Is AI Better At Planning and Booking A Vacation Than You Are?
By Megan Cerullo
Updated on: November 25, 2024 / 3:06 PM EST / CBS News
Artificial intelligence can help you research travel destinations as well as simplify tasks like making reservations. But can AI also plan a trip or vacation more effectively than you can? To put this question to the test, CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave employed Google's Gemini bot to explore travel options, contrasting his experience with CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen, who relied on conventional online tools to compare deals across flights, hotels, and activities.
Both Van Cleave and Chen planned trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, but took different approaches to organizing their travel. Using Google's Gemini AI app, Van Cleave was able to generate an exciting itinerary in less than sixty seconds on his mobile device. Meanwhile, Chen spent about forty-five minutes scouring platforms like Expedia, Kayak, and Tripadvisor for the best deals and reviews.
The results were notable; Van Cleave spent $741.48 for his itinerary, which included flight and three nights at a five-star hotel. Chen's efforts amounted to $780.05 for her similar travel plans. "I think he won this round, and I really need a vacation now," Chen remarked.
Yet, Gemini’s performance had its downsides. After checking in to Las Vegas, Van Cleave expected significant guidance from AI for various free activities and attractions. AI suggested he visit the Bellagio Resort & Casino to check out its botanical garden. Unfortunately, the information was outdated, as the garden had been closed for seasonal reasons. "What it didn't tell me — they seasonally tear it down for a holiday display," Van Cleave said, illustrating the gap between AI capabilities and up-to-date travel intel.
Chen, utilizing her research skills, ended up enjoying the Pinball Hall of Fame, showcasing hundreds of vintage pinball machines, which was both open and accessible.
AI’s missteps continued when it misinformed Van Cleave about the scheduling of the iconic fountain shows at the Bellagio, stating they were less crowded earlier, when, in fact, no morning shows occurred. When he intended to watch the Volcano Show at the Mirage, he was greeted with what appeared to be nothing but construction work for the new Hard Rock Cafe.
Despite those misdirections, AI did lead Van Cleave to Fremont Street's burgeoning art district and secured dinner reservations to the correspondents' liking. Interestingly, Chen also faced challenges. Anticipation of free access to observation at the Stratosphere Tower turned sour when she discovered admission costs were applicable.
Taking all these experiences together, it seems AI has its advantages and limitations. While it emerged victorious on speed, human oversight proved necessary to safeguard information accuracy. AI tools like GuideGeek, which claims to reach 98% accuracy rates, are constantly upgrading their technologies to provide real-time insights about attractions. Travelers are encouraged to give feedback where AI recommendations fall short, to help improve future offerings.
Of course, generative AI continues to gain traction across the travel industry. Major players like Expedia have launched their own AI travel solutions, guiding customers with valuable information, even on ideal travel times.
Continuing the trend of AI innovation, Booking.com recently revamped travel experiences for users by introducing flight bookings enhanced by AI, particularly for Singaporean travelers. With convenient services covering everything from flights to accommodations, it ensures seamless travel planning. This timely launch is perfect for holiday travelers seeking to streamline their arrangements.
Booking.com provides access to flight bookings from over five hundred airlines to more than 4,500 destinations. Users can reap the benefits of transparent pricing without hidden fees, flexible ticket options, and support available around the clock.
Much like Gemini, Booking.com is incorporating AI-powered tools aimed at enhancing travel planning with more personalized and efficient features. Among these tools are Smart Filters, which allow travelers to clarify accommodation preferences easily, and Property Q&A, which provides instant responses based on user queries about listings, reviews, and images.
The Review Summaries tool highlights insights from guest reviews, offering aggregated overviews of concerns such as parking availability. Currently available to Singaporean users, the tool will expand its reach soon as it undergoes final testing.
With advancements like these, it’s clear the travel experience is increasingly being shaped by AI technologies. Whether for quick itinerary generation or comprehensive travel support, both AI-driven tools and traditional planning methods have proven their efficacy, providing travelers with newly enhanced options for creating memorable journeys.
