7 Ways ChatGPT Can Help You Plan Your Next Trip: A Guide for Seniors

Remember the good old days of travel planning?

Your coffee table disappeared under a mountain of guidebooks and maps…

You got a crick in your neck from holding the phone while waiting to speak to that one not-so-cheerful airline representative who always seemed to be on their lunch break…

And your travel agent’s office had more faded posters of palm trees than an orthodontist’s waiting room.

Well, folks, times have changed.

And I’m here to tell you about your new travel planning sidekick – ChatGPT.

I’ve been using ChatGPTChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human... More to help with trip planning lately – with some great successes and, honestly, some BIG failures, too (more on that in a minute).

But, overall, I’m finding it a huge help to at least get the trip-planning party started.

It’s kind of like having a really smart friend who never sleeps, never gets cranky, and is always excited to help you plan your next adventure. (Though sadly, it can’t carry your luggage… yet.)

Getting Started: Accessing ChatGPT

(If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our ChatGPT Guide for Seniors. It’s free and will give you a great overview of how to use ChatGPT to improve your day-to-day life.)

Let’s start with the basics.

You can access ChatGPT from a phone, tabletA tablet is a portable computing device that offers a combination of features found in laptops and s... More or computer.

How to Access ChatGPT:

Head over to OpenAI’s website or download"Download" is a term used to describe the process of copying files from the internet or another remo... More the ChatGPT appAn app (short for application) is a program that helps you do specific tasks on your smartphone, tab... More (just search “ChatGPT” in the app store—it’s that easy).
Make an account, sign in, and voila—you’re ready to plan!

2 Quick Tips Before We Get Into the Nitty Gritty

First, ChatGPT works best when it has lots of details to work with.

So, the more specific you are, the better!

Think of it like explaining your symptoms to a doctor: instead of ‘I don’t feel good,’ try ‘My symptoms started on Saturday. Now, I’ve got a headache, my nose is stuffed, and I sneezed so hard I scared the cat.‘

Details make all the difference!

Second, ChatGPT isn’t perfect.

It likes to think it knows everything, but it’s not immune to the occasional embarrassing mistake.

For example, I recently asked it to recommend local restaurants in Tainan, Taiwan. One of the places it suggested sounded perfect. But, when I ran it by our local guide, she told me that the place shut its doors 15 years ago!

The lesson here: treat ChatGPT’s answers as a starting point and always verify. You don’t want to end up standing outside a “great spot” that’s now a pile of rubble!

With that in mind, let’s dive in…

1. Choosing Your Destination: Find Your Happy Place Without Guesswork

Picking a destination is the fun part, but it’s also a big decision.

Do you want sandy beaches? Mountain views? A place with lots of coffee shops that won’t look at you funny if you order a decaf?

Sample PromptA prompt, in a general sense, refers to a cue or stimulus that initiates or guides action, thought, ... More: “I’m looking for a destination with warm weather, gentle walking paths, and great seafood. I don’t want to fly more than 4 hours. Where should I go?”

Other things you might want to include to get better suggestions:

How many people are going and their ages
Any mobility concerns
Travel dates and length of stay
Are you looking for a relaxing retreat with a spa or an adventurous trip with hiking and kayaking?
Past trips you’ve loved or hated (this can help give ChatGPT a sense of what you’re looking for – or what to avoid

Also, include a rough budget. If you don’t want to spend a small fortune, tell ChatGPT your budget.

For budget planning, try this prompt: “Can you help me create a budget for a 5-day trip to Boston in June? I prefer moderate hotels and want to include some theater shows.”

ChatGPT can break down potential costs without making you feel like you need a degree in accounting to understand them. (Though you should check ChatGPT’s math. Its estimates can be wildly off at times.)

2. Creating the Perfect Itinerary: Adventures at Your Own Pace

Now, we have come to my favorite way of using ChatGPT for trip planning. Creating an itinerary.

I tell it where I’ll be, how long I’ll be there, what I like to do, and any “must-see” items on my list. And voila! Within seconds, ChatGPT will whip out an itinerary.

Okay, it’s not going to be perfect. But it’s a great starting point.

And, by putting the “chat” into ChatGPT, I can follow up with it. This is the real beauty of using ChatGPT for trip planning.

It’s like brainstorming with a very patient travel buddy. Together, we tweak, refine, and polish until I’ve got an itinerary I’m happy with.

Sample Prompt: I’ll be in Rome for three days. Can you suggest a sightseeing schedule that includes plenty of rest stops and avoids too many stairs? I love art and history but need to take things at a slower pace.

