How much do you trust or value the opinion of AI? Would you, for instance, entrust an algorithm to select your next vacation destination? And what happens when different AI platforms present different choices?
Asked where the best vacation destination is within Europe, ChatGPT selects Paris, while Bard chooses Rome as the best overall holiday destinations for 2023. Furthermore, according to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, families should head to Copenhagen, while the Algarve is the top beach holiday hotspot. Yet Google’s Bard says The Netherlands is the best family destination, while Mykonos ranks top for beach breaks.
Can any sense be made of this?
New research has revealed the holiday hotspots of 2023 – according to artificial intelligence.
The study, by Forbes Advisor, asked each AI platform to suggest the best place in Europe for eight different holiday types – romantic, cultured, beach, skiing, culinary, with friends, with family – and the overall best place for a 2023 holiday.
The problem is that 2023 holiday researchers using Bard obtained very different results to ChatGPT. Bard’s machine learning model uses data from across the web, whereas the data fed to ChatGPT’s model was only up to date to 2021.
Commenting on the findings, Forbes Advisor’s travel insurance expert Laura Howard says: “The explosion in popularity of AI chatbots this year has prompted various predictions about how AI could influence the way people work and spend their leisure and holiday time. It’s interesting to discover which places AIs select across various types of travel – and in fact that two of largest platforms, ChatGPT and Bard, only agree on one point, that Italy is the best country to visit for culture.”
Is this difference down to inputs? To the people who created the algorithms? Or a consequence of machine learning? It if it is learning, how can the outcome be so different? Furthermore, what do humans make of the actual answers?
At this stage these questions are unanswerable. However, for human consideration, each chatbot’s selection and the exact explanation was:
Romantic holiday
ChatGPT: Santorini, Greece…”because of its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea, and charming cliffside villages, creating a truly magical and romantic atmosphere.”
Bard: Paris, France…”Paris is a city of love, with its romantic architecture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food.”
Holiday with friends
ChatGPT: Barcelona, Spain…”because of its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to different interests. From exploring the Gothic Quarter to enjoying the city’s renowned tapas scene, Barcelona offers something for everyone.”
Bard: Amsterdam, Netherlands…”Amsterdam is a fun and relaxed city with a lot to offer visitors, including great museums, canals, and coffee shops.”
Cultured holiday
ChatGPT: Florence, Italy…”because it is renowned for its rich history, magnificent art and architecture, and its role as the birthplace of the Renaissance. From visiting the iconic Duomo and Uffizi Gallery to strolling along the picturesque streets lined with historic buildings, Florence is a cultural paradise.”
Bard: Rome, Italy…”Rome is a city with a rich history and culture, with many famous landmarks to see, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.”
Beach holiday
ChatGPT: Algarve, Portugal…”because of its breathtaking coastline with golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. With numerous picturesque seaside towns, water sports activities, and relaxing beach resorts, Algarve is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a beach vacation.”
Bard: Mykonos, Greece…”Mykonos is a beautiful Greek island with a lively nightlife and stunning beaches.”
Culinary holiday
ChatGPT: Lyon, France…”because it is considered the gastronomic capital of France. Lyon boasts a thriving food scene with its famous bouchons (traditional Lyonese restaurants), Michelin-starred establishments, and diverse culinary offerings. Visitors can indulge in delicious traditional Lyonnaise cuisine and explore the city’s vibrant food markets.”
Bard: Barcelona, Spain…”Barcelona is a vibrant city with a great mix of Catalan and Spanish culture, as well as delicious food and plenty of things to see and do.”
Family holiday
ChatGPT: Copenhagen, Denmark…”because of its family-friendly atmosphere, safe and bike-friendly streets, and a range of attractions suitable for all ages. From visiting the iconic Tivoli Gardens and the famous Little Mermaid statue to exploring the fascinating museums and enjoying the city’s parks, Copenhagen offers a delightful experience for the whole family.”
Bard: The Netherlands…”The Netherlands is a great place to visit with kids, with plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as amusement parks, zoos, and museums.”
Ski holiday
ChatGPT: Zermatt, Switzerland…”its exceptional combination of breathtaking alpine scenery and world-class skiing opportunities. Zermatt is nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, providing a stunning backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts. With its high altitude, Zermatt boasts reliable snow conditions throughout the season, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders.”
Bard: Val Thorens, France…”It is the highest ski resort in the Alps, with a summit altitude of 3,230 meters (10,633 feet). This means that you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on some of the best snow in Europe for longer into the season. Val Thorens is also part of the Espace Killy ski area, which has a total of 330 kilometers (205 miles) of pistes. This means that there is something for everyone, from beginners to experts.”
Overall holiday
ChatGPT: Paris, France…”its timeless charm, rich history, and iconic landmarks. Paris is renowned for its romantic ambiance, picturesque streets, and world-famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city offers a perfect blend of art, culture, and gastronomy, with its elegant boulevards, charming cafes, and exquisite cuisine. From exploring the historic neighborhoods like Montmartre to enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Seine River, Paris provides an unforgettable holiday experience that combines beauty, culture, and romance.”
Bard: Rome, Italy ”Rome is a city with a rich history and culture, with many famous landmarks to see, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. It’s also home to some of the best food in the world, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from historical sites to museums to nightlife.”
