Planning your next holiday: ChatGPT vs Travel Agents

The thrill of planning a holiday often comes with a familiar dilemma: should you do it yourself using tools like ChatGPT, or should you rely on the expertise of a travel agent? 

Both approaches offer unique benefits and, interestingly, share some common ground. If you’re gearing up for your next adventure, here’s a look at the five key differences and five key similarities between these two planning partners.

Five Key Differences

1. Personal Expertise vs. AI Knowledge
   A travel agent brings years of firsthand industry knowledge, often combined with their own travel experiences. They’ve walked through the resorts, dined at the restaurants, and spoken directly with hotel managers. ChatGPT, on the other hand, draws on vast digital sources and curated data to generate recommendations quickly—but lacks personal anecdotes or “I’ve been there” reassurance.

2. Human Touch vs. 24/7 Availability
   Agents excel at understanding emotions, excitement, and hesitations. They can pick up on cues in a conversation and tailor suggestions accordingly. ChatGPT offers a different advantage: it never sleeps. Whether you’re browsing ideas at midnight or need itinerary tweaks on a Sunday morning, you can get instant feedback without waiting for office hours.

3. Bespoke Packages vs. Flexible Independence
   Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, packaged tours, and wholesale rates you can’t find elsewhere. ChatGPT, while unable to book directly, empowers independent travellers who prefer building an itinerary piece by piece—flights from one site, a boutique hotel from another, and a hidden food tour from a local blog.

4. Problem-Solving on the Go
   When travel hiccups arise—a cancelled flight, a double-booked room, or unexpected border rules—agents can step in and fix issues with their professional networks. ChatGPT can help you research options or script a complaint email, but it can’t pick up the phone and negotiate on your behalf.

5. Cost of Service
   Using ChatGPT is free (or subscription-based, depending on your access), while travel agents often work on commission or service fees. For some travellers, the peace of mind provided by an agent justifies the extra expense. For others, the DIY savings are too tempting to ignore.

Five Key Similarities

1. Destination Inspiration
   Both ChatGPT and travel agents are excellent at sparking ideas. You might go in thinking “I want a beach holiday” and come out with a recommendation for a tucked-away island in Fiji or a cycling route through Vietnam. Both can broaden your perspective and point you toward places you hadn’t considered.

2. Itinerary Structuring
   Whether through AI suggestions or human expertise, both can help structure a coherent itinerary—ensuring you don’t miss must-see attractions while balancing downtime. Both approaches can be tailored to your style, whether you want an adventure-packed holiday or a slow, scenic escape.

3. Budget Consciousness
   Both ChatGPT and travel agents can guide you toward options that fit your budget. While agents might leverage exclusive deals, ChatGPT can point you to price comparison sites, budget-friendly airlines, and strategies for saving money while traveling.

4. Personalization
   Surprisingly, both can offer personalization. Travel agents do this through conversations and relationships built over time. ChatGPT does it by responding directly to your prompts—whether you want “kid-friendly restaurants in Rome” or “hidden hiking trails near Queenstown.” The quality of personalization depends on how specific you are with your requests.

5. Access to a Wide Range of Options
   Neither option is limited to a single source. Travel agents tap into industry databases, preferred supplier networks, and local contacts. ChatGPT scans multiple streams of digital knowledge and travel insights. Both deliver breadth, helping you feel you’ve seen a full menu before making your choices.

The Verdict: Why Not Both?

The choice doesn’t have to be an either/or. Many savvy travellers start with ChatGPT to brainstorm destinations, research cultural highlights, and sketch out rough plans. Then, they bring their ideas to a travel agent for fine-tuning, access to deals, and a safety net in case anything goes wrong.

Planning a holiday is as much about anticipation as it is about execution. Whether you lean on AI for instant guidance or a seasoned agent for hands-on care, the goal remains the same: creating memories that will last a lifetime. The beauty of modern travel planning is that you now have both tools at your disposal—ready to make your next getaway unforgettable.

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)