A New Era of Travel Planning
The shift is significant. According to a 2026 travel report from Agoda, one in three Indian travellers already uses AI for planning, and a remarkable 68% are likely to use it for their next trip. This isn't just a niche trend; it's rapidly becoming a mainstream
approach to building a holiday from scratch. The appeal is simple: what once took hours of manual research can now be accomplished in minutes. Instead of sifting through countless blogs and booking sites, travellers can delegate the heavy lifting to an AI, freeing them up to focus on the excitement of the journey itself.
Your AI Travel Agent: A Quick Start Guide
Getting started is simpler than it sounds. The process typically involves using a large language model like ChatGPT or a dedicated AI travel platform. The key is to provide a detailed, natural language prompt. Instead of typing “holidays in Goa,” a modern traveller might ask: “Create a 5-day relaxed itinerary for a couple in South Goa, focusing on quiet beaches, Portuguese food, and staying in a boutique hotel with a budget of ₹75,000.” The AI then generates a day-by-day plan complete with suggestions for activities, restaurants, and even logistical tips. This conversational approach makes planning feel less like a chore and more like brainstorming with a well-informed assistant.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
The true power of AI in travel lies in hyper-personalisation. While traditional tour packages cater to the masses, AI can build a trip around highly specific interests. A traveller could request a '10-day historical tour of Rajasthan focusing on lesser-known forts' or a 'family-friendly trip to Kerala with activities suitable for young children and senior citizens.' Surveys show this is exactly what Indian travellers want: 38% are looking for AI to recommend attractions and activities, while 37% want it to create fully personalised itineraries. This allows for the discovery of hidden gems and experiences that align perfectly with individual tastes, moving beyond generic, one-size-fits-all tourism.
Choosing Your Digital Co-Pilot
The market is already flush with options. General-purpose chatbots are a popular starting point for their flexibility. Alongside these, a new category of specialised AI travel planners is emerging, some designed specifically for Indian users. These platforms often integrate real-time pricing, visa information for Indian passports, and direct booking capabilities, streamlining the process even further. While some travellers might use AI for initial inspiration before turning to traditional booking sites, others are using these integrated platforms to manage their entire trip, from the first idea to the final hotel confirmation.
The Human Touch Still Matters
Despite its advantages, AI is not a magic carpet. It's a powerful co-pilot, but the traveller must remain the captain. AI models can sometimes provide outdated information or even 'hallucinate' details like a non-existent restaurant or incorrect opening hours for a museum. Data privacy can also be a concern, as personalised recommendations require sharing personal data. Therefore, it's crucial to cross-verify all critical information—flight times, hotel bookings, visa rules, and addresses—before making any payments. Think of the AI's output as a highly detailed first draft, not a final, confirmed ticket.