3. Finding Senior-Friendly Accommodations: A Place to Rest Your Weary Feet

Finding the right hotel is key. You want something comfortable, accessible, and preferably with a bed that doesn’t feel like a medieval torture device.

Sample Prompt: Can you recommend hotels in downtown Chicago that are within two blocks of a pharmacy and have easy access to public transportation? I need a place with an elevator and grab bars in the bathroom.

ChatGPT can narrow down options that fit your preferences, so you won’t end up booking a “budget” hostel where you share a room with six backpacking college kids.

Bonus Tip: Ask about amenities! ChatGPT can help you find places with breakfast buffets, room service, or even a pool that doesn’t require a cannonball to enter.

Again, be sure to confirm what ChatGPT tells you with the hotel’s websiteA website is a collection of interconnected web pages or digital content that are accessible via the... More.

4. Food and Dining: Finding Tasty Spots That Don’t Require Reservations from 1982

Let’s get to the important stuff: food. Whether you’re craving pasta, a perfectly grilled steak, or an unforgettable slice of pie, ChatGPT can help you find the best local spots.

Sample Prompt: “What’s a good, quiet Italian restaurant in Rome with delicious pasta and a cozy atmosphere?”

Or, if you have dietary needs, let ChatGPT do the filtering for you.

Sample Prompt: “Find a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in New Orleans with options that aren’t just salad.”

Pro Tip: ChatGPT knows some great hidden gems, so don’t hesitate to ask for “local favorite” places to eat. You might end up in a charming little cafe with a meal to remember—and you won’t have to sell your house to pay for it!

5. Navigating Transportation: Planes, Trains, and Taxis (Minus the Drama)

Getting there is one thing. Getting around once you’ve arrived is another adventure altogether. ChatGPT can help you avoid buses with questionable schedules and instead point you to reliable, comfortable transportation.

Sample Prompt: “What’s the easiest way to get from the airport in Tokyo to my hotel with minimal walking? I don’t want to deal with a rental car.”

If you’re more of a road trip kind of person, ChatGPT can help map out scenic routes with plenty of rest stops and points of interest.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of crowded public transit, just tell ChatGPT. It can suggest options like private shuttles or ride-hailing services that won’t feel like you’re playing Twister with strangers.

6. Packing Tips and Preparation: The Art of Not Forgetting Important Things

Packing can be an adventure all by itself. Instead of playing the “what if” game with your entire closet, ask ChatGPT something like:

I’m going to Arizona in November. What should I pack for variable temperatures if I want to keep my suitcase under 25 pounds? Remember, I need room for medications, too.

Here’s another scenario:

Sample Prompt: “What should I pack for a week in Ireland in October?”

ChatGPT will helpfully suggest items you might not think of, like waterproof shoes or a travel adapter, so you’re not left trying to plug your phone into a foreign outlet with sheer willpower.

Health & Safety Reminders:

You can also ask ChatGPT for a list of health and safety essentials, like prescription meds, backup copies of important documents, and anything else that might make your trip smoother.

Sample Prompt: “Give me a packing list for a Mediterranean cruise, including items for health and safety.”

7. Getting On-the-Go Assistance with ChatGPT: Like Having a Local Guide in Your Pocket

Once you’re on your trip, ChatGPT can still come in handy. Need a quick recommendation for lunch? Or a nearby pharmacy? A personal, interactive guide for your museum visit? Just ask ChatGPT on your phone!

Sample Prompt: “Find me a nearby cafe in Florence with good coffee and comfortable chairs.”

Or, for those unexpected moments:

Sample Prompt: “Where’s the nearest pharmacy to pick up sunscreen in Cancun?”

Pro Tip: If you’re into keeping memories, ask ChatGPT for daily journal prompts to help you capture each day’s highlights. You’ll be glad to have a travel journal that doesn’t rely on just your memory (because we all know how reliable that can be).

Why ChatGPT is a Game-Changer for Travel

Think of ChatGPT as your invisible travel buddy—one that’s on call 24/7 and won’t accidentally fall asleep during the trip!

Just remember: ChatGPT is there to assist, not to make decisions for you.

Think of it as having a really smart friend who can give you lots of good ideas, but you’re still the boss of your own adventure.

After all, the best trips are the ones where YOU decide what makes you happy – even if that means spending an entire afternoon in a Paris cafe, watching the world go by while enjoying your third croissant. (No judgment here!)