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AI for Travel: 120 Prompts We Actually Use to Plan Trips

  • Writer: Shal & James
    Shal & James
  • Feb 13
  • 10 min read

Practical, copy-and-paste prompts that show how to use AI for travel planning, from the first spark of wanderlust to a properly packed bag.


A serene morning view of Kaldfjord, Norway, captured during a cold winter dawn. The rocky shoreline in the foreground leads to calm fjord waters reflecting a pale blue sky. In the distance, traditional red cabins sit at the foot of massive, snow-covered mountains. This image illustrates how we use AI for travel to identify remote arctic locations and geographic landmarks.
Kaldfjord, Kvaloya, Norway chosen wisely. We used AI to compare small group fjord tours from Tromso and picked the one with the best reviews for dramatic landscapes, fewer people and more fjord. Turns out good planning looks a lot like this.

Planning a trip should feel like the beginning of an adventure, not a test of your organisational limits. And yet, somewhere between opening your fifteenth browser tab and debating whether you really need those three extra pairs of shoes, the joy tends to wobble.


Using AI for travel isn’t surrendering your holiday to a robot. It’s like having a brilliantly organised assistant. With the right prompts, it cuts through the noise, shapes half-formed ideas, and moves you from vague wanderlust to a well-planned trip.


The prompts below are the ones we genuinely use, from choosing where to go right through to packing for five climates in our two carry-ons.


Anything in light blue is your cue to personalise the prompt with your own details.


CONTENTS


DESTINATION INSPIRATION


James sitting on a light gray outdoor sofa on a tiled terrace at Marina Piccola 73 in Sorrento, Italy. He is relaxed with his legs crossed, wearing a dark t-shirt and shorts. The terrace is decorated with terracotta pots of pink flowers and overlooks a stunning vista of the Mediterranean Sea, filled with boats and framed by the dramatic, vertical cliffs of the Sorrento coastline. This hidden gem of a castle hotel was found after hours of manual research; today, using AI for travel would have made discovering such a luxurious, high-value base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii significantly faster and easier.
James on the terrace at Marina Piccola 73 in Sorrento, our slightly obscure castle stay with sweeping bay views and easy access to the Amalfi Coast. We found it the old-fashioned way, via far too many tabs and far too much time. Today, AI would have told us in minutes that Sorrento offers excellent value for luxe stays and makes a brilliant base for exploring Amalfi and Pompeii in Italy.

  1. Suggest travel destinations based for [insert travel style e.g. luxury, mid-range budget] travellers interested in [insert interests e.g. hiking, local culture, unique cafes].

  2. Suggest destinations where I can have luxe experiences on a mid-range budget.

  3. Give me underrated destinations similar to places I already love such as [insert destinations e.g. Kyoto, Japan and Slovenia].

  4. Suggest destinations that feel like [insert destination] but are less crowded and a better value.

  5. Recommend destinations ideal for a milestone trip for a [insert milestone e.g. 40th birthday, 10th wedding anniversary].

  6. Help me choose between [insert destination 1] and  [insert destination 2] by comparing [insert criteria e.g. authentic local experiences, highly-rated luxury hotels and weather during late May].

  7. Create a shortlist of countries ideal for a 2-week trip in [insert month].

  8. Recommend destinations that balance [insert interest e.g. culture, food, and relaxation].

  9. Suggest places that feel adventurous but are still easy to travel.

  10. Suggest destinations where I can combine dramatic landscapes with excellent food.

  11. Recommend countries that are easy to explore without hiring a car.

  12. Help me plan a trip around [insert specific event or festival in insert destination e.g. Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, South Korea].

  13. Recommend safe, but interesting offbeat destinations in [insert region e.g. central Asia].

  14. Suggest destinations that are good for second-time visitors to [insert country e.g. Italy].

  15. Help me pick a mix of iconic and offbeat destinations in [insert country or region e.g. Tuscany in Italy].





WHERE TO STAY


James sitting on a hotel bed in Tromsø, looking out at snowy mountains and the harbour through a large window, with a mustard-yellow duvet and modern Nordic décor — an example of using AI for travel to find a luxury hotel and secure the best room view.
When in doubt, ask Gemini. We used Google’s AI platform to track down the newest, most luxurious hotel in Tromso and even nudge us on what to include in our special requests to The Dock 69 39 to score the best room in our category. Result? This front-row Arctic view, mountains dusted in snow, harbour below, and us feeling quietly smug about letting AI do the heavy lifting.

