From 'Where' to 'What': A New Way to Plan
For decades, travel planning started with a destination. You picked a place—Goa, Shimla, or perhaps Thailand—and then figured out the rest. But a new approach, powered by AI, is gaining traction. It’s called 'intent-based discovery'. Instead of asking
'where?', travellers are now describing the kind of trip they want. Imagine telling a chatbot: 'I want a quiet, 4-day spiritual retreat in the mountains under ₹40,000' or 'Plan a family-friendly beach vacation with activities for teenagers'. The focus shifts from a location to the desired experience. Travel search experts note this change, with data showing a significant portion of travellers now begin planning without a specific destination in mind. This move towards intent is making the process of finding the perfect holiday more personal and efficient.
How AI Understands Your Travel Dreams
At the heart of this change are advanced AI systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like those powering tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT. These tools can understand and process natural language, allowing them to interpret nuanced requests. When you describe your ideal trip—mentioning budget, travel style, interests, and companions—the AI sifts through vast amounts of data. It analyses flight routes, hotel availability, reviews, and activity listings to construct a tailored itinerary in seconds. This goes beyond simple keyword matching. The AI can infer your needs, connecting a desire for 'adventure' with destinations known for trekking or a request for 'local food' with specific culinary hotspots. Major travel platforms like Agoda and Skyscanner are already integrating these AI features to provide hyper-personalised suggestions.
Real-World Scenarios for Indian Planners
For Indian travellers, this technology offers practical solutions to common planning headaches. A group of friends planning a trip can input their varied interests—one wants nightlife, another wants history—and receive a balanced itinerary. Someone looking to explore the cultural festivals of Northeast India can get suggestions for Ziro or Hornbill, complete with road trip routes and accommodation options. A recent survey showed that 68% of Indian travellers are likely to use AI for planning their trips in 2026, a significant jump indicating rapid adoption. Even the Indian government is leveraging this trend, with the revamped 'Incredible India' digital platform using AI to act as a digital travel companion, offering personalised suggestions and services.
The End of Endless Scrolling?
One of the biggest promises of AI-driven planning is saving time and reducing decision fatigue. Instead of spending hours scrolling through countless hotel listings, flight options, and blog posts, travellers get a curated shortlist that matches their intent. AI tools can compare prices, suggest the best times to book, and even create packing lists based on the destination's weather. This efficiency is a key reason for its growing popularity. Studies indicate that travellers using AI for research feel the process is easier and more streamlined. However, experts note that AI is currently strongest in the discovery and shortlisting phase; many users still prefer to make the final booking themselves, using the AI's output as a highly-informed starting point.
The Human Touch in an AI-Driven World
Despite the power of AI, the human element remains crucial. One of the main drawbacks cited by users is the lack of a personal touch that a human travel advisor can provide. AI algorithms are powerful but can sometimes make errors, suggest overcrowded tourist spots, or miss cultural nuances. Moreover, the data used to train these systems can be biased, and user privacy is a significant concern as these platforms collect extensive personal information. Experts advise travellers to use AI as a capable assistant—an excellent tool for brainstorming and creating a first draft—but to always verify critical details like visa rules, live prices, and opening times before confirming any plans.
