Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in overseas travel planning. Many Australians now use AI tools to help choose destinations and build itineraries. In some cases, it's replacing traditional travel research because it's fast and personalised. Recent research by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Gen Z travel behaviours found that 30% of Gen Z travellers use AI tools to plan overseas trips.
AI tools can be a great starting point. They can quickly suggest destinations, activities and travel plans based on your interests, budget and timing. But you need to be careful and check that the information it's giving you is correct. Understanding its limits will help you avoid problems. Relying on it without checking can lead to costly mistakes.
How can AI help with travel planning?
The amount of travel planning information available online can be overwhelming. AI is a great place to start your own research, especially when you're not sure where to begin. It's best used during the early stages of planning, helping you explore possibilities and organise your thinking
It can analyse large amounts of information very quickly to create detailed travel plans. It can suggest hotels for your budget, nearby activities, and transit options. You can even use AI for budgeting and language translation. Used this way, AI can save time and make planning more efficient.
What are the risks of relying on AI?
AI gets information from many sources and doesn't verify it before giving you an answer. The information might be inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. The results you get are also only as good as the prompts you write. If your prompt is unclear or missing key details, AI may make incorrect assumptions or leave out important information.
Relying on incorrect information may not just cost you money or cause you stress. It can affect your safety or put you at risk of breaking local laws. Our recent Gen Z research showed that:
- 28% used AI for information about visas and entry requirements
- 27% used AI for safety advice
- 19% used AI for advice about local laws and customs.
Areas like these are especially important to verify through official sources.
There have been many instances of AI tools providing:
- outdated flight and public transport schedules
- incorrect visa and border information
- misleading or wrong interpretations of local laws
- recommendations for hotels that have closed
- attractions or activities that are unavailable or out of season
- missing or inaccurate costs.
AI may also leave out important warnings or advice, such as local health and safety risks, or recommend destinations that are currently unsafe.
The best way to use AI for your trip
AI tools should support your travel planning, not replace doing your own research. Use what it provides as a starting point, not the full picture. It's important to understand that the information it gives you can be wrong.
Reassuringly, 82% of Gen Z are likely to cross-check travel information given by AI.
Always check what it provides against trusted sources such as:
- Smartraveller travel advisories
- official government websites
- local tourism bodies
- reputable travel websites and agencies
- official airline, accommodation and event websites.
Ask the AI tool to show its sources and relevant booking links.
Double-checking details about visas and local laws is particularly important. Getting these wrong can have serious consequences.
Use our travel basics checklist to ensure you don't miss anything important before you go.