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Is Technology Being Underused in Travel Planning?

A recent survey from Go City reveals a surprising truth: many travelers are not fully utilizing technology in their trip planning processes, which could save them both time and money. The survey, conducted in collaboration with Talker Research, involved 2,000 frequent travelers in the U.S. who take three or more trips a year. The findings indicate a significant opportunity gap in how technology, especially AI-powered tools, could enhance the travel experience.

The Cost of Planning: A Significant Time Drain

One of the main takeaways from the survey is the enormous amount of time travelers spend on planning trips. On average, Americans dedicate about 17 hours and 42 minutes to researching options, comparing prices, and making bookings. Surprisingly, nearly 22% of that time—around 3 hours and 54 minutes—is spent specifically on booking experiences and attractions. Some travelers even report spending upwards of seven hours planning excursions. The cumbersome nature of this process highlights an urgent need for more efficient planning tools.

Affordable Travel Choices

Affordability is a top concern for travelers, with 44% of respondents citing overspending as their primary pain point during trip planning. When choosing a destination, 51% prioritize affordability above other considerations, with cultural experiences and travel ease trailing behind at 42% and 38%, respectively. Notably, travelers indicated that lodging (21%), transportation (20%), and meals (17%) often become their biggest expenses, leading to financial stress.

Technology's Role in Trip Planning

While traditional resources like search engines and online travel agencies remain popular (60% and 54% usage, respectively), a staggering 85% of respondents revealed they do not utilize AI-powered travel tools. Many travelers appear unaware of the benefits that AI can offer in simplifying the planning process. Judy Gauthier, Chief Commercial Officer at Go City, emphasizes this point, stating that underutilizing technology results in missed opportunities for significant savings.

The survey also highlights that social media serves as a vital source of inspiration for travelers, with 22% reporting that they’ve chosen destinations based on social media exposure. Yet, this form of inspiration is not translating into actionable planning strategies, as many still rely on outdated methods.

Generational Insights on Sightseeing

Another fascinating insight from the survey is the generational divide in how different age groups approach travel planning. Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X all report that high ticket prices are a barrier preventing them from exploring local attraction offerings. Among all respondents, roughly 51% have only visited up to three attractions in their home cities, revealing a national trend of missed exploration opportunities right at their doorstep.

Go City: Driving Change

In light of these findings, Go City has launched a state-of-the-art Trip Planning tool designed to address these pain points directly. This innovative platform not only allows travelers to create custom itineraries based on personal preferences and budget but also aims to streamline the overall travel planning experience. According to Gauthier, integrating such tools will not only ease the planning burden but also enhance the overall travel experience.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it is vital for both travelers and brands to adapt to the integration of technology in their planning processes. With an array of tools now available at their fingertips, there is no reason for travelers to spend excessive time and money on trip planning when efficient solutions are just a click away.

For more information, travelers can visit Go City or download the Go City app available on the App Store and Google Play.