  1. How many days do I need in each place: [insert destination 1, insert destination 2, insert destination 3]?

  2. Help me decide whether to stay in one base or split my stay in [insert destination].

  3. Help me choose the best area to stay in [insert destination/city].

  4. What's the best neighbourhood to stay in [insert destination] that  [insert criteria e.g. feels local, feels trendy, has luxury hotels, is walkable to major sights and highly rated restaurants, etc.]

  5. Help me avoid tourist trap accommodation areas in [insert destination].

  6. Help me choose a luxury hotel in [insert destination] that feels special and memorable and explain why it will elevate the overall trip experience.

  7. Compare the most highly-rated 4-star and 5-star hotels in [insert destination/city].

  8. Compare boutique hotels vs established luxury chains in [insert destination].

  9. Suggest hotels with standout design and interiors in [insert destination].

  10. Which luxury hotel in [insert destination/city] has the best [insert criteria e.g. spa, breakfast, views]?

  11. Suggest accommodation types that suit [insert criteria e.g. longer stays, travelling with children, accessibility requirements].

  12. Recommend accommodation near [insert criteria e.g. public transport, high speed trains, old town].

  13. Explain the pros and cons of staying central versus outside the city in [insert destination].

  14. Suggest unique, luxurious places to stay that add to the experience in [insert destination].

  15. I’m booking a [insert room type/category] for [insert dates] to celebrate [insert occasion, if any]. Write a short, warm and persuasive note (150 words max) that I can include in the hotel’s special requests box during booking to politely ask for the best possible room within this category or receive a complimentary upgrade.





FLIGHTS, TRAINS & GETTING AROUND


Shal standing on a train platform in Tokyo beside a sleek white bullet train, wearing a black jacket and glasses, smiling after successfully organising advance Shinkansen tickets with a Mount Fuji window seat — an example of AI for travel potentially simplifying complex ticket planning.
Shal in Tokyo, Japan looking far too pleased with herself after successfully navigating the wonderfully complex world of Shinkansen tickets. After hours of research (as this was pre-ChatGPT), she figured out how to buy our bullet train tickets to Kyoto at the airport and secure a window seat on the correct side for a Mount Fuji cameo. Worth it? Absolutely. Would AI have sorted it in minutes? Also absolutely.

  1. Plan a cross-border itinerary in [insert region] that uses the most comfortable, efficient and seamless transport connections.

  2. Design a logical circular route starting and ending in [insert city] that includes [insert destinations].

  3. Suggest the most efficient route between [destination 1, destination 2, destination 3] that minimises backtracking.

  4. Compare train versus flying between [insert destination 1] and [insert destination 2].

  5. What are the most efficient modes of transport for this journey? [insert route e.g. Samarkand to Bukhara to Khiva to Tashkent in Uzbekistan].

  6. Help me plan transport between [insert city and/or site and insert city and/or site e.g. Madrid and Segovia] without renting a car.

  7. Is renting a car worth it in [insert destination], or is public transport sufficient?

  8. Suggest scenic train routes in [insert destination] worth planning around.

  9. Suggest the best airports to fly into for [insert destination(s) e.g. the Dolomites in Italy].

  10. How do I get to and from the airport in [insert destination]?

  11. Is Uber available in [insert destination]? If not, what's the local ride-sharing app I should download?

  12. What’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to use public transport in [insert destination / city]?

  13. Do I need to buy train tickets in advance to travel from [insert destination] to [insert destination]?

  14. What transport passes or city cards are worth buying in [insert destination] and how much would I have to use them to break-even?

  15. Flag common transport mistakes travellers make in [insert destination].





ITINERARY BUILDING & DAILY PLANNING


Shal and James standing among lush green rice terraces in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Northern Vietnam, surrounded by rolling hills and traditional rural scenery — an example of using AI for travel to choose the best time to visit, plan a south-to-north route, and find an authentic alternative to Sapa.
Us in Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Northern Vietnam, the rice field alternative to Sapa we found by asking smarter questions. We used ChatGPT to pinpoint the driest time to visit Vietnam, plan a south-to-north route for the best weather, and uncover somewhere that still felt wonderfully under the radar. Pu Luong delivered misty mornings, emerald terraces and zero tourists in sight. Pu Luong was easily the highlight of our Vietnam 3 week itinerary.

