Can AI book a better trip than a human?

Can artificial intelligence outdo a human when it comes to booking a vacation? (Majestic Colonial)

Can artificial intelligence outdo a human when it comes to booking a vacation? CTV News put ChatGPT to the test by comparing its trip-planning abilities to the traditional approach.

The first test involved planning an all-inclusive getaway to the Dominican Republic. ChatGPT provided a list of options and prices, but the details didn’t always match up. For example, the AI quoted $1,900 per person for a stay at the Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana, with a link to booking site iTravel2000. But clicking the link revealed a different cost, $2,179.

Despite these differences, ChatGPT suggested several activities, including beach and pool events, excursions, and golf. While the AI was not entirely accurate in booking the trip, it performed well in offering ideas for activities.

The next challenge was booking a trip to Hawaii. ChatGPT estimated the total cost at just under $10,000, which was close to the $10,300 cost found on Expedia.ca. This was an improvement in the AI’s accuracy compared to the Punta Cana booking. ChatGPT also provided an extensive list of activities to do in Hawaii.

Technology analyst Carmi Levy says that while AI is still evolving in travel planning, but that’s about to change with something called Agentic AI.

“Google has something called Project Mariner, which is an example, a prototype of, an AI agent that literally does the work for you,” said Levy

Agentic AI can act autonomously, making decisions and taking actions without requiring direct human interaction.

“It really is the next thing in technology, but we’re at the point now that it still isn’t broadly available to the public, but it will be this year.”

The final test involved booking a trip to Fort Lauderdale. For a flight, car, and a week-long stay at the High Noon Resort, ChatGPT estimated the cost at $4,500. The actual cost was over $6,300. But, ChatGPT once again excelled in suggesting activities to do on the trip.

Overall, artificial intelligence wasn’t that bad in helping book some vacations. It did give an idea of what someone might be paying and some prices, even though it wasn’t perfect. But it might just be faster to go directly to the travel website and book it the old fashion way.

In most cases, ChatGPT did warn that most prices were approximate estimates when generating results.