From Search to Curation: The Big Shift
For years, planning a holiday online meant searching, sorting, and filtering. You found the cheapest flight, the best-rated hotel, and the top ten sights to see. Now, a significant shift is underway, driven by artificial intelligence. Instead of just
presenting options, AI tools are starting to act like savvy travel concierges, building entire trips from scratch based on a user's unique tastes. According to Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report, this trend is rapidly gaining traction in India, with 68% of travellers saying they are likely to use AI for their next trip. This isn't just about convenience; it's about moving from a generic checklist to a curated adventure that reflects individual personality and travel style.
How AI Is Your New Travel Twin
So, how does it work? These AI platforms analyse vast amounts of data, including a user's past travel history, budget, expressed preferences, and even the vibe they're looking for. Some newer tools can even turn a saved Instagram Reel of a waterfall in Meghalaya into a bookable itinerary. The output is more than just a list of bookings; it's a detailed, day-by-day plan. Indians are particularly interested in using AI for recommendations on local attractions (38%) and for creating personalised itineraries (37%). For instance, a platform might notice your interest in wellness and suggest a quiet retreat over a bustling city hotel, or build a trip for a traveller with anxiety that specifically avoids crowded tourist traps. This process transforms a vague desire—like a beach vacation—into a concrete plan with suggested flights, stays, and activities that feel uniquely yours.
The Tools of the Trade
This new wave of travel tech is being driven by both established players and new startups. Major booking platforms like Agoda and Skyscanner are integrating AI features to offer smarter, more personal recommendations. At the same time, dedicated AI travel planners are emerging, designed specifically for the complexities of Indian travel. These tools aim to solve common pain points like visa confusion for Indian passport holders and the frustration of managing plans across multiple apps and group chats. While general-purpose AIs like ChatGPT are used for initial research by many, specialised travel AIs are connecting inspiration directly to booking by integrating live pricing and availability for flights, hotels, and even local city passes.
The Human Element in an AI World
Despite the rapid adoption and high trust in AI recommendations—with nearly nine in ten Indian travellers trusting or feeling neutral about them—the human touch is not becoming obsolete. Many experts and travellers see AI as a powerful co-pilot, not the pilot. It excels at handling the heavy lifting: comparing prices, finding routes, and organising logistics, which drastically cuts down on research time. However, human experts still provide the crucial context, creativity, and emotional nuance that an algorithm might miss. An AI can suggest a route through the Himalayas, but it might not know about recent road closures after heavy rain or the local driver's tip to leave before sunrise for the best view. This blend of AI efficiency and human wisdom appears to be the sweet spot for the modern traveller.
