the importance of being aware of potential limitations, which we’ll cover below.
Budgeting Made Simple
One of the most stressful parts of travel planning is figuring out costs, but AI tools can crunch numbers faster than I can say, “Holy cow, look at the price of gas!” With just a few prompts, AI provides ballpark estimates based on your destination, travel dates, and activities. It’s a great way to see if your three-week Route 66 road trip is realistic — or if you need to consider a weekend getaway instead.
Get Ready to Go
AI helps ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip, handling everything from packing lists personalized to your itinerary to insider tips on local customs and etiquette. Safety is another area where AI excels, offering advice on common scams and sharing practical tips to keep you secure. Whether it’s identifying pickpocket hotspots or suggesting safe areas for solo travelers, AI tools help you travel smarter.
Save Time
Planning a vacation can feel like a full-time job — scrolling through endless reviews, comparing prices, and browsing through Instagram to uncover hidden gems. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT Search cut through the noise, summarizing multiple websites in a matter of seconds. Looking for the best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras? AI delivers a curated list faster than you can say “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
The Pitfalls of Using AI to Plan a Vacation
While AI tools can inspire adventures and save time, they’re not without issues. The same technology that simplifies vacation planning can also lead you astray. AI isn’t foolproof. Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t rely on it alone.
Flat Out Wrong
One of the biggest issues with AI-generated travel advice is that sometimes, it’s just plain wrong. Travel writer Lindsay Hindman discovered this firsthand when she asked ChatGPT recommendations in her hometown. “It claimed you could climb a local 100-foot monument that you definitely cannot climb or even touch. And, AI was insistent that there’s a river cruise here. There isn’t.”
Lindsay continues, “If you planned a trip to our city based solely on the AI-generated suggestions, you’d be very disappointed.” This experience prompted Lindsay to post an authentic content only pledge on her website.
Limited Information
While AI excels at gathering basic information quickly, it doesn’t win any awards for nuance or local expertise. I recently used ChatGPT to map out a scenic drive through the Midwest, and it suggested I visit a diner that’s been closed for years (RIP to its amazing pie) and a giant ox statue in the wrong state. Guess it’s more into creative writing than cartography!
AI is a solid starting point, but always double-check its suggestions. The last thing you want is to drive hours for pie that doesn’t exist or end up explaining to your passengers why you’re taking a “fun detour” to nowhere.
Over-Reliance on Popular Recommendations
The algorithms fueling AI tools often favor destinations, accommodations, attractions, and restaurants based on the most mentions or highest online ratings. While this approach can surface tried-and-true favorites, it can also result in cookie-cutter suggestions. For travelers seeking unique experiences, AI recommendations might feel uninspired — and may even contribute to overtourism in heavily visited destinations, as noted by Condé Nast Traveler.
Focusing on popularity can also overshadow unique, locally-owned businesses and lesser-known attractions. Lindsay Hindman discovered this firsthand when testing ChatGPT for her hometown. “It kept suggesting a chain casino,” she said. “The casino isn’t bad, but I’d definitely rank it below all the cute locally-owned spots.”
How to Successfully Plan a Trip with AI
AI can streamline your travel planning, offering tailored recommendations and handling some of the heavy lifting. But for the best results, you’ll want to combine AI insights with human advice and make smart decisions about the tools you use.
Use an AI Tool with Real-Time Browser Connectivity
AI tools work best when they have access to the most current information. While Reuters notes that the free version of ChatGPT is currently limited, platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Gemini pull real-time information from the web. For a fee, ChatGPT Plus also offers browsing capabilities, allowing you to access updated recommendations for your trip.
Verify
Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not an infallible travel guide. AI has been known to recommend experiences and suggest restaurants that no longer exist. If you plan a road trip using AI, always verify its information, especially for business hours, pricing, and availability. Cross-check using official websites and credible travel experts who prioritize authentic content, like those listed at Real Bloggers.
Be Mindful of How You Ask Questions
How you phrase questions can significantly affect the quality of AI’s answers. For example, when I asked, “Where should I eat in New York City?” I was given a list of the most popular dining spots. But when I asked, “What are the best restaurants in New York City?” I was given a list of restaurants with Michelin stars and other prestigious awards.
Test AI Tools Before You Commit
Not all AI tools are created equal. Experiment with free versions first to understand their strengths and weaknesses before committing to a subscription. This trial-and-error approach can help you find the tool that fits your travel style and needs.
Can I Use AI to Plan a Road Trip?
AI has revolutionized travel planning, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can spark inspiration and save time, it’s no substitute for your spontaneous discoveries or the expertise of locals and seasoned travelers. If you use AI to plan your next getaway, don’t overlook the human touch that makes travel memorable.
Have You Tried AI to Plan a Road Trip?
Tell me about your experiences! What worked? What didn’t? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
