Pacific Tips 2024 August 19

Redditors skeptical of Ai Travel Planners, Italys Path of Love, Covids back?

Author

Dean F
August 19, 2024

Pacific Tips 2024 August 19
It’s Monday, so here are some stories to get your week going!

Reddit Users Sound Off on AI Travel Planners
A Reddit thread titled "These AI travel planner apps seem like the biggest tarpit ever" sparked a lively debate among users about the viability and value of AI in the travel planning industry. Many contributors voiced concerns, doubting the practicality of such tools.

One user, Hopeful_Industry4874, likened AI travel planners to "the 2020s To Do List app," implying that while they might seem innovative, they lack genuine utility and fail to address the core desires of travelers. This sentiment was echoed by professorhummingbird, who described the concept as a “tarpit idea” that provides little value beyond a quick Google search, especially when considering the likely upsell opportunities that could be embedded within these apps. This raises the concern that the content may be slanted towards sponsors, making it challenging to get objective travel advice.

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Any-Demand-2928 chimed in, warning against the overreliance on AI as the main feature of a product. They suggested that AI should only enhance existing offerings rather than being the focal point, especially in a volatile industry like travel, where things can change rapidly. This aligns with the idea that for AI travel planners to be effective, they must be constantly updated and well-trained to adapt to the ever-evolving travel landscape.

Another user, Low-Associate2521, shared a personal experience that highlights limitations in travel planning. They recounted how an AI suggested Joshua Tree as the best spot in the U.S. to view the Milky Way, despite the area’s well-known light pollution from Los Angeles. This example underscores the importance of accurate, real-time data in travel planning—a challenge for any AI tool.

In summary, while AI travel planners may offer convenience, many Redditors are skeptical about their practicality and reliability, especially when providing personalized, accurate, and objective travel advice.

Travel isn’t dead. It’s just taking a vacation | CNN Business

CEOs of many of the biggest hotel and travel companies are coming off a bit like doomsayers these days with their warnings about the declining health of consumers and their waning appetite for traveling.

edition.cnn.com/2024/08/19/business/travel-spending-pullback/index.html

Italy's "Path of Love" reopens after 12 years

Cinque Terre's most romantic trail has been closed for 12 years, but thanks to new safety measures it's about to reopen to visitors.

www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240722-cinque-terre-italys-path-of-love-reopens-after-12-years

COVID Is on the Rise Again. Can I Still Travel If I Test Positive?

Given a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases post-pandemic, infectious disease experts share their advice about how to proceed with travel plans if you test positive, or if someone you've been in contact with does.

www.afar.com/magazine/expert-advice-on-traveling-with-covid-in-2024

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