AI is changing the way we plan trips. With tools like KAYAK’s AI Mode, travelers can skip the endless scrolling and get instant, personalized, data-backed recommendations. But here’s the thing: to get the best results, you’ve gotta know how to talk to it.
Think of your prompt like talking to a really sharp travel expert – one who actually listens. The clearer you are about what you want (where, when, vibe, budget), the better your results – and your savings – will be.
Here’s how to write prompts that do the heavy lifting for you.
1. Be specific. Details lead to deals.
Unlike traditional search filters where you’re limited to checkboxes like “pool” or “free breakfast,” AI Mode can understand exactly what you mean. Try going deeper with your descriptions:
Find a boutique hotel with a pool near the Wynwood Art District, under $250 per night.
Adding concrete details about what you care about – location, amenities, budget or even your vibe – helps the AI zero in on results that actually fit.
Pro tip from KAYAK AI engineers:
LLMs (large language models, like ChatGPT) thrive on constraints, so instead of saying “plan me a trip to Italy,” you’ll get a more bespoke response if you provide the pieces you value the most. For example, try “Help me plan a trip to Italy. I care more about food and architecture than beaches. What cities should I prioritize?”
2. Set the vibe.
3. Dig into data.
KAYAK’s AI tools fuse ChatGPT’s natural language understanding with KAYAK’s powerful travel data. That means you can ask questions like:
What are the best times to book flights for spring break to get the lowest fares?
It’s like chatting with your stats-obsessed travel buddy who always knows when to book and when to wait.
Pro tip from KAYAK AI engineers
It never hurts to ask why. Asking AI Mode questions like “Why is Paris cheaper in the fall?” or “Why would I want to go to Prague at the time of year you’ve recommended?” help you feel confident in your travel decisions.
4. Personalize your output.
Your travel planning style is unique and AI can adapt to it. Want a chart, a list or even a full itinerary? Just ask.
Show me a chart comparing NYC to LA flight prices by day.
AI tools are flexible – ask for summaries or even itinerary-style breakdowns.
Pro tip from KAYAK AI engineers
Don’t be afraid to ask for iterations. Instead of saying “Give me a 7-day itinerary in Tokyo“, try “Draft a rough 7-day itinerary for Tokyo focused on design, culture and food.” Once the tool provides the results, you can further refine with a prompt like “Add a day trip to Kyoto and drop anything too touristy.”
5. Think like an insider.
Plan smarter, not harder.
AI can’t pack your suitcase (yet) but it can save you hours of planning and help you find the best deals. By mastering the art of the AI travel prompt – being specific, setting the scene, using data, and personalizing your output – you can plan faster, spend smarter and travel better.
Next time you’re planning a trip, let KAYAK’s AI Mode work its magic.
