How to Use AI for Travel Planning: Fix Generic Itineraries & Unlock Hidden Gems (Free Template)
- Nath
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Why Most AI Itineraries Fail (And How to Fix Them)
You’ve tried ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Claude or Gemini for AI travel planning.
You ask:
✅ “Plan a 3-day trip to Paris,”
…and get:
🚇 Eiffel Tower → Louvre → Notre Dame (basic Google results copy-pasted).
🍝 Tourist-trap restaurants (yes, we see you, Le Procope).
🚶♂️ Impossible walking routes (“30 mins from Montmartre to Le Marais?” Nice try, AI).
The problem?
Generic questions = generic answers.
AI can’t read your mind. If you ask for “top 3 restaurants in Paris,” it doesn’t know if you want:
A Michelin-starred splurge or a £10 street-food gem.
Romantic ambience or family-friendly high chairs.
Vegetarian options or local seafood specialities.
But here’s the secret:
AI becomes a genius Parisian travel assistant when you ask better questions.
The Fix: How to Force AI to Work Like a Local Travel Expert
After testing 500+ prompts across 20 cities, here’s our battle-tested formula:
Rule 1: Demand Specificity
❌ Bad prompt: “Suggest museums in Paris.”
✅ Good prompt: “Include 1 iconic landmark + 1 hidden gem each day.
Example: Louvre → Musée de la Chasse.”
Why it works:
Forces AI to balance must-sees with local favourites.
Targets keywords like “hidden gem museums in Paris.”
Rule 2: Ban Tourist Traps
❌ Bad prompt: “Find a lunch spot in Paris.”
✅ Good prompt: “Recommend bistro loved by locals (no chains or guidebook staples).”
Pro Tip:
💡 Add “Avoid places with English menus displayed outside” to dodge touristy spots.
Rule 3: Set a Budget
❌ Bad prompt: “Plan a budget trip.”
✅ Good prompt: “Mid-range (££) with one splurge dinner under £40/person.”
Example:
Lunch: £10–€15
Dinner: £30–£50
Activities: £5 –£20/day
Rule 4: Prioritise Culture
❌ Bad prompt: “Add evening activities.”
✅ Good prompt: “Include one cultural activity nightly (e.g., neighbourhood festivals, live jazz, or indie theatre shows).”
Try It Yourself: Free 1-Day Paris Prompt (With AI Output)
Copy/paste this into ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, or Claude:
“Act as a Paris local with 10+ years of experience. Plan a 1-day itinerary for a traveller who loves:
- Art and hidden cafes
- Avoiding crowds
- Budget: €€ (mid-range)
Rules:
1. Start with one iconic landmark + one lesser-known alternative (e.g., Louvre → Musée de la Chasse).
2. Recommend a lunch spot adored by locals (no chains or guidebook staples).
3. Include a quiet park/garden for downtime.
4. End with a sunset view spot + nearby wine bar.
5. Use metro/walking routes under 20 mins between stops.”
Sample AI Output (abbreviated):
🌞 Morning: Art & Espresso
9:00 AM: Musée d’Orsay (€16). Pro tip: “Ask AI: ‘What’s the least crowded day/time this week?’”
11:00 AM: Musée de la Vie Romantique (€10). A hidden gem with a garden café.
🍽️ Lunch: Le Richer
Inventive French dishes like miso-glazed pork belly (€25). Why locals love it: No tourists, seasonal menus.
🌳 Afternoon: Parc Monceau
Sketch under 18th-century arches. AI tweak: “Suggest a park with public Wi-Fi and benches.”
🌇 Evening: Sunset & Natural Wine
5:30 PM: Parc de Belleville (free panoramic views).
7:00 PM: La Vigne des Belleville (€8/glass). Ask AI: “What’s the best natural wine bar near [landmark]?”
“What If I Hate AI’s Suggestions?” (Real-Life Example)
Problem: Let’s say AI recommends a place that is closed.
Fix: Refine your prompt: “Musée de la Vie Romantique is closed for refurbishing till March 2026. Suggest another hidden gem"
AI’s New Suggestion:
Hidden Gem Replacement: Musée Gustave Moreau
Why You'll Love It: "Step into the world of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau by visiting his former residence and studio. This museum offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's life, showcasing over 1,300 paintings and watercolors, along with 5,000 drawings. The highlight? A stunning spiral staircase leading to vast studios filled with monumental works.
Opening Hours:Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMClosed on Tuesdays
Admission:
Adults: €7
Reduced: €5
Free for EU residents under 26
Step-by-Step: Refining AI’s Paris Itinerary
Ask for pacing: “Split Montmartre into a relaxed 2-day itinerary with café breaks.”
Add filters: “Include only venues open on Mondays.”
Demand logistics: “Provide metro times between Sacré-Cœur and Le Marais.”
Before vs. After:
❌ Generic: “9 AM: Sacré-Cœur → 11 AM: Le Marais.”
✅ Refined:
9 AM: Sacré-Cœur (arrive via Abbesses metro).
10:30 AM: Café Kitsuné (skip the line with pre-booked tickets).
12 PM: Le Marais (walking route via Rue des Martyrs – 25 mins).”
Get our PDF template to:
✅ Plug in any city (Tokyo, Lisbon, NYC).
✅ Avoid crowds with time-specific prompts (“Which markets are least busy on Mondays?”).
✅ 3 bonus prompts: Solo safety, pet-friendly stays, family road trips.
👇 Download Now:[First Name][Email][GET MY FREE TEMPLATE →]
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FAQs: Mastering AI Travel Planning
Q: Does this work for rural areas?
“Yes! Adjust prompts to: ‘Find hidden hiking trails near [village]’ or ‘Authentic farm-to-table restaurants.’”
Q: What if AI recommends closed venues?
“Double-check by asking: ‘Provide Google Maps links and opening hours for each spot.’”
Q: How to plan for disabilities?
*“Add: ‘Ensure all stops have wheelchair access and nearby restrooms.’”
Why Trust Us?
We’re Wouter & Nathalie, AI travel experts who’ve lived in 7 countries. Our free prompts have helped 2,300+ travellers ditch generic itineraries.
👋 About Nathalie - Travel lover. AI experimenter. Hidden gem seeker.
Co-creator of AI SmartTraveller and firm believer that planning your next trip should be part of the adventure. Join me as I test AI tools, dig up unusual destinations, and share smart ways to travel better.💛 Learn more about me →
Got more questions? Check our FAQ page for tips and answers.
Just tried it for a city break in Valencia. Great advice!
Thanks for Free City planner. Cant wait to try it! 😉😍