Can AI accurately answer specific travel queries better than humans?
The obvious answer is no, of course it can’t. AI takes it information from human sources. When it comes to travel, AI has no real knowledge of its own, there is no first-hand experience to draw from, not even in the case of Germany’s AI influencer.
That doesn’t mean it can’t provide us with good travel advice in seconds. Rather than having to scroll through page after page, looking for the answer to an obscure travel question, the likes of Google AI or Chat GPT can come up with a response instantly.
But how can anyone be sure AI has given them the most reliable information?
They can’t, because AI can’t be sure.
Ask AI a specific question and it trawls through its vast database, selecting what it thinks is correct information from reputable sites. But, as anyone who knows any travel destination well is aware, even the most reputable travel websites can get it wrong.
As a snapshot analysis of how reliable AI is compared to travel writers/bloggers and sites which utilise copywritten content (in the latter two cases using relevant websites which ranked highest in Google searches), I asked five specialist travel questions I already knew the answer to in order to identify which source was consistently most reliable.
What is a guachinche?
AI response: A guachinche is a casual restaurant in the Canary Islands that serves traditional food and local wine. They are a key part of the local culture of Tenerife. AI also advised that ‘Guachinches are more common in Tenerife than in Gran Canaria.’
Travel writer/blogger response: Guachinches are traditional restaurants on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands. These restaurants are usually owned by families and passed down from generation to generation. Among the seven Canary Islands, guachinches are more common in northern Tenerife. You might find them on the other islands, but they’re not as popular anywhere besides Tenerife.
Copywritten response: Originally the “guachinches” were houses where people went to taste the house wine and also got offered some small portions of food, like cheese. Today, the guachinches are a kind of restaurant, offering home-grown wine and a few typical Canarian dishes. You can find them in the houses classrooms and they are only open for a few months a year.
Conclusion: None captured what guachinches are really like. As they are unique to the north of Tenerife, there are not any authentic ones on other Canary Islands. Although the descriptions aren’t technically wrong, neither are they completely accurate. The travel writer/blogger did best, but lost credibility by using a photo that wasn’t the Canary Islands.
How do I catch the ferry at Bantham, Devon
AI response: To catch the ferry at Bantham, you can walk to Cockleridge Ham, where the ferry departs. The ferry is seasonal and runs from Cockleridge Ham to Bantham.
Travel writer/blogger response: We begin by catching the passenger ferry from Bantham across the River Avon. Once deposited on the other side of the river we follow footpaths and quiet roads northwards along the western side of the Avon Valley, as far inland as Aveton Gifford.
Copywritten response: As you round the head, Bantham beach will come into view. You can then cross the beach and hop on the small ferry across the other side of the bay where you can continue your walk to Bigbury Bay and beyond.
Conclusion: A niche question I know, but I added it because, when compiling a guide for walking in South Devon, we arrived at where the ferry was supposed to depart from and didn’t have a clue what to do. None of the responses which ranked highest mentioned anything about having to ring a bell or wave arms about like mad to attract the ferryman’s attention. Again, none were wrong, but neither did they paint a comprehensive picture.
Where is the best place to eat choco frito in Setubal?
AI response (Google AI didn’t attempt to answer this question, so Chat GPT stepped in): Setúbal is renowned for its choco frito (fried cuttlefish), and several establishments are celebrated for serving this local delicacy. Here are some top recommendations: It went on to suggest a handful of restaurants, referencing sources (including our Buzztrips website).
Travel writer/blogger response: Known as “The King of Choco Frito,” Casa Santiago is a must-visit for anyone looking to try the authentic taste of this local delicacy. It’s not just a meal; it’s a piece of Setúbal’s culinary heritage served on a plate.
Copywritten response: With favorites like Restaurante De Pedra e Sal Hostel & Suites, Casa Santiago – O Rei Do Choco Frito, and Pérola da Mourisca and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Setubal.
Conclusion: The travel writer response at least was from personal experience. The copywritten response was from a travel advice website whose reason for ‘trusting’ them was this – ‘We scoured through the internet and read through 4 reputable sites and blogs like Fodor’s Travel and Time Out. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you’re getting the best of the best.’ Tell me how that is any different from AI?
Where can I get a horse panini in Parma?
AI response (Chat GPT again): In Parma, horse meat is a traditional delicacy, and several establishments offer sandwiches featuring this unique ingredient. Here are some notable options: It goes on to list a few suggestions before adding: Please note that while horse meat is a traditional dish in Parma, it may not be to everyone’s taste.
Travel writer/blogger response: Our Buzztrips website came up tops, but next was this: I went to Pepen: a famous sandwich bar in Parma, and particularly renowned for its horse. Venturing inside felt like stepping into an old-fashioned New York bar: people were perched on bar stools or milling about on the polished wooden floor, devouring sandwiches, clinking glasses of wine, and chatting amongst themselves.
Copywritten response: You can also try horse meat, which is a unique culinary offering in Parma.
Conclusion: Although AI came up with a good answer (no source mentioned) the travel blog (Pink Pangea) nailed it for its suggestion and a real feel of what the place is like. It’s amusing that AI felt the need to add a cautionary warning.
What is complementario on the Camino de Santiago?
AI response (Chat GPT once again): A “complementario” on the Camino de Santiago refers to an alternative, usually more scenic, route that branches off from the main pilgrimage path, offering pilgrims a chance to explore a different area or see specific landmarks while still reaching their destination; essentially, it’s a side path or detour that is considered optional but can enhance the walking experience.
Travel writer/blogger response: On checking the way markers we could see that this was the Complementario route (an alternative, usually more scenic, route) so, to avoid the crowds as much as possible. we headed left on the official route – a wise move as there were very few people walking with us.
Copywritten response: From the outskirts of Pontevedra, you follow a camino complementario which takes you along a dappled, riverside track all the way into Pontevedra and either the Parador de Pontevedra or Hotel Rias Bajas.
Conclusion: Both AI and the Travel Blog (alisononfoot) give excellent answers which illustrate perfectly what a complementario is, the travel blog adding that extra personal touch. The copywritten response focused on a specific complementario (incidentally, provided by us for a specialist travel company).
Overall conclusion
AI doesn’t do bad but, and this might sound odd, you can almost sense an uncertainty, which means it steers clear of too much detail. It’s no real surprise that travel blogs with first-hand experience, especially specialist ones, tend to have the most in-depth information. What I didn’t expect was that the more specific a travel question is, the fewer mainstream travel publications come up with the goods. Search for broader travel advice, such as the best Canary Island or the top restaurants in Porto, and the likes of Time Out, Lonely Planet, The Telegraph, and CN Traveller finally turn up.
Ultimately, it only confirms what many of us already know. There’s a lot of general advice out there which is easy to find. However, there is no quick fix when it comes to in-depth travel research. The more insightful information anyone wants, the more they have to invest time searching for trustworthy sources – and those don’t necessarily match what AI considers credible.
