AI travel assistants have taken over travel planning, promising to simplify logistics, personalise experiences, and deliver recommendations with just a few taps on your phone. Living in Western Australia, I wanted to see how two leading AI itinerary planners, Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, could help me plan a weekend trip from Perth to Broome.
Let’s see how they performed and the pros and cons along the way!
Setting the Scene: A Weekend Trip from Perth to Broome with a AI Travel Assistants
Planning a weekend trip from Perth to Broome is no small task, especially with over 2,200km between the two. My criteria for testing Gemini and ChatGPT included:
- Accommodations: Variety, affordability and proximity to attractions.
- Transportation Options: Flexibility and cost.
- Itinerary Planning: Ability to create itineraries quickly and efficiently while considering cultural significance and practicality.
This exercise was also a chance to see how well these tools could capture the unique character of regional Western Australia or whether they would miss what makes it special.
AI Recommendations: Where to Stay and How to Get There
Accommodation Suggestions
Gemini’s interface was clean and user-friendly but it was also very focused on high-end options. It recommended Cable Beach Club Resort (from $450 AUD per night) or The Pearle (from $350 AUD per night). These are great choices, but are definitely more suited to luxury travellers.
ChatGPT provided more options, including Broome Time Resort (from $180 AUD per night) and Kimberley Klub YHA (dorm bed from $45 AUD), mid-range and budget options for travellers. I also liked that it suggested unique stays, like Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat just outside Broome, an eco-friendly option from $300 AUD per night.
Transportation Options
Unsurprisingly, both tools recommended flying as the fastest way to get there, with return fares ranging from $450 to $700 AUD via Qantas or Virgin Australia. Gemini focused on flight times and convenience, while ChatGPT explored other options, such as car hire if you want to drive the scenic route (from $90 AUD per day, excluding fuel costs). It even suggested guided tours if you don’t want to self-drive. This is a thoughtful suggestion, especially for solo travellers or those seeking a stress-free experience.
Itinerary Planning: Day-to-Day Adventures
Gemini’s Itinerary
Gemini created a well-structured two-day travel itinerary:
- Day 1: Morning camel ride on Cable Beach, lunch at Matso’s Brewery, and an afternoon visit to Gantheaume Point.
- Day 2: A half-day tour to the Horizontal Falls, followed by a sunset dinner cruise.
The recommendations were spot on but felt designed with international visitors in mind, lacking details that might appeal to locals.
ChatGPT’s Itinerary
ChatGPT offered a more varied plan and a stronger connection to Broome’s cultural identity:
- Day 1: Start with a visit to the Broome Historical Museum to explore local history, followed by a bush tucker tour for an authentic taste of Indigenous traditions. The afternoon featured a walk through Broome’s Chinatown and a low-tide visit to the dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Minyirr Park, a half-day trip to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, and an optional evening stargazing experience at the Broome Astronomy Experience.
What I liked most about this plan was how personal it felt. It really captured Broome’s character, making it a better choice for travelers looking for something deeper than the usual tourist spots.
So, how do these AI trip planners stack up against each other? Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses:
| Feature | Gemini | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
Accommodation Options | Focus on premium stays like Cable Beach Club Resort (from $450 AUD/night). | Broader range, including budget options like Kimberley Klub YHA ($45 AUD). |
Transportation | Highlights flights as the most time-efficient option, with detailed schedules. | Recommends flights, car hire ($90 AUD/day), and guided tour alternatives. |
Itinerary Style | Polished but generic, ideal for international visitors. | Customised with cultural highlights, making it suitable for different traveller types. |
Budget Friendliness | Leans toward higher-budget recommendations. | Offers cost-effective options without compromising experience. |
Accessibility | Limited adaptation for individual requirements. | Flexible and inclusive; caters to families and older adults. |
Local Knowledge | General recommendations; minimal regional context. | Detailed understanding of Broome’s culture and identity. |
Ease of Use | Streamlined interface with intuitive features. | User-friendly and performs well with detailed and specific prompts. |
Personal Thoughts
Using these tools felt like consulting two different travel agents.While Gemini’s recommendations were solid, I found myself wishing for more local insight rather than a focus on high-end stays. ChatGPT was the winner for conversational style and understanding of Broome’s cultural and regional landscape.
That said, both tools had their challenges, particularly with multimodal requests, such as combining road trips with flights or suggesting kid-friendly activities. Gemini would default to generic international popular options and ChatGPT would sometimes lack the latest pricing or availability.
Still, I appreciated how ChatGPT made budget-friendly choices feel just as valuable as high-end options, which I think is key for making travel feel accessible to everyone.
Conclusion: AI Travel Assistants
After testing both tools, it’s clear that AI is changing the way we plan travel, but I still think nothing beats a local’s advice. Gemini is great for those looking for premium experiences. ChatGPT is customised and flexible for various budgets and interests, making it a better option for a wider audience.
But AI still has its gaps. It can’t quite replace human expertise, local knowledge, and firsthand experience. The best trips come from blending AI efficiency with personal discovery.
We’ll likely see even more tailored recommendations, real-time pricing updates, and adaptive trip planning features as AI evolves. But for now, a mix of tech and human insight is the best way to plan.
FAQs: Planning a Weekend Trip from Perth to Broome with AI Tools
1. Which AI tool is better for planning a budget-friendly trip?
ChatGPT is the better option for budget-conscious travellers. It provides a wider range of accommodation and transportation suggestions, including affordable stays and alternative travel options like car hire and guided tours.
2. Can these AI tools account for specific needs, such as traveling with kids or accessibility requirements?
ChatGPT stands out for its flexibility, as it can adapt its recommendations to cater to families, older adults, or travellers with unique requirements. However, both tools are only as good as your input is, so detailed prompts are key.
3. Are the recommendations from Gemini or ChatGPT up to date?
While both tools provide valuable insights, they may not always reflect the latest pricing or availability. It’s a good idea to check details like accommodation rates or flight schedules on official websites.
4. Can these tools help me plan road trips instead of flying to Broome?
ChatGPT is particularly helpful for creating a customised road trip plan. It can suggest car hire options, scenic stops, and itinerary ideas. Gemini primarily focuses on faster travel options, such as flights.
5. Do I still need additional research after using these AI tools?
AI tools are excellent for inspiration and initial planning, but they can’t replace human insight or firsthand experiences. Combining AI suggestions with local knowledge and personal research will give you a more rounded plan.
6. Which AI tool is best for beginners planning their first trip?
ChatGPT’s conversational approach makes it a great choice If you’re new to travel planning. You can ask follow-up questions or request more information on itinerary suggestions, making it easier to understand and customise your plans. Gemini, while sophisticated, might feel less interactive for in-experienced travellers.
Have you used AI tools for travel planning? Which ones worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re curious about how other AI trip planners compare, check out my deep dive into MindTrip, Vacay and GuideGeek for a Bali getaway. Plus, explore more travel planning tips on Ourselves Abroad!
