The growing use of artificial intelligence in trip planning offers convenience, but travelers are discovering it can also create unexpected complications, according to the BBC.
Some tour operators and travelers have shared stories of AI-generated itineraries sending people to nonexistent places or providing incorrect travel details. For example, in Peru, tourists ended up at the «Sacred Canyon of Humantay,» which actually combines two different locations. Professional guides warn that such mistakes pose significant risks, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas.
In Japan, for example, a couple got stranded at the top of Mount Misen on the island of Itsukushima because ChatGPT provided them with the incorrect ropeway closing time. Some travel apps have even suggested nonexistent attractions, such as the «Eiffel Tower in Beijing,» or proposed schedules that are impossible to follow.
Experts explain that these mistakes occur because AI tools often generate answers that appear correct, even when they have not been thoroughly checked for accuracy. As a result, travelers may struggle to distinguish real advice from made-up information. Surveys indicate that many people using AI for travel have received incomplete or incorrect details.
The problems go beyond just losing time or money. Psychologists say that when AI provides incorrect information, it can alter what travelers expect and detract from the genuine experience of visiting new places. Regulators are considering new rules to label AI-generated content, but it remains challenging to prevent the spread of false information on chat apps.
Experts advise travelers to verify AI travel advice with trusted sources and be prepared to adjust their plans if something goes wrong. As one expert noted, AI can help, but it cannot replace careful planning and good judgment, the BBC reported.
