Top 6 AI Companions To Plan Epic Summer Travel From Google And ChatGPT

Dreaming of getting away but don’t know where to start? Let these six AI companions help you find the perfect trip.

Roam Around

Topping the list is Roamaround.io, a ChatGPT trip planner which launched in February by former Googler Shie Gabbai.

Prompting it to find fun things to do in Tokyo in June, it suggested several off-the-beaten path options along with popular picks including a morning hike of Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail, an afternoon visit to the Ghibli Museum to explore the anime films of Hayao Miyazaki, and the Shimokitazawa rave scene by night. Other recommendations include a boat ride on Lake Okutama, a tour of Odawara Castle, Little Prince Museum, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Tuskuba Space Center and the trendy neighborhoods of Rappongi, Ginza and Akihabara – all in one beautifully detailed itinerary with photos and links to TripAdvisor’s Viator site.

Google Bard

Google Bard at bard.google.com offers detailed itineraries with photos and links. On its list for Tokyo is the Hachiko Statue near the famous Shibuya crossing, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for fashionable cosplay, strolling the Tokyo Imperial Palace gardens, taking in a sumo tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, and going on a scenic train ride to the Hakone caldera for hot springs, boat rides on Lake Ashi, and stunning Mount Fuji views. It also recommends Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku with its laser-lit dancing giant robots which TimeOut reports is closing, so always a good idea to check websites before locking in plans.

Expedia

Expedia has teamed with ChatGPT to offer detailed itineraries on its iOS app. For Tokyo, it suggests doing a Japanese tea ceremony at Meiji Shrine, visiting Sensoji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, shopping the Asakusa markets, stopping at the Tsukiji Fish Market for “some of the freshest sushi in the world” and picnicking at Yoyogi Park.

Kayak

Kayak, with its ChatGPT integration, has released its “Best Time To Travel” tool which recommends October for Tokyo instead of June because airfares are lower, weather is still good (around 66°F) and it’s less crowded.

Snapchat

Snapchat’s AI assistant MyAI says the best time to go to Tokyo is in the spring for cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and fall for autumn foliage (October to November) when weather is mild. It doesn’t mention late September for Tokyo Game Show, but did come up with interesting places to visit like Harajuku Cat Street teeming with unique cafes and boutiques, and eateries like Yoyogi Koen Yakitori Alley and CoCo Ichibanya Curry House. It was also the only chatbot to suggest The Capsule Hotel Shinjuki 510 and Airbnb Long Term Stays as unique and affordable lodging experiences, albeit being sponsored results.

ChatGPT

The ChatGPT iOS app warns against summer typhoons and suggests visiting the enchanting Odaiba Seaside Park, Palette Town and Rainbow Bridge, shopping in Omotesando and taking in the views from Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. It also recommended the observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Although much-needed features like Map My Trip, Find My Fare and Book My Reservation have yet to be rolled out and the free ChatGPT and Snapchat MyAI tools have yet to be connected to the Internet, chatting with AI companions for trip planning is likely to become a key application for generative AI. Not only is it a timesaver in getting the lay of the land, it also offers fun armchair travel for those wanting to explore virtually.