AI chatbots have gained popularity across various industries, including the travel industry. In the past, customer service was often frustrating when interacting with a robot, but new advancements have made current AI more human-like, and they can understand user requests and respond with relevant information easily.
Programs like ChatGPT and Jasper are readily available to the public, and more companies are incorporating forms of artificial intelligence into their businesses. AI is being used for customer service, content creation, and education, making it only natural that it would enter into the travel industry as well.
Matador Network, a leading travel and news website, has developed GuideGeek, a virtual personal AI Travel Assistant that can help with various aspects of planning your next trip. Other AI tools can answer questions about specific destinations or travel inquiries, but their purposes are generally more broad and some services require subscriptions.
GuideGeek is specifically designed for travel-related questions and is completely free to use. It is backed by experts at Matador Network with firsthand experience traveling to many different destinations around the world and provides unique insights and recommendations that you won’t find elsewhere.
GuideGeek can help with hotels or AirBnbs, custom itineraries, restaurants and bars, experiences and tours, finding the best/most direct travel route, safety information, how to find the best deals, daily travel budgets, must-know customs or local slang, and visa information. You can also see sample answers to questions like, “Build a 5-day itinerary through Vietnam that would make Anthony Bourdain proud,” and “What are some underrated cities in Japan with beautiful temples and fewer crowds?” The sample questions can give you an idea of just how specific your questions can be and the amazing capabilities of this travel assistant.
GuideGeek is currently only available through WhatsApp, but it will eventually be available on Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and SMS. WhatsApp is a popular communication app used by people around the world for texting and video calls because it’s free, works everywhere, and only requires a WiFi connection. Once you download WhatsApp and register it with a phone number, you can text the chatbot just as if it were your friend or your own personal travel advisor.
GuideGeek is in the beta phase, which means it is brand new and still being tested. It will likely see changes and updates as they gather feedback and address any potential issues. Any information you receive should be double-checked for accuracy, especially if it involves any visa or entry information. It would also be wise to confirm transportation schedules, opening hours, and prices.
While you may have to do some fact-checking, an AI that can accurately plan out a 15-day itinerary could take loads of the guesswork and research out of planning your trip. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world adventure, AI could be a convenient and highly useful tool to travel smarter, safer, and more efficiently.