Planning a trip with ChatGPT o1-preview

The impressive planning capabilities of the new ChatGPT o1 have caught some eyes lately.

Remember when older ChatGPT models would struggle with basic math or even simple tasks like counting how many “R”s were in the word strawberry? Those were the days when you’d ask for calculations, and it would get tripped up or return hilariously off numbers. Well, this latest version has seriously leveled up on that front. It’s become way more reliable when it comes to handling math and logical problems, from solving equations to accurately counting letters in words. It’s a massive improvement that makes interactions feel a lot more dependable for complex tasks.

Without further delay, let’s attempt to plan a vacation.

OpenAI starts a new era of AI reasoning with ChatGPT o1

Trying out ChatGPT o1-preview

We’ll observe the results produced by inputting just two commands into the model. Here’s what we discovered after providing the following details:

“Let’s plan a vacation for next summer. My colleagues (3 people) and I are thinking of going to Europe for three weeks. We’re planning to visit several countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. We’d like to experience both urban and rural settings, so we’re thinking about splitting our time between major cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, and smaller towns or countryside areas like Provence or Tuscany. We’re trying to figure out the best mode of transportation—whether we should rent a car for the countryside and take trains between the major cities. Additionally, we want to enjoy a mix of cultural experiences, like visiting museums and historical sites, but also have time to relax by the beach or in nature. Our budget is mid-range, and we’d like to stay in comfortable yet unique accommodations like boutique hotels or vacation rentals. Do you think this itinerary is manageable, and how should we organize our travel schedule to get the most out of our trip?”

ChatGPT o1-preview thought for 23 seconds and provided us with the following answer:

Your itinerary is ambitious but definitely manageable within a three-week timeframe. By organizing your travel schedule efficiently and choosing the right modes of transportation, you can experience the best of France, Italy, and Spain, balancing urban exploration with rural relaxation. Here’s a suggested plan to help you maximize your trip:

Week 1: France

Days 1-4: Paris (4 days)

• Activities: Visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre. Enjoy a Seine River cruise and explore local cafes and boutiques.
• Accommodation: Stay in a boutique hotel in central arrondissements (1st to 7th) for easy access to major sites.

Days 5-7: Provence (3 days)

• Transportation: Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Avignon (about 2.5 hours).
• Activities: Rent a car in Avignon to explore the countryside. Visit lavender fields (if in bloom), vineyards, and charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon.
• Accommodation: Choose a quaint bed-and-breakfast or a vacation rental in a village for an authentic experience.

Week 2: Spain

Days 8-10: Barcelona (3 days)

• Transportation: Drive from Provence to Barcelona (about 5 hours) or return the rental car in Avignon and take a direct train to Barcelona.
• Activities: Explore Gaudí’s masterpieces like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, stroll down Las Ramblas, and relax on Barceloneta Beach.
• Accommodation: Opt for a boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter or El Born for a mix of history and nightlife.

Week 3: Italy

Days 11-13: Tuscany (3 days)

• Transportation: Fly from Barcelona to Florence or Pisa (approximately 1.5-hour flight). Alternatively, take a night ferry from Barcelona to Genoa and drive to Tuscany.
• Activities: Rent a car to tour Tuscany’s countryside. Visit vineyards in Chianti, medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and enjoy local wine tastings.
• Accommodation: Stay in an agriturismo (farm stay) for a unique and immersive experience.

Days 14-17: Rome (4 days)

• Transportation: Return the rental car in Florence or drive to Rome (about 3 hours) and return it there.
• Activities: Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Trastevere neighborhood. Allocate time for leisurely walks and Italian cuisine.
• Accommodation: Choose a centrally located boutique hotel or vacation rental near Piazza Navona or the Pantheon.

