AI and Travel

When I was planning my Ireland trip, AI wasn’t up and running the way it is now. I knew a few places we wanted to see and it was a road trip so for obvious reasons there was a certain flow to it that had to be considered. I looked at a map both on my computer and, funny as it sounds in our digital world, on a paper map. I wanted to draw a loop on this map with all the desired spot to visit so I could really see what was feasible. This process might sound ridiculous to readers that grew up in the technology space from the get go, but I started foreign travel way before smart phones, AI etc.

Since then I have very much embraced the AI life. I use it for all kinds of things and find it a very helpful tool. But we must remember that it is just a tool. All kinds of other research and exploration still needs our attention and respecting that is an important reminder.

I was planning a trip this past spring and decided to pull together an itinerary using AI. I put in all kinds of obscure and “relevant to me” details to help craft my trip. Stuff like “vintage shopping”, “boat/lake day”, “cozy/smaller towns”….you get the idea. What I got from it was very helpful for certain. However, once I was actually there, many of the plans needed refinement and the flow still needed to be spontaneous. This is common sense stuff I’m imparting here I know, but a reminder to stay open isn’t a bad reminder to put out there.

A quote I have always loved is: “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. The takeaway for me is that the experience and lessons learned while traveling and are more valuable then reaching the end point. Enjoying daily life, appreciating the challenges, and valuing all the surprising moment and people you meet along the way, ARE the destination. These are the highlights for me when I’m out in the universe.