Inspired by the New York Times / Kathimerini feature “AI Travel Tools Are Everywhere. Are They Any Good?”
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we plan trips — from choosing hotels to building full itineraries with just one click. A recent article in The New York Times, republished by Kathimerini, explored this rise of AI-powered travel planners and asked the big question: can these tools really replace the human touch?
📰 What the NYT × Kathimerini Article Found
According to the journalists who tested popular AI trip-planning tools, the results were… mixed.
- Many AI platforms (like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or GuideGeek) can generate detailed itineraries in seconds.
- But the recommendations often miss nuance — small local places, cultural etiquette, seasonal details.
- The verdict: AI can be an assistant, not a replacement, for experienced travellers or travel experts.
You can read the full article here:
👉 AI Travel Tools Are Everywhere. Are They Any Good? (via Kathimerini)
🧳 What This Means for Family Travellers in Greece
For families planning a holiday in Greece, AI travel tools can be a great starting point. They can suggest routes, hotel areas, or ferry options in seconds. But for real-life family logistics — strollers on ferries, nap times, kid-friendly tavernas, and how to manage travel days solo with children — AI still can’t beat lived experience.
When I tried using AI to plan a family trip from Athens to Andros, the itinerary was impressive but missed ferry timetables and the fact that some island routes only run on weekends. Tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity can inspire, yet the local details still matter most.
So here’s the best way to use them:
- Start with AI for inspiration. Ask for a “7-day family itinerary in Greece with mythological highlights.”
- Cross-check on reliable local sources — like ferry booking sites, Greek tourism portals, or this blog.
- Add your personal rhythm. Kids don’t travel like algorithms; sometimes they just want a beach day or a gelato stop.
⚙️ Practical Tips for Using AI Travel Tools Wisely
- Be specific in your prompts: Mention ages of children and interests (mythology, beaches, outdoor fun).
- Ask AI to verify current info: e.g. “Is this ferry route running in July 2025?”
- Compare recommendations: AI might suggest luxury resorts in Santorini — but skip the perfect family hotel in Andros.
- Keep your privacy: Never upload full travel documents or IDs into AI tools.
💙 Why the Human Touch Still Wins
AI is powerful — but Greece is personal. I’ve been exploring this country for over 30 years, and for much of that time I’ve travelled around Greece alone with my two children. I know exactly what families need on the road — the small details that make a trip run smoothly: playgrounds near tavernas, ferry cabins that actually fit a stroller, or how to make long drives fun for kids.
On my blog and social media, I share real stories and real photos — not polished campaigns, but honest moments from our travels across Greece. That’s the human perspective no algorithm can replace.
If you’d like help planning your own family trip to Greece, I offer personalised family travel planning services — where I combine local knowledge, personal experience, and practical tips to help you build the perfect itinerary.
👉 Learn more about my Family Trip Planning Services
🧭 Plan Smarter, Travel Better
Use AI tools for inspiration — then rely on local insight and real experience to make your trip truly special. Start with these guides to plan your next adventure:
- Ferry Travel in Greece with Kids
- Athens with Children – Top Things to Do
- Best Hotels with Water Parks in Greece
Because technology can plan your route — but your family creates the story. 🌿
