AI travel planning makes the process of seeing the world much easier – if you can master the art of artificial intelligence prompts. This article will give you a crash course in AI travel planning along with some template prompts that will help you plan like a pro.
What is an AI prompt?
A prompt is simply the instruction you give to an Artificial Intelligence system.
Popular, FREE AI tools include:
• Grok
• Perplexity (NOTE: Revolut Metal plans include a free subscription to insanely powerful Perplexity Pro platform)
• Gemini
• ChatGPT
Example – building an AI packing checklist
Do you struggle to know what to pack when setting off on a trip? AI not only generates a personalised packing list, but also makes smart suggestions of things to include that you might otherwise forget.
First, we’ll show you a ‘template’ prompt. Next, we’ll show you how to customise it. Finally, we’ll show you a ‘completed’ prompt so you know what it should like – and what you can expect the AI engine to produce.
Template AI Packing list prompt
You are an expert travel advisor with 20 years of experience creating personalised packing lists for UK-based couples on cruises. Create a packing checklist, including quantities, designed for [NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS], [TYPE OF TRAVELLERS] with [STYLE PREFERENCES] travelling from the [DEPARTURE POINT], ensuring items fit in standard airline luggage allowances (e.g., 23kg checked and 8-10kg carry-on per person).
They will be going on a [CRUISE DURATION] cruise from [DEPARTURE PORT] to [DESTINATION PORT] with intermediate port stops in [PORT 1, PORT 2, PORT 3 etc], including activities like [ACTIVITIES or EXCURSIONS]. Factor in tropical weather (check current forecasts for [DATES OF TRAVEL]) and suggest reef-safe items where needed.
Include suggested quantities for clothing items based on laundry access and weather, note what can usually be bought onboard (with examples), and highlight often-forgotten essentials. Suggest ways to minimise weight if over limits.
Give me both a detailed version (with categorised sections and explanations) and a one-page quick reference list (in a printable table format). Use concise bullet points in UK English, suitable for printing as a practical packing guide. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification.Click on the box to copy the prompt automatically
Completed AI travel planning prompt
Seems pretty complicated right? Wrong! All you need to do is fill in the placeholders [LIKE THIS] with your own information.
Here’s a copy of the prompt. We’ve included details for our upcoming 16-day Panama Canal Cruise:
You are an expert travel advisor with 20 years of experience creating personalised packing lists for UK-based couples on cruises. Create a packing checklist, including quantities, designed for [a couple], [husband and wife] with [casual style preferences] travelling from [the UK], ensuring items fit in standard airline luggage allowances (e.g., 23kg checked and 8-10kg carry-on per person).
They will be going on a [16 night] cruise from [Los Angeles] to [Fort Lauderdale] with intermediate port stops in [Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, Costa Rica, Panama City and Curacao], including activities like [beach excursions and exploring cities on foot]. Factor in tropical weather (check current forecasts for [21 October to 7th November]) and suggest reef-safe items where needed.
Include suggested quantities for clothing items based on laundry access and weather, note what can usually be bought onboard (with examples), and highlight often-forgotten essentials. Suggest ways to minimise weight if over limits.
Give me both a detailed version (with categorised sections and explanations) and a one-page quick reference list (in a printable table format). Use concise bullet points in UK English, suitable for printing as a practical packing guide. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification.
Click the box above to copy the prompt – then you can test it to see what we will be packing on our next cruise!
QUESTION: Why is the prompt so long?
Despite being called artificial intelligence, AI is actually quite dumb.
Because it cannot think for itself, the more detailed your AI travel prompts, the more accurate and useful its responses become.
That’s why the prompt begins by telling the AI engine to ‘think’ like a 20-year veteran of the travel industry for instance.
Show me the completed AI packing list
So what does the completed AI luggage list look like? The following shaded is what Grok produces when you run the prompt (there’s a lot!):
Detailed Packing Checklist for Your 16-Night Cruise
As an expert travel advisor specialising in UK-based couples on cruises, I’ve tailored this packing list for you as a husband and wife with casual style preferences. You’re flying from the UK to Los Angeles for a 16-night cruise to Fort Lauderdale (21 October to 7 November 2025), with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, Costa Rica, Panama City, and Curacao. Activities focus on beach excursions and city exploration on foot.
