I just returned from a trip to New York, completely organized by ChatGPT. The experience was incredibly accurate and tailored to my interests and needs—truly a great tourist advisor. All I had to do was provide the right instructions (prompts), and the AI planned my “solo trip,” offering unique opportunities to explore the city’s hidden gems, partake in festive activities, and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with special menus. It even recommended booking in advance due to the popularity of certain restaurants.
ChatGPT also suggested budget-friendly places to stay and curated an itinerary focusing on affordable yet worthwhile experiences—perfect for someone like me, who had visited New York before.
Does this mean tourist offices and guides will disappear due to technology?
I don’t think so. This is just one of many ways technology can enhance our lives, making work and leisure more enjoyable and affordable. My experience was truly enhanced, as AI personalized the entire trip. I mentioned that I wanted to avoid touristy spots, as I’d already seen many of them on previous visits. I also wanted the trip to be affordable yet trendy.
With AI, I was able to handle hotel bookings and save money by taking public transportation. It provided clear directions on connecting lines, travel times, and walking distances. Another benefit was language translation services, which made it easier to communicate in real time, whether at museums, cultural centers, or other tourist locations.
I asked a museum tour guide if he was worried about being replaced by AI, and he said, “No way. Robots won’t be able to relate to you in a human way. The machine won’t ask how your day was, won’t laugh with you, and won’t engage in the same way.” While I’m not entirely sure about that—AI can engage in conversations—I believe it’s better to embrace technology than to fight it. For instance, I would have loved to experience augmented reality at the museum or use interactive maps, but instead, I had a traditional tour guide. However, the guide did offer valuable advice on local events and other cultural activities that AI didn’t provide.
In the end, my trip was a blend of cultural experiences, hidden gems, and festive activities, thanks to AI and a 30-year-experienced tour guide. If you want to learn more about how AI can be used in your industry, feel free to reach out!