Additional Tips

• Transportation Between Cities:
  • Trains: Europe’s rail network is efficient and scenic. Book high-speed trains in advance for the best prices.
  • Flights: Budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling offer affordable flights between major cities.
  • Car Rental: Rent cars for countryside regions only. Driving in major cities is not recommended due to traffic and parking difficulties.
• Balance Activities:
  • Cultural Experiences: Pre-book tickets for popular museums and sites to avoid long lines.
  • Relaxation: Schedule downtime in your itinerary, especially in Provence and Tuscany, to enjoy the natural scenery.
• Budget Management:
  • Accommodations: Booking in advance can secure better rates. Consider splitting stays between hotels and vacation rentals.
  • Dining: Explore local markets and casual eateries for authentic and affordable meals.
  • City Passes: Look into city passes or combined tickets for attractions to save money.
• Travel Logistics:
  • Open-Jaw Flights: Fly into Paris and out of Rome (or vice versa) to save time and avoid backtracking.
  • Luggage: Pack light to make train travel and car rentals more convenient.

Sample Itinerary Overview

• Days 1-4: Paris
• Days 5-7: Provence
• Days 8-10: Barcelona
• Days 11-13: Tuscany
• Days 14-17: Rome
• Days 18-21: Flex days (extend stays, add destinations like Cinque Terre or the French Riviera, or rest before returning home)

Conclusion

This itinerary allows you to experience a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and activities. By focusing on efficient travel routes and allocating sufficient time in each location, you’ll be able to enjoy museums, historical sites, beaches, and the tranquility of the countryside without feeling rushed. Remember to remain flexible and open to spontaneous experiences—they often become the most memorable parts of a trip.

Enjoy your European adventure!

Planning a trip with ChatGPT o1-preview

Answers were cool, yet it lacked some depth about budgeting.

That’s why we said: “I need some budget plans too.” ChatGPT o1-preview answered:

Certainly! Planning a budget is a crucial step to ensure your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Below is a detailed budget plan for your three-week European vacation, considering mid-range expenses for accommodations, transportation, dining, activities, and miscellaneous costs. Please note that all prices are approximate and can vary based on the time of booking and personal preferences.

Overview of Estimated Costs per Person

Expense Category Estimated Cost (€) Accommodations 1,610 Transportation 685 Dining 1,260 Activities & Attractions 525 Miscellaneous Expenses 300 Total 4,380

Total estimated cost for 4 people: €17,520

Detailed Budget Breakdown

1. Accommodations

Your accommodations will vary between boutique hotels in cities and vacation rentals or B&Bs in rural areas.

Per Location Accommodation Costs

Location Nights Cost per Night per Room (€) Rooms Total Cost (€) Paris 4 180 2 1,440 Provence 3 130 2 780 Barcelona 3 150 2 900 Tuscany 3 140 2 840 Rome 4 160 2 1,280 Flex Days 4 150 2 1,200 Total 21 6,440

• Per Person Cost: €6,440 ÷ 4 = €1,610

2. Transportation

Transportation includes trains, flights, car rentals, and local transit.

Transportation Costs Breakdown

1. Trains
   • Paris to Avignon (Provence): €80 per person × 4 = €320
   • Avignon to Barcelona: €70 per person × 4 = €280
   • Local trains in Italy (if needed): €30 per person × 4 = €120
   • Subtotal: €720
2. Flights
   • Barcelona to Florence/Pisa: €100 per person × 4 = €400
3. Car Rentals
   • Provence: €50 per day × 3 days + €50 fuel = €200
   • Tuscany: €50 per day × 3 days + €50 fuel = €200
   • Fuel for Drive to Rome: €30
   • Subtotal: €430
4. Local Transportation
   • Barcelona: €10 per person per day × 3 days × 4 people = €120
   • Rome: €10 per person per day × 4 days × 4 people = €160
   • Subtotal: €280
5. Additional Transportation Allowance (Flex Days)
   • €200 per person × 4 = €800

• Total Transportation Cost: €720 (Trains) + €400 (Flights) + €430 (Car Rentals) + €280 (Local) + €800 (Additional) = €2,630
• Per Person Cost: €2,630 ÷ 4 = €657.50

3. Dining

Assuming mid-range dining options:

• Daily Food Budget per Person:
  • Breakfast: €10 (often included in accommodations)
  • Lunch: €15
  • Dinner: €25
  • Snacks/Drinks: €10
  • Total per Day: €60
• Total for 21 Days per Person: €60 × 21 = €1,260
• