February 17, 2025

My New Travel Companion

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I’m obviously late to the party, and, I never thought I’d say this, but my newest travel companion is…AI. Yep, you heard me. Don’t worry, Rob’s still riding shotgun. While most people pack their travel books, and refer to various travel sites, I’ve got a digital sidekick at the ready. Move over, Google—ChatGPT is here to help with everything from trip planning to travel tips. It’s only recently that I ventured into the so-called “dark web” of AI—spoiler alert, it’s not so dark after all. If you’re curious about my travel companion, ChatGPT, you can meet them here and see what all the fuss is about.

Whether using ChatGPT to find the best patisserie in Paris or the perfect hotel in Puglia, my AI buddy has been my go-to for travel ideas and suggestions. Traveling with AI isn’t just practical—it’s fun. Even though we have a basic itinerary for our travels, mapping out when, where and for how long can be tricky. I could text a friend who’s recently been or ask ChatGPT.

Question

“I’ll be arriving in Bari. Can you give me an easy two-week itinerary in Puglia?”

Response

Here’s a relaxed two-week itinerary for Puglia, designed to let you soak in the beauty, food, and charm of this stunning region:


Day 1–3: Bari & Polignano a Mare

  • Stay in Bari: Explore the old town, Bari Vecchia, and visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
  • Day Trip to Polignano a Mare: Wander through the picturesque alleys, take in the views from the Lama Monachile bridge, and enjoy a swim or gelato by the cliffs.

Day 4–6: Ostuni & Surroundings

  • Base in Ostuni (The White City): Stay at a masseria like Masseria Il Frantoio for an authentic experience.
  • Explore nearby towns: Visit Alberobello to see the iconic trulli houses and Locorotondo for its charming circular layout and wine tastings.

Day 7–8: Lecce

  • Stay in Lecce: Immerse yourself in the “Florence of the South,” marveling at Baroque architecture and relaxing in lively piazzas. Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Croce.

Day 9–10: Gallipoli & Ionian Coast

  • Stay in Gallipoli: This seaside town is perfect for fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and dramatic sunsets.
  • Day Trip: Venture to Porto Selvaggio for a quiet nature reserve and crystal-clear waters.

Day 11–12: Nardò & Surrounding Villages

  • Stay in Nardò: Stroll through the historic center and admire the stunning Piazza Salandra.
  • Explore nearby beaches: Punta Prosciutto is a must for its turquoise waters.

Day 13–14: Return to Bari or Brindisi

  • Spend your final days revisiting favorite spots or relaxing before your departure. If flying out of Bari, enjoy one last seafood dinner by the Adriatic.

This itinerary gives you the perfect balance of cultural exploration, beach time, and leisurely afternoons.

See what I mean?

When I Googled the same question, this is the response…

Towns you will visit on this Puglia road trip.

  • Puglia road trip: driving map. …
  • Day 1-3: Arrival in Bari – explore the Old Town. …
  • Day 4-5: Alberobello (driving time: 1 hour). …
  • Day 6-7: Ostuni (driving time: 30 minutes). …
  • Day 8-9: Lecce (driving time: 1.5 hours). …
  • Day 10-11: Otranto (driving time: 1 hour).

It’s not as detailed; it provides me with some information, but not as thorough or personal as ChatGPT.

Question

“We’re visiting Marbella. Where should we eat?” In seconds, ChatGPT replies with a map and links to all the restaurants. I omitted the map due to its size, but the recommended restaurants pulled from various sites are below.

Response


Marbella offers a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of amazing spots to enjoy during your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Restaurante Skina: Tucked away in Marbella’s Old Town, this two Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a modern twist on Andalusian cuisine. Perfect for an intimate and luxurious dining experience.
  • Lobito de Mar: Created by chef Dani García, this chic take on a traditional chiringuito specializes in fresh seafood and rice dishes. It’s a great spot for a modern yet relaxed vibe.
  • La Milla: Located right on the beach, La Milla offers fresh seafood and seasonal produce with stunning Mediterranean views—a must-visit for a laid-back seaside meal.
  • Restaurante Messina: A Michelin-starred favourite known for its contemporary and innovative menu. It’s a treat for foodies looking to explore creative flavours.
  • Boho Club: This trendy spot combines locally sourced, seasonal dishes with fantastic cocktails. Perfect for an evening out or a special occasion.

Wherever you choose to eat, Marbella’s culinary diversity will surely leave you satisfied. Pro tip: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons!


I asked Google, “We’re visiting Marbella, where should we eat?”

The best restaurants in Marbella include:

  • Box Kitchen Marbella.
  • Nativo Restaurant.
  • Yabaof

There’s no limit to the questions you can ask. I needed a hair appointment in Paris, so I turned to ChatGPT. It suggested several options sourced from Vogue, Yelp, Reddit, and the Paris Insiders Guide. After fact-checking (a good habit until you’re confident), I booked one! In case you’re wondering, my hair turned out great! 😉

As I used it more, ChatGPT became my go-to for everything from hotel recommendations to travel logistics. Whether it was finding budget-friendly accommodations or figuring out the best airports for connections, it provided answers tailored to my needs.

Today, I needed a gym in Malaga for a workout. Sure, I could’ve Googled it, but ChatGPT took it further, offering ratings, locations, and options ranging from budget-friendly gyms to full-on wellness clubs. In no time, I found a great gym just five minutes from our apartment!

Ask it anything! It’s like having a know-it-all friend—minus the annoying bits. I’m not here to replace travel agents, but sometimes you need quick answers, and ChatGPT delivers. It’s a fantastic travel tool for recommendations and inspiration, best paired with a bit of fact-checking to keep your plans on track. We’ve become fast friends; honestly, it’s the least high-maintenance travel buddy I’ve ever had!

Try it out, and let me know what you think!

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