Lately, I’ve noticed an uptick in clients sending me AI-generated itineraries to review, which felt like a good moment to share a few thoughts.
Some of these emails include stunning images of “places” with a request to find this exact spot and book it—only for us to discover the image is entirely AI-generated and the location doesn’t actually exist. Others arrive as very detailed, day-by-day itineraries that look impressive on paper but would send travelers zig-zagging across a country, spending far too much time in transit.
AI can be a helpful starting point for inspiration, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when using it to plan a trip.
AI Always Says “Yes”
AI is designed to be agreeable. If you tell it you want to visit five cities, add a beach, see a mountain town, and squeeze in three major activities, it will confidently tell you it’s all doable—without considering how much of your vacation will actually be spent on trains, planes, or buses.
Sometimes the best answer is “I wouldn’t recommend,” or “not on this trip.” Thoughtful travel planning often means slowing down, choosing what matters most, and designing a journey that feels enjoyable rather than rushed. I regularly see AI itineraries that double the number of necessary transfers just to accommodate a long wish list inspired by social media.
AI Doesn’t Understand Ease, Flow, or Real-World Disruptions
AI doesn’t account for jet lag, travel fatigue, weather disruptions, strikes, seasonal crowd patterns, or how exhausting constant packing and unpacking can be. It also doesn’t know which “off-the-beaten-path” experiences are genuinely special versus those that simply sound good in theory.
A travel advisor—and our trusted local partners—plan with these realities in mind. We design trips that flow well, adapt when things change, and prioritize how a journey feels, not just what it includes.
AI Isn’t Always Up to Date
AI works with the information it has, which isn’t always current or accurate. I’ve had to rework many AI-generated itineraries this year due to outdated logistics, unrealistic timing, or experiences that no longer operate as described.
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI can be great for brainstorming ideas or refining language—I use it myself in certain areas of my business. But it doesn’t replace the personalized, experience-based work that goes into crafting a seamless, meaningful trip tailored to your specific needs.
Used thoughtfully, AI can spark ideas. Used alone, it can create beautiful plans that don’t actually work in real life. Our role as a travel advisor is to bridge that gap—turning inspiration into a trip that is enjoyable, realistic, and unforgettable.