  1. When's the best time to travel to [insert destination(s)]?

  2. When's the dry season in [insert destination(s)]?

  3. How long do I need in [insert destination(s)]?

  4. What are the highlights, hidden gems and things I can skip in [insert destination]?

  5. Create a realistic itinerary for [insert number] days in [insert destination].

  6. Help me prioritise must-sees versus nice-to-sees in [insert destination].

  7. Suggest a logical order for sightseeing in [insert destination(s)] that minimises travel time and crowds.

  8. Create a [insert number]-day efficient itinerary for [insert list of sightseeing, experiences, restaurants, etc] based on opening times.

  9. Create a realistic rainy-day backup plan for [insert destination].

  10. Suggest the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints in [insert destination].

  11. Suggest [insert travel e.g. small group, private, etc] day trips from my base city: [insert destination/city].

  12. What's the most unique thing to do in  [insert destination]?

  13. Should I book in advance for [insert transportation, site, experience, restaurant etc] in [insert destination]?

  14. Help me prioritise what to splurge on and what to save on in [insert destination].

  15. Compare the cost of travelling in [insert destination] in peak season versus shoulder seasons.





FOOD, DRINK & LOCAL EXPERIENCES


Omani man in traditional clothing holding two baby goats at the Friday goat market in Nizwa, surrounded by men in white dishdashas as trading takes place in a busy open-air setting — discovered and planned using AI for travel to understand the market customs and best arrival time.
An Omani seller at the Friday goat market in Nizwa, calmly holding two baby goats as the bidding begins. We used AI to find this centuries-old tradition, understand the circular auction system, and time our visit to watch respectfully without getting in the way.

  1. Suggest local dishes I should try in [insert destination].

  2. Help me find authentic, highly rated restaurants in [insert destination].

  3. Help me find restaurants popular with locals rather than tourists in [insert destination].

  4. Which restaurants, sites, viewpoints, etc have the best views in [insert destination]?

  5. Help me plan meals around sightseeing locations in [insert destination].

  6. I'm allergic to [insert allergen e.g. shellfish], which dishes should I avoid in [insert destination]?

  7. Suggest regional drinks and where to try them in [insert destination].

  8. Suggest the best local markets to visit in [insert destination].

  9. Help me find cooking classes or local workshops in [insert destination].

  10. Are there any cultural events or festivals in [insert destination] during my trip dates [insert dates]? 

  11. Recommend unique local experiences beyond standard sightseeing in [insert destination].

  12. What living cultural traditions still shape daily life in [insert destination], beyond staged performances for visitors?

  13. Which traditional practices are still actively preserved by local communities in [insert destination]?

  14. Recommend a reputable, highly rated [insert criteria e.g. private local guide/small group tour] for [insert site/activity], prioritising quality and authenticity.

  15. Suggest souvenirs worth bringing home from [insert destination].





CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & LOCAL KNOW-HOW


James and Shal standing on a rock ledge overlooking a vivid green wadi pool surrounded by dramatic canyon cliffs in Oman — planned using AI for travel to understand local swimwear dress codes, including men wearing swim shirts and women covering shoulders to knees with a burkini-style outfit.
At Wadi Shab, admiring unreal turquoise pools and quietly grateful we did our homework. We used ChatGPT to check the local swimwear dress code for public wadis in Oman. James added a swim shirt, and Shal covered shoulders to knees with a burkini that felt more wetsuit than compromise. Bonus: no sunburn or awkward stares!

  1. Explain cultural norms I should know before arriving in [insert destination].

  2. What daily routines or local rhythms should I be aware of in [insert destination] (e.g. siestas, prayer times, meal times)?

