ChatGPT vs. Intrepid Travel: Battle of Vacation Planners
When it comes to planning vacations, travelers now have more options at their disposal. While travel agents have long been the go-to solution, chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard AI, and Microsoft Bing are emerging as alternatives. These AI-powered chatbots offer instantaneous and mostly free travel recommendations with just a prompt. But which one is better? CNBC Travel decided to put both ChatGPT and Intrepid Travel, a small group travel agency, to the test by asking them to plan a two-day trip for four friends to Melbourne, Australia.
The first challenge was finding suitable accommodations near Swanston Street with a pool and gym, all within a $500 per night budget. ChatGPT stumbled right out of the gate, recommending three places that were no longer in service. Not only that, some of the suggestions lacked the desired amenities and exceeded the budget. On the other hand, Intrepid Travel offered options that either had a pool or a gym, or both. They also recognized that these amenities were additional benefits, not necessities. Clearly, Intrepid Travel emerged as the winner in this category.
Next up was the search for dining options. ChatGPT once again had some issues, suggesting a restaurant that had been closed for years. However, a quick Google search confirmed that the other recommended places were still in operation and appeared on several must-visit restaurant lists for Melbourne. Intrepid Travel, on the other hand, provided more niche suggestions that represented Melbourne’s unique culture. Although both Intrepid and ChatGPT agreed on breakfast at Hardware Société, the overall winner in this category was Intrepid Travel.
Moving on to activities, both Intrepid Travel and ChatGPT came up with reasonable options around Melbourne that included popular spots like Queen Victoria Market, Hosier Lane, and the National Gallery of Victoria. However, Intrepid Travel’s recommendation of Incube8r, a store featuring handmade gifts and art, stood out as a favorite. In this category, Intrepid Travel once again came out on top.
For the final challenge of finding a hidden gem, Intrepid Travel recommended Le Bar Europeen, Australia’s smallest bar, and the Yalinguth App walking tour. These suggestions were exciting and offered lesser-known ways to explore the city. On the other hand, ChatGPT misunderstood the request and provided a full day’s itinerary consisting of popular tourist spots, which did not fit the criteria of a hidden gem. Therefore, Intrepid Travel won this category as well.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT can provide quick and convenient recommendations for top tourist spots, it falls short in terms of accuracy and personalization. On the other hand, Intrepid Travel offers a more tailored and immersive experience, taking into account the unique culture and hidden gems of a destination. However, it is worth noting that ChatGPT’s limitations may be attributed to its lack of updated data, only going up to 2021. Nevertheless, for a more personalized itinerary and a deeper exploration of local spots, sticking with travel companies like Intrepid Travel seems to be the better option.
