We are in the midst of an AI explosion that will change the world as we know it. The mania really started with AI like Stable Diffusion which created realistic artwork from text prompts. I have utilized that a bit to create artwork for our website with some good results. However, the AI I'm most excited for is called ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art natural language processing tool developed by OpenAI that allows businesses to interact with customers in a conversational manner. It can be used to assist with a variety of tasks, including travel planning. Here's how you can use ChatGPT for your travel planning business.
A travel planner could use ChatGPT to:
Write blog posts utilizing specified keywords that are good for your SEO.
Write social media posts.
Write itineraries.
Write client emails.
Write ad copy.
Write legal contracts.
Correct grammar for copy already written.
Summarize copy already written including ChatGPT's own content.
I used ChatGPT to make this article. You can ask ChatGPT basically anything as a free flowing conversation. When one answer is given, ask a follow up. Ask for more, ask for less, ask to change the style.
For example: I entered the following as a prompt:
Write interview questions a travel agent would use interviewing a client.
What is your reason for wanting to go on this trip?
Have you traveled before and, if so, where have you gone?
What type of vacation are you interested in (beach, adventure, cultural, etc.)?
How many people will be traveling with you?
Do you have any specific destinations in mind?
Do you have any preferences for accommodation (hotel, resort, vacation rental, etc.)?
Will you need flights or do you prefer to drive?
Do you have any specific activities or attractions that you want to include in your trip?
Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies that we should be aware of?
Do you have any specific travel dates in mind, or are you flexible with your travel dates?
Do you have any additional requirements or preferences (such as a rental car or travel insurance)?
Is there anything else that you think we should know in order to plan the best vacation for you?
Then I tried this prompt, and what it spit out was crazy good.
Give me a three day detailed itinerary with hotel and food suggestions for a vacation in Lisbon.
Day 1:
Arrival in Lisbon and check-in at the Pousada de Lisboa (a beautiful historic hotel located in the heart of the city)
Explore the historic neighborhood of Alfama, taking in the charming narrow streets and traditional houses
Stop for lunch at A Travessa, a popular restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes
Visit the Castelo de São Jorge, a castle located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city
In the evening, dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Belcanto, known for its innovative Portuguese cuisine
Day 2:
Take a day trip to the charming town of Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon. Visit the Palácio da Pena, a stunning 19th century palace with colorful mosaics and beautiful gardens
Stop for lunch at the restaurant Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, which has a beautiful ocean view and serves traditional Portuguese dishes
Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon and visit the iconic Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For dinner, try the seafood restaurant Cervejaria Ramiro, which is known for its delicious seafood platters and has a lively atmosphere
Day 3:
Start the day with a visit to the Mercado da Ribeira, a bustling indoor market with a wide variety of food stalls and artisanal products
Take a stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Bairro Alto, filled with cobbled streets, colorful houses, and lively bars
Stop for lunch at the restaurant Taberna Moderna, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist
In the afternoon, visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which has a diverse collection of art from around the world
For dinner, try the restaurant Páteo 13, which serves traditional Portuguese food in a cozy and atmospheric setting
Return to the Pousada de Lisboa for the night.
Pretty good, don't you think? It will only get better and better over time you have to assume. In fact, by the time you've read this article I bet prompts like these will seem quaint.
Here's a video of some of the types of things you can ask ChatGPT, though they're not necessarily for a personal travel planner, it'll help give you ideas.
It's important to note that the answers are not perfect yet. A lot of the info you get is a little questionable, but ChatGPT will cite it's sources if you ask. For instance, it doesn't handle nuance really well. For instance, if you ask it "What sites offer travel agents a commission?" It's answer was mostly affiliate linking sites like Kayak, Orbitz, Hotwire etc, that offer super low 3% rates that fall below what most consider a "commission." A simple google search gives you more reliable results.
Supercharged Emails
I asked ChatGPT to write an email from a travel agent to a customer offering travel insurance and explaining the benefits thereof. Here's what it spit out.
Dear [Customer], I hope this email finds you well. As you prepare for your upcoming trip, I wanted to bring to your attention the importance of travel insurance and the benefits it can offer. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by protecting you against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or delayed luggage. It can also offer financial protection in case you need to make unexpected changes to your travel plans. Here are just a few examples of the types of coverage that travel insurance can provide:
Trip Cancellation: If you are unable to take your trip due to a covered reason, such as a medical emergency or natural disaster, travel insurance can help you recover some or all of the non-refundable trip costs.
Medical Emergencies: If you become ill or injured while traveling, travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays and evacuations.
Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance can cover the cost of necessary personal items and clothing until your luggage is returned.
I highly recommend considering the purchase of travel insurance for your upcoming trip. It can provide valuable protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected circumstances. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the options available, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Sincerely, [Your Name]