It’s a paradox: the most digitally fluent generation in history seems surprisingly sceptical of the latest travel tech. Why are many in Gen Z sidestepping AI-powered itineraries for more 'traditional' ways of planning their adventures?
A Question of Trust
Despite growing
up with AI, Gen Z has emerged as the most sceptical generation when it comes to using it for travel planning. A recent study from Squaremouth revealed that only 38% of Gen Z travellers feel AI is integral to their travel experience, compared to over 50% for Millennials and Gen X. A staggering 31% of Gen Z respondents strongly disagreed that AI was essential. While overall AI usage for trip planning is rising, trust remains low across all age groups, with only about 17% of travellers stating they have high or complete trust in AI. This trust deficit is a major hurdle. There are widespread concerns about AI 'hallucinations'—where the tool confidently presents false information, like recommending a restaurant that closed years ago. Issues like unrealistic transit times, incorrect locations, and a lack of real-time updates make travellers wary of handing over the reins completely.
The Search for Authenticity
For Gen Z, travel is less about checking off landmarks and more about collecting meaningful, authentic experiences. This generation prioritises immersing themselves in local culture, finding hidden gems, and creating memories that feel unique and personal. This is where AI planners often fall short. They are perceived as tools that recommend generic, popular, and often overcrowded tourist spots, failing to capture the nuanced 'vibe' of a place. Instead of turning to an algorithm, many young travellers are creating their own version of 'traditional' planning. This modern method involves deep dives into platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where they source recommendations from real people and micro-travelers whose experiences feel more genuine and less commercialised. According to one study, 48% of Gen Z travellers use TikTok as their top source for travel inspiration, valuing it even over recommendations from friends and family.
Planning as Part of the Experience
Another key reason for the hesitation around AI is that for many, the planning process itself is part of the fun. The joy of discovery, the daydreaming while scrolling through videos of a far-off destination, and the satisfaction of curating a personalised itinerary are all part of the travel experience. Automating this process with a single AI prompt can feel like skipping a crucial chapter of the adventure. This doesn't mean Gen Z is anti-technology; far from it. Their planning is a digital-first hybrid. They might discover a destination on TikTok, save a list of 'must-see' spots on Google Maps, and then use booking sites to handle the logistics. They want technology that assists, not dictates. Research shows travelers, in general, want AI to help them understand options—like providing plain-English summaries of plans—rather than making the final decisions for them.
Control and Serendipity
Ultimately, the reluctance to fully embrace AI travel planners comes down to a desire for control and the freedom for spontaneous discovery. A 2026 report found that 64% of Gen Z travellers in India deliberately leave parts of their itineraries unplanned. This allows for the kind of serendipitous moments that often become the most cherished travel memories—stumbling upon a local festival, getting a recommendation from a stranger, or simply getting lost and finding something wonderful. An AI-generated, minute-by-minute schedule can feel restrictive, leaving little room for the unexpected. While AI is great at optimising for efficiency, it can't yet replicate the human desire for adventure and the thrill of the unknown. Many in Gen Z are simply not willing to trade that for a perfectly planned, but potentially predictable, trip.
