Dangerous hints: how ChatGPT and Gemini can ruin your trip

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an assistant in travel planning, offering itineraries in seconds. But convenience can hide serious mistakes that cost not only money but also safety. Learn more about how generative AI can mislead travelers and how to avoid it

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Recently, BBC Ukraine pointed out that some travelers, relying on ChatGPT and similar tools for planning their routes, end up in places that do not exist at all, or with significant errors in the advice they receive.

In this article, we will look at why automated planning using large language models can be risky — and how it differs from the traditional approach.

Next, we will discuss typical mistakes, the main risks, and how to protect yourself when planning your own or hybrid trips.

Why does artificial intelligence invent routes?

Tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini generate responses by combining phrases and facts from huge text corpora, evaluating probable word sequences rather than actually verifying each statement. They do not have an “internal map of the world” and cannot always distinguish fiction from reality. This causes a phenomenon known in the industry as ‘hallucinations’ — when the model “invents” information.

As a result, fictional locations, incorrect opening hours, transfers, or routes may sometimes be presented as genuine advice.

Real mistakes made by artificial intelligence when planning a trip

An example from Peru: “The Sacred Canyon of Humantay”

One typical case involves tourists who were directed by ChatGPT to the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay” — a name that combines two real places but does not exist as a separate entity. The tourists paid for the trip but actually found themselves on a rural road without a route or guide. Due to false information and lack of communication, this situation can be dangerous, especially in mountains or remote areas.

Time errors: an example from Japan

Another well-known incident occurred when a couple followed ChatGPT's advice to go to the top of Mount Misen (Itsukushima Island) at sunset. The AI advised them to descend at a certain time, but it turned out that the cable car had already closed — and the couple found themselves “stuck” at the top with no safe way back.

Such errors can include not only incorrect routes, but also inaccurate times, closed facilities, lack of transportation or communication — all of which increase the risks.

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The main risks of automatic travel planning using AI

– False or fictional locations. Models can “glue” together the names of well-known places to form new and seemingly relevant locations — such as “the Eiffel Tower in Beijing.” Such descriptions look natural, especially to a user who is unfamiliar with the region, but in reality they may be completely fictional.

– Errors with logistics and transportation. AI often does not take into account the actual availability of transportation, operating hours of facilities, transportation schedules, or seasonality. For example, it may suggest a route that is physically impossible to complete in one day, or indicate that a transfer is available at the desired time when it is no longer available.

– Failure to take into account physical exertion and geographical factors. Routes in mountains, deserts, and jungles require data on altitude, route difficulty, climate, and safe areas. AI may misinterpret a location description—for example, a flat walk with an approved route as a steep mountain climb. In regions with poor mobile coverage or changeable weather, such errors can be dangerous.

– Inability to recognize outdated or incorrect information. Text-based data may be outdated or inaccurate — a facility may have closed, a road may be blocked, or a schedule may have changed. The model does not guarantee real-time updates.

– Important documents or visa formalities. Sometimes ChatGPT may incorrectly state that certain documents or formalities (visas, permits) are not required or that requirements have changed. For example, there have been cases where people have missed flights or encountered difficulties due to incorrect advice regarding documents.

– Expectations and reality. When AI gives overly “ideal” recommendations, it can create an overly attractive image of a place that will disappoint. The desire for “everything to be perfect” can cause you to ignore real limitations — budget, transportation, weather conditions.

How can you reduce the risks of using AI for travel?

– Check each item with other sources — official travel websites, local guides, forums, or organizations.

– Don't trust AI 100%, especially when it comes to remote or extreme routes.

– Use a hybrid approach — let AI be a starting point for ideas, but confirm the final route with real resources.

– Ask specific questions and clarify details: hours, transfers, seasonality, logistics.

Risk-free travel planning: how does Visit Ukraine work?

Visit Ukraine is a service that allows travelers to focus on their experiences rather than their worries.

Our tours of Ukraine are a collaboration in which you receive the maximum individual approach, professional support, and convenience at every stage of your journey. We don't just offer ready-made packages — we create itineraries according to your vision and mood.

You choose where to travel — Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, or even a remote village with a unique atmosphere. Each trip is tailored to your wishes and pace — this is a truly personalized tour.

Traveling with us means having a team that cares about your comfort, safety, and vivid impressions. You can order a completely individual tour or take advantage of one of our ready-made offers — in both cases, you will receive maximum attention.

We offer:

– Individual turnkey tours or a convenient selection from a database of ready-made itineraries.

– Full support — from the moment you send your first email to your return home.

– Professionalism, care, and a sincere desire to show you the real Ukraine.

Don't take any chances by relying solely on automated advice. If you want to travel stress-free, comfortably, and with confidence, contact Visit Ukraine.

Choose a ready-made tour from our database or contact our managers via WhatsApp or Telegram—we will answer all your questions and help you create the trip of your dreams.

We remind you! A large number of foreigners continue to visit Ukraine despite the war and the difficult security situation. What foreigners need to enter Ukraine in 2025 — we explain here.

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