The summer travel season starts in just a few weeks, but if you’re looking for software that does more than just book flights and hotels, you’re in luck. A search engine powered by artificial intelligence can help with research and outline a complete itinerary. Certain older apps have recently been updated to suggest greener travel options. Keeping everything organized on your phone is easier than ever. Here’s an overview:
Utilization of AI travel agency
While general-purpose AI-powered search tools and chatbots like Google’s Gemini can create a list of things to do on vacation when asked a question, AI bots that are fine-tuned to travel queries are better. is often more comprehensive. These bots do a variety of things, including scouting destinations, planning itineraries, finding accommodations and flights, and planning road trips. Get tons of information at once and save all those time-consuming web searches.
Enter your details into the software, including your destination, length of stay, and interests, and see what it suggests. Many AI helpers are free to use once you sign up for an account, but some charge a subscription fee for their premium services. The app store has details.
Layla (formerly known as Roam Around) is one of the free vacation AI helpers you can find online, partnering with travel sites like Skyscanner, Get Your Guide, and Booking.com. If you prefer to travel by car or camper overland, Roadtrippers (free trial, $60/year) includes real-time traffic and air quality information along with route planning. And old powerhouses like TripAdvisor and Expedia are now using AI-generated vacation builders.
But as others have pointed out, while AI travel planners have a lot of potential, much of it is still in development and usually comes with a disclaimer acknowledging that.
AI bots can offer general advice like “enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,” suggest activities that are out of season or too far away, recommend the same restaurant over and over again, and consistently Directed to or closed. If you ask different bots the same question, you’re likely to get nearly identical suggestions, all collected from the same tourism website.
Apple’s Maps app also shows you public transit, walking, and biking options for getting around your city, as well as electric vehicle charging-friendly routes. However, your phone’s default apps aren’t the only ones that can help. There is a lot of third-party software for wayfinding and sustainable travel.
For example, Citymapper, which covers most major cities in the US, Europe, and Asia, includes environmental impact statistics for some trips. That directions often include accessibility options to avoid stairs and routes that are the fastest, cheapest, or easiest way to get to your destination. Citymapper is free with in-app purchases available.
Other apps available to those seeking an eco-friendly vacation include Bikemap for community-provided cycling routes around the world, HappyCow for vegan and vegetarian travelers, and a place to refill your reusable water bottle Find Tap Hydration and Water Stations and more.
Tidying up
If you don’t already have software to integrate your travel information, your phone’s default app can help. Instantly add electronic boarding passes, hotel reservations, and advance tickets to your phone’s digital wallet. Keep a practical paper backup in your bag for insurance. Google and Apple offer the ability to automatically add reservations and events to your calendar from email and messages.
Free services like TripIt (and its phone app), TripCase (also Android or iOS apps), and Wanderlog automatically compile all your travel information in one place, usually by scanning the information in your confirmation email . TripIt Pro is a $50 annual subscription that includes seat, fare, and airline points tracking, as well as international travel tools and extreme weather events that can impact airline schedules and public safety. Added features such as regional risk alerts.
AI bots and travel apps will continue to evolve and we expect to make vacation planning even easier in the future. Don’t forget to put down your phone every once in a while and enjoy your vacation once you arrive.