There are two types of people when it comes to planning a holiday: The one who somehow knows about every must-see attraction and schedules activities down to the very minute; and the go-with-the-flow, ‘I’m down for whatever’ person who is secretly overwhelmed by every aspect of planning a holiday. If you’re anything like the second person—hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’m going to introduce you to the top AI tools in scheduling and organisation to make planning your next holiday a breeze. But first, let’s dive into the benefits of using AI to plan your itinerary.
How AI can help you plan your next trip
Using AI to plan your itinerary can be incredibly useful. Gone are the days where you feel lost on places to see, things to do, and foods to eat. With AI, you can generate an entire holiday itinerary completely tailored to you. From your desired budget, locations, dates, interests, and even dietary requirements. Better yet, many of these AI scheduling platforms allow you to book flights and accomodation directly through the platform itself. But what sets these platforms apart? Before we jump into any recommendations, I’m going to breakdown some key User-Experience (UX) components that help make a platform great.
Key UX Design Principles
There are several Laws of UX that designers must follow when considering the usability of a design. The most fundamental of which, is user-centricity. User-centricity involves placing the user’s needs at the forefront of one’s mind, and continuing to prioritise those needs throughout the entirety of the design process. It is designing with empathy from the initial research stage, right through until the deployment stage.
Platforms that employ a user-centric design allow for an intuitive and seamless experience. In the context of holiday planning, this translates to factors such as customisability, consistency, and accessibility.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here is a list of the best AI scheduling assistants you need to keep your trip stress free.
Top 3 Holiday Planning AI Tools
1. Trip Planner AI
At the top of the list, is Trip Planner AI. This platform offers an incredibly comprehensive AI scheduling tool that allows you to optimise your holiday planning. Trip Planner AI provides users with an unparalleled level of customisability. From selecting a default currency to generate more accurate estimated costs, to adding personalised notes and links to planned activities, the AI tool is thoughtfully designed. Trip Planner AI also promotes a collaborative planning experience by allowing users to invite other trip mates. Interested in using Trip Planner AI? Listed below are some additional features offered within the platform.
Pros
- Optimise routes. Trip Planner AI allows users to optimise their route using AI to cut down on travel time
- Explore new sights. Users are able to search for new sights and add them to their itinerary
- Colour-coded. Activities and locations are colour-coded according to each planned day for ease of reference
- Snapshot summary. Overview of wifi, electrical outlets, emergency contacts, average costs, and quality of life indices
- Interactivity. Trip Planner AI generates an interactive map with supporting images, summaries, booking options, activity duration, travel time, and cost
- Accessibility. Users can save their itineraries for future reference and access them offline
Cons
- Freemium access. Trip Planner AI allows users to generate up to three free itineraries before users are required to subscribe to the premium version.
- Requires authentication. Users must sign-in to access the tool.
2. WonderPlan
Second, is WonderPlan. Boasting an easy-to-use interface that steps users through the planning process quickly and seamlessly, WonderPlan generates customisable itineraries within seconds. Unlike other AI scheduling tools, WonderPlan provides a snapshot summary of the destination’s essential information, supported by easily recognisable and relevant icons. Additionally, WonderPlan utilises an effective information hierarchy with useful headings and numbered activities, making it easy for users to navigate the platform. The benefits don’t just end here—below are few of the additional advantages of using WonderPlan.
Pros
- Snapshot summary. Overview of destination description, history, and general information
- Easy on the eyes. WonderPlan utilises an effective information hierarchy to make glazing over your itinerary quick and easy.
- Inbuilt booking capabilities. Ability to book accomodation directly through the platform.
- Special offers. Discounts on selected mobile data and eSim plans, insurance, tours and activities, transportation, and accomodation within the platform
- Interactivity. Attractions listed within the itinerary are set to navigate users around the map in real-time upon clicking
- Visual. Relevant images appear next to pinned locations
- Budget friendly. Estimated cost for accomodation, activities, food, and transportation
Cons
- Restricted dietary customisation. Only inclusive of halal or vegetarian dietary preferences
- Indistinguishable. Location pins are all one colour, making it difficult to distinguish which activities correspond with which day on the map
3. Forge My Trip
Forge My Trip is a chatbot style AI scheduling tool that allows you to input your desired holiday destination and customise the outcome within seconds. The fastest of all three platforms, Forge My Trip is a great option for those who prefer a more simplistic, ChatGPT style interface seeking near-instant results. Listed below are some of the platform’s user-centric features.
Pros
- Inbuilt booking capabilities. Ability to book flights, accomodation, and rental cars directly through the website
- Access past trips. Saves your planned itineraries for future reference
- Interactivity. Attractions listed within the itinerary are set to navigate users around the map in real-time upon hovering over the hyperlink
- Recognisability. Pinned locations are easily identifiable with the use of relevant emojis
Cons
- Freemium access. Premium monthly subscription required to access unlimited, full itineraries
- Lack of visuals. No images included within the itinerary or pinned locations on the map
- Indistinguishable. Trip itinerary is generated in a list format with no distinguishable headings
Out with the old, in with the new
Technological advancements within the AI industry have revolutionised the tourism sector. While AI scheduling tools are still in their infancy, we can now say goodbye to the overwhelming methods of planning and hello to a more simple, stress-free experience. Streamline your holiday today!