Artificial intelligence is rapidly gaining popularity across multiple industries, especially in the form of AI chatbots.
Although in the past it may have been frustrating to speak with a robot when you needed customer service, new advancements have made current AI more human-like, and they are able to understand user requests and respond with relevant information easily.
With programs like ChatGPT and Jasper readily available to the general public, and more and more companies incorporating forms of artificial intelligence, people are able to use this newer technology for all kinds of purposes.
Customer service, content creation, and education are just a few of the uses for artificial intelligence, and it only makes sense that it would enter into the travel industry as well.
Introducing GuideGeek
Matador Network, one of the leading travel and news websites, has taken advantage of AI technology to produce GuideGeek.
This virtual personal AI Travel Assistant can help with various aspects of planning your next trip.
Although other AI tools can answer questions about specification destinations or other travel inquiries, their purposes are generally more broad, and some of the services require subscriptions.
GuideGeek, however, is specifically designed with travel-related questions in mind and is completely free to use.
GuideGeek reports that it is also backed by experts at Matador Network that have firsthand experience traveling to many different destinations around the world and claims to provide unique insights and recommendations that you won’t find elsewhere.
When asked how accurate and recent the information provided is, the chatbot responded, “The information I provide is regularly reviewed and overseen by a team of travel experts. We work with some of the most reputable and knowledgeable individuals in the travel industry to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date.”
What Can It Do?
GuideGeek suggests that it can help with the following information:
- Hotels or AirBnbs
- Custom itineraries
- Restaurants and bars
- Experiences and tours
- Finding the best/most direct travel route
- Safety information
- How to find the best deals
- Daily travel budgets
- Must-know customs or local slang
- Visa information
You can also see sample answers to questions like, “Build a 5-day itinerary through Vietnam that would make Anthony Bourdain proud,” and “What are some underrated cities in Japan with beautiful temples and fewer crowds?”
These sample questions can give you an idea of just how specific your questions can be, as well as the amazing capabilities of this travel assistant.
The answers are long and incredibly detailed while answering the questions quite accurately.
Not sure where to go? Ask for destination inspiration! Need a budget guide for backpacking Southeast Asia? It can do that too.
How To Use It
GuideGeek is currently only available through the communication app WhatsApp, although it will eventually be available on Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and SMS.
If you are not familiar with WhatsApp yet, you should familiarize yourself with it because it will come in handy as a traveler.
Many people around the world use WhatsApp for texting and video calls, as it’s free, works everywhere, and only requires a WiFi connection.
Once you download WhatsApp and register it with a phone number, you can text the chatbot just as if it were your friend or your own personal travel advisor.
Currently, GuideGeek is in the beta phase, which means it is brand new and still being tested.
It will likely see changes and updates as they gather feedback and address any potential issues.
That being said, any information you receive should be double-checked for accuracy, especially if it involves any visa or entry information.
It would also be wise to confirm transportation schedules, opening hours, and prices.
Even though you may have to do some fact-checking, an AI that can accurately plan out a 15-day itinerary could take loads of the guesswork and research out of planning your trip.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world adventure, AI could be a convenient and highly useful tool to travel smarter, safer, and more efficiently.
