Increasing numbers of travellers are embracing artificial intelligence to craft their holiday itineraries, from seeking inspiration via ChatGPT to utilising specialised AI trip planners. This trend is reshaping how people organise their breaks, offering new tools for personalised travel experiences.
Survey Highlights Rapid Adoption Among Younger Generations
According to a 2025 survey conducted by the UK travel industry body Abta, which polled 2,000 individuals, nearly a fifth of adults under the age of 25 now rely on AI for holiday planning. Overall, the data shows a significant uptick in usage, with twice as many people reporting AI use in 2025 compared to the previous year—8% versus 4% in 2024.
In contrast, older demographics remain more hesitant. Over-55s were the least likely to employ AI for travel arrangements, with less than 3% adopting these technologies. This generational divide underscores varying levels of comfort and trust in emerging digital tools.
Challenges and Pitfalls of AI in Travel
Despite its growing popularity, AI is not without its shortcomings. Many holidaymakers have encountered issues where AI systems provide incomplete, outdated, or outright false information. In some instances, these tools have been known to "hallucinate," generating recommendations for non-existent attractions or destinations, which can lead to frustrating and costly travel mishaps.
This highlights the need for caution when relying solely on AI for critical travel decisions, as the technology may not always deliver accurate or reliable advice.
Call for Traveller Insights
We are keen to gather firsthand accounts from holidaymakers about their experiences with AI in travel planning. Share your stories to help others navigate this evolving landscape.
- What tools did you use? Detail the AI platforms or applications that assisted in your holiday preparations.
- How did they help or hinder? Describe the benefits and drawbacks you encountered during the planning process.
- Best and worst advice: Recall the most useful AI-generated suggestion you received, as well as any misleading or erroneous recommendations.
- Outcomes: Explain whether you acted on the AI's advice and how it impacted your travel experience.
Your contributions are valuable for understanding the real-world implications of AI in travel. Responses can be submitted anonymously through a secure, encrypted form, ensuring confidentiality. All data will be handled responsibly and deleted once no longer needed for this feature.
