I put these claims to the test as these bots help me plan a big multi-generational family vacation.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, might be the best all-around AI in my opinion.
It’s certainly the most popular, and this has spawned a growing number ofcustomized GPTsfor specific purposes.
There are at least three different travel-themed custom GPTs available in the “Explore GPTs” section.
I experimented with a few of them, and their performance was poor and inconsistent.
I suspect they are each customized to specialize in just one aspect of travel.
So, I have been studying the area like only a tech journalist can.
Most notably, theDollywood theme park,Ripley’s Aquarium, and numerous sky lifts and skywalks.
They included things like checking the campground’s schedule of events for fun family activities.
I’m tempted to give this round to Perplexity.
Because it picked out the same campground as my mom!
What more can you ask from an AI?
I’m also unsure how helpful the ChatGPT suggestions would be to someone’s vacation planning.
What to Do?
While Perplexity excels at research, making lists and organizing information is more of ChatGPT’s jam.
I expected ChatGPT to win this round, but I’m surprised at Perplexity’s poor performance.
Its omission from Perplexity’s list of recommended activities is nearly a disqualification.
Furthermore, we’re just given the name of the attraction and a single sentence about it.
However, the budget-friendly National Park activities were included under “Outdoor Activities” instead of the budget options.
Itineraries
Aren’t itineraries the most tedious part of vacation planning?
It’s fun to look at all the unique activities and share favorites with your family.
Even exciting dinner shows can be too much for little kids (and moms!)
who have already had a full day.
This is the part that both first-timers and experienced travelers would appreciate help with.
I admit, I did not think AI was up to the challenge.
It requested 2 days in Dollywood, 1 rest day, and a few days in the National Park.
To my surprise, both AIs nailed the challenge!
ChatGPT
ChatGPT divided each day into morning, afternoon, and evening.
Days with morning and afternoon activities included relaxed evenings at the campground.
The requested rest day was on Wednesday (I love it when the AI makes sense!)
and included a relaxed morning and afternoon at the campground.
This was followed by an outing for dinner and a show in the evening.
It did not repeat activities, and it suggested the Gatlinburg Skylift Park.
Finally, a sky activity!
It still suggested more than three options or attractions for each day.
However, overall the itinerary was vague compared to ChatGPT and had fewer overall activities suggested.
Detailed Itinerary Challenge
My final prompt to both chatbots was:
They both nailed it, again!
Both included all the requested activities and stuck to the same format as they did in the first challenge.
I’m thrilled with both results!
And the Winner Is?
AI chatbots work for travel planning!
We are the winners!
I’ll be using AI chatbots to assist with travel planning in the future, especially to new places.
Will I tap Perplexity AI or ChatGPT?
If I’m looking for one right answer (perhaps anticipating where my mom would like to stay?)
I will at least check Perplexity, but ChatGPT surpassed my expectations on this challenge.
Information shared with AI is not private.
AI developers collect and track prompts to improve the model.
Always be careful what you share online!
AI also has limited reach.
I intentionally did not ask for hours of operation or seasonal/safety considerations of the National Park or attractions.
Reservations should be made by humans.
The final step in vacation planning should always be to double-check and confirm everything.