Based on current forecasts, expect tropical weather with daytime highs around 31°C and nighttime lows of 23°C, high humidity, and a risk of rain or storms as this is late hurricane season. Pack light, breathable layers for warmth in air-conditioned ship areas and protection from sun/rain. Assume laundry access onboard (most cruises offer self-service laundrettes or paid services), so quantities allow for washing every 5-7 days to minimise luggage.
Luggage fits standard UK airline allowances: 20-23kg checked and 10kg carry-on per person. Total per person: aim for under 23kg checked (e.g., one suitcase) and 8-10kg carry-on (e.g., backpack). To minimise weight if over limits: roll clothes, use vacuum bags, choose multi-use items (e.g., sarong as towel/scarf), and pack travel-sized toiletries. Onboard, you can buy essentials like toiletries (e.g., sunscreen, shampoo at ship shops) or souvenirs (e.g., hats, T-shirts), but prices are higher—pack core items to save.
Often-forgotten essentials: reusable water bottle (for hydration on excursions), plug adapters (US-style for ship cabins), motion sickness remedies (for sea days), and copies of documents in carry-on.
Documents and Essentials (Per Couple)
Keep in carry-on for security.
- Passports and visas (valid 6+ months beyond return; check ESTA for USA entry) – 1 each.
- Cruise tickets, flight e-tickets, and travel insurance documents – Printed/digital copies.
- Credit/debit cards, some USD cash (for ports; ATMs available onboard) – 2-3 cards total.
- Health items: Prescription medications (enough for 16+ days, plus extras in carry-on), vaccination proofs if required – Quantities as prescribed.
- COVID/test kits if needed (check cruise line rules) – 2-4 tests.
Clothing (Per Person, Casual Style)
Pack breathable, quick-dry fabrics for tropical heat/humidity. Quantities for 7-10 days’ wear, assuming laundry access. Focus on mix-and-match casual outfits for ship days, beach excursions, and city walks. Women: light dresses/skirts; men: shorts/polo shirts.
- Underwear and socks: 10 pairs (washable, pack light cotton).
- T-shirts/tops: 8 (short-sleeve, casual; include 2-3 moisture-wicking for activities).
- Shorts/trousers: 4-5 pairs (2 shorts for beaches, 2-3 lightweight trousers for evenings/cities).
- Swimwear: 2-3 sets (quick-dry; rash guards for reef protection during beach excursions).
- Light jacket/rain poncho: 1 (for rain or cool evenings; foldable).
- Sleepwear: 2 sets.
- Evening outfits: 2-3 casual sets (e.g., smart shorts/blouse; no formal wear needed for casual cruises).
- Footwear: 3 pairs (sandals/flip-flops for beach, trainers for walking excursions, casual shoes for ship).
- Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, belt – 1-2 each.
- Explanation: Tropical weather means daily highs of 31°C with possible showers; pack layers for AC indoors. Laundry reduces need for more; buy extra T-shirts onboard if needed.
Need help choosing the right clothing? These guides will help:
• Best Travel Hats: 3 Essential Picks for Every Adventurer
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lightweight Raincoat for Travel
Toiletries and Health (Per Couple, Shared Where Possible)
Use travel-sized to save weight/space. Suggest reef-safe items for beach activities to protect marine life (avoid oxybenzone/octinoxate).
- Reef-safe sunscreen (e.g., zinc oxide-based like Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 50): 2 bottles (apply generously; water-resistant for excursions).
- DEET-free insect repellent: 1-2 bottles (for ports like Costa Rica).
- Toiletries: Toothbrush/paste, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant – Travel sizes, 1 set each.
- Hair care: Brush, ties – 1 each.
- Skincare: Moisturiser, lip balm with SPF – 1 each.
- Small first aid kit: Plasters, painkillers, antiseptics, anti-diarrhoea meds.
- Feminine hygiene/motion sickness bands/pills: As needed (buy more onboard).
Explanation: High UV in tropics; reef-safe options like zinc/titanium dioxide formulas are recommended for eco-friendly protection. Onboard shops sell basics like sunscreen/shampoo, but pack essentials to avoid mark-ups.
Electronics and Accessories (Per Couple)
Keep valuables in carry-on.
Check out The Ultimate Inflight Entertainment Travel Kit: Essential Tech guide for more info on electronics and accessories for travellers
Miscellaneous (Per Couple)
If your cruise line or specific activities (e.g., formal nights) differ, please clarify your prompt for adjustments.
