How to use AI for trip planning without ruining your vacation

AI's capabilities include providing translation assistance, budgeting help, packing tips, and souvenir ideas. However, when used for higher-stakes tasks such as booking flights or accommodations, AI can disregard facts to present a solution, sometimes leading to incorrect recommendations. For instance, Copilot once suggested a 'direct' flight that required a layover, and another time provided incorrect directions to a Budapest metro station.

Travel websites are also integrating AI agents, which can be more focused but still prone to errors. Critics also express concern that AI-driven pricing could lead to increased travel costs. The general consensus among experts is to use AI to streamline the research process and identify potential options, but to always verify information with reliable, up-to-date human sources like guidebooks or well-traveled friends.

According to Phocuswright, 56% of active US travelers used AI for trip planning or booking in the 12 months prior to March 2026. AI is particularly effective at turning preferences into options, identifying potential conflicts in an itinerary, organizing trusted research, and highlighting tradeoffs. However, AI-generated itineraries should never be confused with confirmed plans, and critical decisions such as visa requirements should not be left solely to AI.