AI Travel Planning vs. Human Experience

Planning a holiday used to mean flipping through guidebooks, calling travel agents, or relying on friends' recommendations. Fast-forward to now, and artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we plan our getaways. From apps that build full itineraries in seconds to AI chatbots that recommend restaurants based on your tastes, smart tech is making travel smoother. But is AI really the best way to plan a trip — or is there still something irreplaceable about human experience?

Let’s break it down.

🤖 The Rise of AI Travel Planning

AI-powered platforms can now help you choose destinations, book flights, create day-by-day schedules, and even pack based on the weather. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and a growing number of travel-specific apps can digest thousands of reviews and tailor plans to your preferences — instantly. Want a food-focused 3-day itinerary in Lisbon with a vegan twist? Done. Prefer hidden gems over tourist traps? AI can dig those out too.

It’s fast, efficient, and can be surprisingly personalised — especially for solo travellers or last-minute planners.

🧭 But What About the Human Touch?

Here’s where AI can fall short: emotional insight. While it can suggest “top-rated” activities, it doesn’t always know the vibe you’re after. Human recommendations — whether from a seasoned travel agent, a friend, or a fellow traveller — often come with nuance: the hole-in-the-wall café with the best view, the taxi driver who doubles as a local guide, or the perfect beach at sunrise, not midday.

The best trips often come from a mix of planning and serendipity, and humans are still better at spotting those “you had to be there” moments.

🦟 Smart Planning Also Means Smart Packing

Whichever way you plan — AI-driven or word-of-mouth — don’t forget the practical essentials. One thing both humans and algorithms can agree on? Insect bites are a universal mood killer. If you're heading anywhere warm, humid or rural, biting insects are likely to be part of the landscape.

incognito's award-winning, natural insect repellent is a travel must-have. DEET-free, planet-friendly, and clinically proven to protect against mosquitoes, midges and more, it’s perfect for both AI-curated jungle treks and friend-recommended forest cabins.