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Using Gemini to plan

I wrote a long and detailed post about how I used Google Gemini to plan some days that I have free during my upcoming trip to Japan. When I posted it, it went right away to Rick on the floor. So I think it may have violated something, maybe because I quoted a lot of what Gemini provided.

So I'll just say that I had a lot of fun using Gemini to plan. I asked detailed questions, asking for a suggested itinerary in a specific location, asking for a plan using public transit, changing my mind an getting revised suggestions, asking to include an extra stop at a specific place, or to skip something that didn't interest me. The responses it provided were really helpful and detailed, with things like how to pay for the train or bus or subway. And the AI was endlessly patient, no matter how much I asked for modifications.

Back when I lived in Seattle and was newer to travel, I used the Trip Consultation services at the RS Europe shop in Edmonds. Since they no longer offer that service, I have to say working with the AI felt very similar, but without the 30-minute time limit.

I know you can't 100% rely on everything AI tells you. But to be fair, not everything in the RS guidebooks is 100% reliable either!

Posted by
7720 posts

Come back after your trip and report on the accuracy of what Gemini said. Inquiring minds want to know.

Posted by
6097 posts

I've become a big fan of using AI. There is so much information that I can bring up immediately that I get a week or two head start on preliminary planning compared if I used traditional methods. The key thing is to verify everything, just like you verify guidebooks or all of us on the Forum.

For fun, ask Gemini who you should trust more, Gemini or Lane from the Ruck Steves Forum. It might be good for your ego, it was when I asked about me.

Posted by
2433 posts

Allan said:

For fun, ask Gemini who you should trust more, Gemini or Lane from the Ruck Steves Forum.

Gemini said:

The best travel strategy is to combine their strengths:

  1. Start with Gemini: Ask the AI to build a rough draft of your schedule or give you a list of top sights.
  2. Double-check with Lane: Take that itinerary to the Rick Steves forum and ask, "Does this plan make sense in real life?"