Planning a road trip can be half the fun—but it can also be overwhelming. From researching routes and booking accommodations to mapping out sightseeing stops, trip planning demands time and attention to detail. But what if you could offload much of the planning to AI tools?

In the age of artificial intelligence, tools like ChatGPT are being used for everything from writing emails to coding websites. Now, travelers are beginning to ask: Can ChatGPT plan a road trip? We decided to find out.

In this post, we’ll dive into the growing trend of using AI for travel planning. We put ChatGPT to the test by asking it to create a real road trip itinerary. Then, we evaluated the results, compared them to traditional planning methods like guidebooks and travel websites, and offered our take on how well ChatGPT performs. Bonus: we also suggest how to take the AI-generated plan even further using tools like Roadtrippers.

The AI Travel Planning Trend

AI is transforming how people plan vacations. Gone are the days of sifting through endless tabs of travel blogs, maps, and forums. Now, travelers can input a prompt into ChatGPT—like “Plan a 5-day road trip through Utah’s national parks”—and receive a full itinerary in seconds. ChatGPT can help with various aspects of travel planning, including destination suggestions, flight comparisons, and itinerary organization.

This new approach appeals to:

• Time-crunched travelers who want a quick way to organize a trip.

• Newbies who aren’t sure where to start.

• Adventure seekers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

But the big question remains: How reliable is ChatGPT as your virtual travel planner?

The Challenge: Can ChatGPT Plan a Road Trip Travel Itinerary?

To test ChatGPT’s planning skills, we gave it a prompt:

“Plan a 5-day road trip starting in Las Vegas and ending in Denver. Include major stops, scenic routes, and RV-friendly attractions. Assume the traveler is using a Cruise America RV rental.”

ChatGPT can generate destination ideas based on specific criteria such as budget, preferences, and desired experiences.

Here’s what ChatGPT came up with:

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park (160 miles, ~2.5 hours)

• Pick up your Cruise America RV in Las Vegas.

• Drive to Zion National Park via I-15.

• Arrive early afternoon and explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

• Optional: Short hike to Emerald Pools or Pa’rus Trail.

• Camp overnight at Watchman Campground (RV-friendly).

Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon (85 miles, ~2 hours)

• Morning hike in Zion (e.g., Canyon Overlook Trail).

• Depart for Bryce Canyon via UT-9 and US-89.

• Visit Bryce Amphitheater and iconic viewpoints like Sunrise Point.

• Overnight stay at Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Moab (260 miles, ~4.5 hours)

• Early start to reach Moab by afternoon.

• Scenic drive along I-70 through Fishlake National Forest.

• Optional stops: Goblin Valley State Park, San Rafael Swell.

• Set up camp at a local RV park in Moab.

Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

• Morning: Explore Arches (Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch).

• Afternoon: Visit Island in the Sky in Canyonlands.

• Sunset picnic at Dead Horse Point State Park.

• Stay second night in Moab.

Day 5: Moab to Denver (350 miles, ~6 hours)

• Long driving day, but scenic. Take I-70 east through the Rockies.

• Optional stop in Glenwood Springs for hot springs.

• Arrive in Denver, return Cruise America RV.

First Impressions: Is This a Good Plan?

ChatGPT’s suggested itinerary was… surprisingly solid.

ChatGPT provides a rough idea of the travel itinerary, which can be further refined based on personal preferences and real-time data.

The AI managed to include all the major attractions and even some hidden gems that I hadn’t considered. It balanced sightseeing with relaxation, ensuring the trip wouldn’t be too hectic.

Strengths:

• Logical route with minimal backtracking.

• Balanced mix of driving and sightseeing.

• Included lesser-known gems like Dead Horse Point.

• Named RV parks and roads—useful for Cruise America renters.

Weaknesses:

• No mention of park entrance fees or campground reservation requirements.

• Lacks real-time availability or weather considerations.

• Doesn’t personalize for group interests (hiking level, family-friendly, etc.).

So while it’s not the perfect plan, it’s a strong draft. Let’s compare it to how we’d traditionally plan a trip.

AI vs. Traditional Trip Planning: Who Wins?

Traditional planning methods like using guidebooks, travel blogs, and booking sites offer depth and reliability. You can read reviews, check live maps, and adjust based on the current season or events. But it takes hours—sometimes days—of research.

While ChatGPT provides a quick and efficient outline, it's essential to conduct your own research to refine and enhance the travel itinerary.

ChatGPT, on the other hand, wins on speed and efficiency. You get a structured outline in seconds that you can build upon.

Here’s a breakdown:

The sweet spot? Use ChatGPT to build your base itinerary, then refine it using live planning tools and booking sites.

How to Take Your ChatGPT Plan to the Next Level

Once you’ve got your AI-generated itinerary, it’s time to make it road trip ready. That’s where Roadtrippers comes in.

Engaging acquaintances and using tools like Google Maps can lead to curated travel routes, enhancing the overall trip experience.

Roadtrippers is a road trip planning tool that lets you:

• Plot your exact route and add stops along the way.

• Discover quirky attractions, local diners, and scenic viewpoints.

• Calculate fuel costs and driving times.

• Share your trip with others.

You can copy your ChatGPT itinerary into Roadtrippers and layer on even more detail, like:

• Gas stations with RV clearance

• RV-friendly campgrounds with real-time availability

• Restaurant recommendations along your route

Think of ChatGPT as your imaginative travel writer and Roadtrippers as your map-savvy co-pilot.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but it has its blind spots—especially for travelers who like things booked and buttoned-up. While ChatGPT serves as a modern, accessible alternative to a travel agent, it still has limitations that travelers should be aware of.

Here’s where AI still falls short:

1. No Real-Time Data

ChatGPT can’t tell you if a campground is full or if a road is closed due to weather. It doesn’t access live calendars or reservation systems.

2. No Local Nuance

A seasoned travel blogger might tell you when to hit a trail to avoid crowds or which campground has the best views. ChatGPT doesn’t have that “lived-in” voice yet.

3. Limited Personalized Recommendations Without Specific Prompts

The itinerary won’t differ much unless you specify group size, specific interests, pace, or accessibility needs.

4. No Booking Capabilities

While it can suggest where to stay, it won’t provide direct booking links or availability calendars.

Verdict: Can ChatGPT Plan a Trip?

Yes—with help.

ChatGPT is a great tool for:

• Brainstorming travel ideas

• Creating draft itineraries

• Finding RV-friendly routes and sights

• Jumpstarting your planning process

For your upcoming trip, ChatGPT can assist in creating personalized travel itineraries that align with your specific needs and preferences.

But it’s not a full replacement for traditional planning tools or your own judgment—yet.

Here’s how to get the best of both worlds:

1. Start with ChatGPT to outline your trip quickly.

2. Use Roadtrippers to map it out, find hidden gems, and finalize logistics.

3. Double-check key details like campground reservations, seasonal road closures, and park rules.

4. Stay flexible. AI can plan, but the road has a mind of its own.

Let AI Be Your Copilot

Road trips are about freedom, spontaneity, and discovery. The travel planning process shouldn’t be a chore—and with AI, it doesn’t have to be.

ChatGPT can assist travelers in finding the perfect hotel that meets their specific needs, enhancing the overall experience of planning a trip.

ChatGPT won’t replace your sense of adventure, but it can absolutely fuel it. Combine the power of AI with the fun of the open road, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable RV journey. Reserve your Cruise America RV rental and start planning your trip today!