Planning a holiday can be a stressful experience, but travel agents have always been there to help. However, there’s a new player in town: chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard AI, and Microsoft Bing. These chatbots can provide instant and mostly free travel recommendations. But which one is better for planning vacations? CNBC Travel decided to find out, and they asked both sides to plan a two-day trip to Melbourne, Australia for four friends in their mid-20s. Here’s how it played out.
Where to stay in Melbourne
The request was simple: recommend three places to stay in Melbourne that have a pool and gym, are near Swanston Street, and cost less than $500 a night. ChatGPT stumbled right from the start – all three of its recommendations were no longer in service. On top of that, some of the places didn’t even have a pool or gym, and one was over budget.
In contrast, Intrepid Travel provided options that met the criteria. While not all options had both a pool and gym, the company recognized that these amenities were additional benefits, not necessities. Therefore, the winner in this category is Intrepid Travel.
Where to eat
The request was to provide dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and post-dinner drinks for two days. ChatGPT once again struggled, recommending a restaurant called Fatto Bar & Cantina that had been closed for years. On the other hand, Intrepid Travel suggested places that were more niche and representative of Melbourne’s unique culture. Both Intrepid Travel and ChatGPT proposed breakfast at Hardware Société, a popular brunch spot. However, the overall winner in this category is Intrepid Travel.
What to do
The request was to provide a two-day itinerary around Melbourne with a focus on art and cultural activities. Both Intrepid Travel and ChatGPT came back with reasonable options, including popular spots like Queen Victoria Market, Hosier Lane, and National Gallery of Victoria. However, Intrepid Travel stood out with its recommendation of Incube8r, a store with handmade gifts and art. Therefore, the winner in this category is Intrepid Travel.
Finding a ‘hidden gem’
The request was to recommend one place that is not well known by travelers. Intrepid Travel suggested hidden speakeasy Le Bar Europeen for a nightcap and the Yalinguth App walking tour for a daytime activity. Both of these recommendations were exciting and offered lesser-known ways to explore the city. On the other hand, ChatGPT misunderstood the request and provided a list of popular tourist locations. Therefore, the winner in this category is Intrepid Travel.
Conclusion
In the end, some of the issues with ChatGPT can be attributed to its lack of up-to-date information, as it only “knows” data up to 2021. This time lag can be problematic, especially considering the closures and changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, browsing Intrepid Travel’s itinerary was more enjoyable due to their detailed write-ups and specific recommendations. While ChatGPT offers a quick and utilitarian approach, those looking for a more personalized itinerary focusing on local spots should stick with travel companies like Intrepid Travel.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
