When interest in ChatGPT exploded a year ago, a cottage industry arose of people asking it to perform tasks that have long been the province of experts—write a recipe, curate a wardrobe, and, of course, plan a trip—and then evaluate how well it had done. Generally, the results, while not disastrous, were mediocre. Ah, but ChatGPT is quickly going to get much better, Silicon Valley insists. Perhaps. But AI tools can rely only on the reams of data they’ve scraped from the Internet. So while they might, in the near future, be able to put together an itinerary as effectively as you could based on your own online research, they’ll never be able to deliver the kind of next-level journey a travel specialist can.
That’s because they don’t have an insider’s understanding of how experiences like the ones in these pages are crafted. They don’t know the general managers, the designers, the suppliers; nor are they familiar with the broader network of individuals—drivers, shopkeepers, government officials—indirectly connected to a tourism experience. And they don’t have the human understanding of their clients that allows them to deliver not only what folks want but also what they never knew to ask for. They’re not plugged into a global community of travel professionals and providers who ensure that your pack makes it into your tent while you raft down a river without a care, that your cruise ship pulls into port at the optimal hour, that cocktails appear in your hand right at sunset. They can pair you exclusively with the best bush guide in Botswana or get you a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
And they can also help if something goes wrong. Say a conflict or natural disaster strikes, or there’s a snafu with the airline—they’ll get you home safe and sound. Try asking ChatGPT to do any of the things you’ll find below—read on to find out not only about how great trips are made, but also the people who make them.
Images & Stories/Alamy
How can a nation protect its environment and culture? Matt Ortile finds that a world-class travel economy is the answer.
African Bush Camps
Every year, this premier Black-owned safari company closes its lodges and holds a two-week retraining program for its guides—this time, Jesse Ashlock got to tag along.
George Apostolidis
Chloe Sachdev reports from Southern Ocean Lodge, part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, on the pendant of primordial land’s return to tourism four years after the wildfires.
Alessandro Moggi
Tagging along on a location-scouting mission, Laura Itzkowitz learns about a secret season in the popular summer destination from the people who know how to sniff out the best.
Ian Agrimis (Capture Unlimited)
Glamping experiences? Near national parks? Todd Plummer explores how the tour operator American Safari Camp makes it all happen.
