How do I plan a trip with AI?

Frances Zhu had ChatGPT interview her about an off-the-beaten-path week in Japan. She says planning took about 6 hours instead of 18.

Steps

1. Start by asking the AI to interview you rather than handing you a list.
2. Answer with real preferences: season, places you've already been, pace, food, transport.
3. Iterate on the draft itinerary until the regions and activities fit.
4. Check every drive time, train route and opening hour yourself. Zhu found ChatGPT's drive times were wrong.
5. Book only after you've checked prices on the official sites.

Prompts

i'd like to go to japan but off the beaten path. can you ask me some questions and help me decide where to go for a week long trip?

i've already been to hokkaido. my trip will likely be in the fall. I want both nature and culture. I love mountains and hot springs. I would also love to see historical sites. I want every other day to involve something active and then the off days to be something relaxing. I would like to escape into the countryside and explore small villages and small cities. I love love love to eat good food. I would love to explore regional food. I am comfortable renting a car but also using public transportation

Recommended tools

ChatGPT · Grok Bot · Perplexity (opens in our AI Directory)

Watch out: AI travel times and opening hours can be wrong. Confirm them before you book.

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