Hi fellow travelers! Since COVID, I’ve had the opportunity to do some life-changing (for me anyway) travel and I’ve truly been bitten by the travel bug. So much so, I’ve officially declared Saturday as my “Travel Day” to plan for trips and just do arm chair traveling in general. I also want to blog about my experiences and share some of my learnings with others. In this short time, I’ve picked up things to make traveling easier and less intimidating for me. To the point that if I can make travel more accessible to others, I’m happy to do it! I invite you to virtually travel with me as I develop by blog and website. Feel free to give comments and feedback. Let’s see the world together!
Today, I stumbled across a couple of AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered travel planning tools I thought were really cool. One called Mindtrip and the other called Vacay. Both services are chatbots (like ChatGPT) where you type in a question or idea and the algorithms go to work to give you suggestions on activities or places you might be interested in. They are your personal travel assistants – How cool is that?
To try it out, I signed up for Mindtrip and asked for suggestions on what to do for an upcoming trip to Morocco. Here’s how the conversation went:
Me: I’ll be in Fez, Morocco in a few weeks. Can you suggest something for me to do on one of the days?
Mindtrip: Certainly! Fes is a city rich in history and culture. Here are a few suggestions for activities and attractions you can enjoy during your visit:
- Fes el-Bali: Explore the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, filled with narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historic buildings.
- Al-Attarine Madrasa: Visit this beautifully decorated madrasa, known for its intricate tile work and stunning architecture.
- Kairaouine Mosque: This historic mosque is one of the oldest in the world and houses the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university.
- Cooking Class: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes. It’s a fun and delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Hammam Experience: Relax and unwind in a traditional Moroccan hammam. It’s a unique and rejuvenating experience.
- Jardin Jnan Sbil: Stroll through this beautiful garden, which offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
I also asked what was the best way to get around in the city and the bot gave a few choices ranging from the types of taxis to look for as well as considering to sign up for a guided tour… Pretty neat, eh?
So when you find yourself planning your next junket, you might want to see what the AI bots say. Keep in mind these are new programs and still learning, so always cross check with other travel resources as a confirmation.
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