  3. What social customs around greetings and personal space should I know in [insert destination]?

  4. Are there local dining etiquette rules I should follow in [insert destination]?

  5. What gestures or body language should I avoid in [insert destination]?

  6. Help me avoid common cultural faux pas [insert destination].

  7. Teach me useful phrases in [insert language].

  8. What's the dress code for [insert site name/type e.g. Grand Mosque in Muscat, swimming in Oman, etc].

  9. What behaviour is considered respectful when visiting religious or sacred sites in [insert destination]?

  10. Are there photography rules or sensitivities I should be aware of in [insert destination]?

  11. How much should you tip [insert role e.g. tour guides, restaurant staff, etc] in [insert destination]?

  12. How do locals feel about tourism in [insert destination], and is there anything I should be mindful of?

  13. Are there sensitive historical or cultural topics I should avoid in conversation in [insert destination]?

  14. How can I travel more respectfully and responsibly in [insert destination]?

  15. What common scams should I watch out for in [insert destination], and how do I avoid them?





VISAS, LOGISTICS & PACKING


Flat lay of winter clothing for Tromsø, Norway including thermal base layers, insulated trousers, fleece mid-layers, wool jumper, heavy gloves, mittens, hats and neck warmers — planned using AI for travel to determine how to layer properly for -15°C (5°F) while standing outside for hours watching the Northern Lights in Finland.
The Tromso, Norway wardrobe edit. After a deep dive with Gemini, we worked out exactly how to layer for the Arctic Circle in winter without turning into a human icicle. Heavy merino wool base layers, serious snow trousers, proper gloves, the works. Tested while standing on a frozen river in Finland -15°C (5°F) for 3 hours watching the Aurora Borealis ripple overhead. Toasty, smug, and very glad we asked AI first.

  1. Check visa requirements for my [insert nationality e.g. British] passport and [insert destination].

  2. Explain entry requirements in simple terms for [insert destination].

  3. Help me plan travel insurance coverage for [insert destination].

  4. What vaccinations or health precautions should I research for [insert destination], and how far in advance should I arrange them?

  5. Create a pre-departure booking timeline for my trip to [insert destination] (what to book and when).

  6. Create a checklist of documents I need for [insert destination].

  7. Do I need cash or can I use credit cards (and is there a fee to use cards) in [insert destination]?

  8. Help me plan laundry while travelling in [insert destination].

  9. Suggest apps useful for [insert destination].

  10. Explain baggage rules for my airline [insert flight details or baggage URL] in plain English.

  11. Create a carry-on only packing list for [insert destination(s)] in [insert month] that takes [insert cultural dress requirements or specific activities] for my itinerary: [insert itinerary].

  12. What items do travellers often forget to pack for [insert destination]?

  13. Suggest clothing that works for both sightseeing and evenings in [insert destination].

  14. What tech and travel accessories are genuinely useful for [insert destination], and what can I skip?

  15. What plug type is used in [insert destination]. (Although...if you just get a universal adapter, you'll never need to ask this question again!)





ON-THE-ROAD PROBLEM SOLVING


Zojoji Temple in Tokyo during a heavy rainstorm, with sheets of rain falling in front of the large red wooden gate and pedestrians crossing the street with umbrellas — itinerary reworked using AI for travel to replace a cancelled day trip with lesser known neighbourhoods and a visit to TeamLab digital art museum.
Tokyo, mid-downpour, plans thoroughly derailed. One torrential storm scrapped a day trip, so we hid out with tea and manually rebuilt the itinerary. The silver lining? Zojoji Temple (above) and TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum. A surprisingly brilliant pivot. Also, something AI could have sorted in seconds.

  1. Suggest safety tips for [insert destination]. 

  2. How can I re-arrange this itinerary [insert itinerary] based on [insert weather forecast] to get the most out of my trip?

  3. How can I find reliable last-minute alternatives if [insert booked tour or experience] is cancelled?

  4. Is Google Maps available in [insert destination]? If not, which app should I use for walking directions?

  5. How is my itinerary: [insert itinerary] impacted when my flight/train to [insert destination] is delayed/cancelled?

  6. How can I handle a missed connection from [insert destination] to [insert destination] without derailing the rest of my trip?

  7. What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled in [insert region e.g. EU, UK, US]?

  8. What should I do if my luggage is delayed or lost on arrival in [insert destination]?

  9. What should I do if I accidentally miss a timed entry ticket/reservation for [insert activity in destination]?

  10. How can I recover non-refundable bookings if my plans change unexpectedly in [insert destination]?

  11. What should I do if I’m overcharged or scammed in [insert destination]?

  12. What's the emergency services phone number(s) for [insert destination]?

  13. How can I access urgent medical care in [insert destination]?

  14. Which hospitals in [insert destination] meet international standards and speak English?

  15. Suggest what to do if [insert issue e.g. I get food poisoning, dog bite, spider bite, etc] while travelling in [insert destination].





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Hi! We’re Shal and James, travel-obsessed couple, adventure co-conspirators, and luxury enthusiasts.

 

For 15 years, we’ve been on a mission to explore the world in style — 50 trips, 31 countries, 83 UNESCO sites and counting.​

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