Quick Reference Packing List (Printable Table)
| Category | Item | Quantity (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents | Passport/visas | 1 | Carry-on; valid 6+ months. |
| Tickets/insurance | Copies | Digital/printed. | |
| Cards/cash | 2-3 cards, some USD | For ports. | |
| Medications | As prescribed | Extras in carry-on. | |
| Clothing | Underwear/socks | 10 pairs | Cotton, washable. |
| T-shirts/tops | 8 | Moisture-wicking. | |
| Shorts/trousers | 4-5 pairs | Lightweight. | |
| Swimwear | 2-3 sets | Rash guards for reefs. | |
| Jacket/poncho | 1 | For rain. | |
| Sleepwear | 2 sets | – | |
| Evening outfits | 2-3 sets | Casual. | |
| Footwear | 3 pairs | Sandals, trainers, casual. | |
| Accessories | 1-2 each | Hat, sunglasses. | |
| Toiletries | Reef-safe sunscreen | 1 bottle (shared) | Zinc-based, SPF 50. |
| Insect repellent | 1 bottle (shared) | Reef-safe. | |
| Basics (toothpaste etc.) | Travel sizes | Buy onboard if needed. | |
| First aid kit | Small (shared) | Plasters, painkillers. | |
| Electronics | Chargers/power bank | 1-2 | Universal adapter. |
| Camera/e-reader | 1 (shared) | – | |
| Water bottle | 1 | Reusable. | |
| Misc | Beach bag | 1 (shared) | For excursions. |
| Travel towel | 1 | Multi-use. | |
| Ziplock bags | Few | For wet items. |
Total estimated weight: Under 23kg checked + 10kg carry-on per person. Roll items and use vacuum bags to minimise.
AI itinerary planning
So what about when you finally arrive in port? AI can help you plan a detailed itinerary to ensure you see the best sights – and get back to your ship in time.
Here’s a sample AI travel prompt to get you started:
You are an expert travel advisor with 20 years of experience creating personalised self-guided itineraries for cruise travellers. We will be arriving at the [DESTINATION] cruise terminal at [TIME] on [DATE] and want to see the key sights in the area. We are particularly interested in [SPECIAL INTERESTS] if there are any suitable attractions.
Create a self-guided tour using only public transport or walking for my visit. I must be back at the cruise terminal no later than [DEPARTURE TIME] on the same day. Include a quick reference table that I can carry with me.Running the prompt will give you a detailed breakdown of what to see and approximate time windows. You will also get a small chart showing where you need to be and when, ensuring you see the key sights and get back to your ship on time.
AI port transfer planning
Getting from the airport to your cruise terminal (or vice versa) can be a real headache. But once again, the right AI travel prompt can help:
You are an expert travel advisor with 20 years of experience arranging port transfers for cruise travellers. We will be arriving at the [CRUISE TERMINAL] at [ARRIVAL TIME] on [DATE] and need to transfer to [AIRPORT] to catch a flight at [FLIGHT TIME]. We need to arrive at least [NUMBER] of hours before the flight.
List out my transfer options and approximate costs. Don't forget to include options like public transport and shared transfer buses where available. Note that we will be travelling with [NUMBER] suitcases and [OTHER LUGGAGE eg scooter].This prompt will generate a list of options to get you from the port to the airport, and a break down in terms of convenience.
Want to get from the airport to the port? Just swap the prompt details.
Use your imagination and creativity
You now have a detailed packing list that shows you not only what needs to be included, but also provides advice on how to minimise weight. Perfect for those pesky airline luggage limits! You can edit the list, adding and removing anything as you see fit.
The keys to successful AI travel planning are:
- Be as detailed as possible. Tell the AI model exactly what you want it to do.
- Play around with your prompt. Feel free to tweak and customise the prompt until you get the answers you want. You might notice that Grok forgot to include formal wear in the packing list for instance – so you could edit your prompt to tell the AI system how many formal nights are scheduled for your cruise.
- Try other models. Some AI engines are better than others. try your prompt on multiple sites to see which is best for you.
The annoying thing about AI travel planning is that it takes a little while to learn how it works. But once you do, you’ll waste a lot less time crawling around Facebook groups and Cruise Critics forum threads – everything you need is available in one place.
Need more AI travel planning prompts?
Looking for something else? Need more guidance? Drop us a line and we’ll help you craft the perfect AI travel prompts to help you get the answers you need, faster.
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