A journalist who used ChatGPT to plan a weekend in Istanbul has described the experience as 'disastrous', saying the AI seemed 'determined to bankrupt us'. The experiment began with high hopes after friends praised the chatbot for planning trips to Mexico, but quickly descended into frustration.
The AI suggested a dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant in Sultanahmet or Karaköy Lokantası, promising 'elegant, modern Turkish cuisine in a trendy area'. However, the pushy doorman at Seven Hills and the 40-minute walk to the alternative left the couple weary. They ended up ignoring the AI's advice and finding a nearby kebab joint through the Michelin Guide.
Further problems emerged with the AI's itinerary. It recommended visiting the Basilica Cistern, but failed to mention that tickets must be booked days in advance. The couple arrived to find a two-hour queue and had to skip it. The AI also suggested a Bosphorus cruise, but the timing was off, leading to a rushed and unsatisfactory experience.
The journalist concluded that ChatGPT lacks the nuance and local knowledge needed for effective travel planning. 'It seemed determined to bankrupt us with impractical suggestions and poor timing,' she said. The experiment highlights the limitations of AI in handling complex, real-world logistics.
