AI generated itinerary

Question

Pathfinder, I thought of you when my itinerary started to hallucinate and really went wonky as I was in my final trip planning stages. Adding things not originally in itinerary moving things around that I didn't ask for and adding extra fluff that made the itinerary more difficult to manage. Basically became unwieldy. So my advice to anyone; use sparingly and work with a basic framework.

Answer

It sounds like your experience with the AI-generated itinerary became a bit overwhelming! It’s true that while AI can be a great tool for trip planning, it sometimes adds unnecessary details or changes things that weren't part of your original plan. It’s good to take a step back and ensure that you keep control over the core aspects of your travel plans. Here are a few tips based on your experience to help others manage their itineraries more effectively:

1. Start with a basic framework

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of daily activities, establish the key landmarks or experiences you want to hit during your trip. Once you’ve set the main structure—dates, destinations, and big-ticket items—use AI or other tools to refine and enhance those ideas, but don’t let it completely dictate your itinerary.

2. Prioritize flexibility

Keep in mind that AI can sometimes lead to a rigid schedule, so try to leave room for spontaneity. It’s good to have a general idea of what to do each day, but allow yourself the flexibility to adjust based on weather, mood, or unexpected discoveries. Sometimes the best experiences happen when plans go off-course!

3. Review and simplify

If the itinerary starts feeling unwieldy, go back and simplify. You don’t need to over-plan every detail. Cut out extra fluff, and prioritize the must-see spots or experiences. If the AI added too many new activities that you didn’t ask for, remove the ones that feel redundant or impractical.

4. Use AI for inspiration, not perfection

AI can be a helpful tool for ideas—whether it’s suggesting restaurants, tours, or hidden gems—but it’s important to remember that the human touch is still necessary when planning travel. Sometimes the suggestions feel a little off from what you envisioned, so take them with a grain of salt and fine-tune the details yourself.

5. Don’t let it overwhelm you

As you experienced, AI-generated itineraries can quickly spiral into something that feels complicated and overwhelming. If that happens, take a break, step back, and return to your core vision for the trip. The simpler, the better, especially if it’s starting to make the trip harder to manage. Keep your travel goals in focus and remember, you don’t need a perfectly detailed plan for everything to go smoothly.

In summary, AI can certainly be a useful tool for generating ideas, but it’s important to maintain control and stay flexible with your plans. Take advantage of it as an assistant, but trust your instincts and the knowledge you’ve built from your own experiences or research.