Ever felt like you needed a holiday... from planning your holiday? - AI vs Google for travel Planning

You start with one innocent search: “Best places to go in September.” Suddenly, you're 23 tabs deep, comparing articles, reading TripAdvisor threads from 2017 and trying to remember whether you already checked flights to Lisbon or was that Larnaca?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Ever feel like your travel planning looks like the left side of this image? 😅

Now imagine this instead: You ask one question - “Plan me a 5-day food-and-festival trip in Portugal with beaches, small towns, and low crowds.” And boom: you get an itinerary, daily suggestions, estimated costs, and even hidden café recommendations.

Welcome to the world of AI travel planning ✨

But wait — does this mean Google’s out of a job? Not quite. Let’s unpack it.

⚖️ So... What’s the Difference Between Google vs AI for Travel Planning? What's the real difference?

🌍 Google: The Classic Backpack of Travel Info

We all know Google. It's brilliant — but also a bit like being handed a 300-page guidebook and told: “Good luck!”

• You search “things to do in Paris”

• You get: 10 listicles, ads, Pinterest pins, and 3 YouTube vlogs with different advice

• Then you start planning

Google is great when you want to:

• Check opening hours for museums

• Compare flight prices

• Read reviews

• Research official visa info

  
  

Let’s be honest — comparing AI vs Google for travel planning might sound geeky, but when it saves you time and stress? Totally worth it.

But it’s also a rabbit hole. It gives you results, not always answers.

🤖 AI: Your Friendly Planning Assistant (That Doesn’t Judge Your Snack Budget)

AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or DeepSeek? They're more like a travel-savvy mate who says:

“Give me your vibe, your budget and your dates - I’ll build something just for you.”

You don’t get a hundred links. You get one clear answer - a draft plan, a packing list, even a budget breakdown.

Ask things like:

• “Where can I go for 4 days from London with beaches, no tourists, and great food?”

• “Create a romantic Tuscany itinerary with wine, slow travel, and local markets.”

• “How much should I budget for Japan for 2 weeks — with trains, food, and some fun?”

AI also gives you results that actually fit your style, not just what’s trending on Google.

🔁 Real Examples: Google vs AI, Side-by-Side

Task	Google Result	AI Result
Find cultural beach towns in Spain	10 articles + ads	3 towns + pros/cons + best time to go
Create 7-day Tokyo itinerary	Blog lists + Reddit threads	Day-by-day plan incl. temples, ramen stops & quiet parks
Travel as an LGBTQ+ traveller	Mixed blog posts	Personalised destinations + safety tips + events

🧠 So… Should You Use Google or AI?

👉 Both! But for different reasons.

Use Google when you need:

• Official sites (e.g. embassies, visa info, vaccination requirements)

• Airline or train booking tools

• Reviews & ratings

• Inspiration from images, reels, blogs

• 
  

Use AI when you want:

• A fast, personalised plan

• A packing list in your language

• Budget help based on your style

• Suggestions that fit YOU (not just “everyone else”)

Think of it this way:

Google gives you the library. AI gives you your personal librarian.

✈️ Final Thoughts: You’re Still the Traveller-in-Charge

AI won’t book your trip or pack your bag but it will save you time, help you avoid overwhelm, and make travel planning feel exciting again.

Want help learning how to use AI to plan your next trip like a pro? Check out the AI SmartTraveller Planning Guide , it’s packed with prompts, tools, and examples to get you started.

Let’s plan smarter and travel better.

 Because your time’s too precious to spend in browser tab 23 😉

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👋 About NathalieTravel 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 →

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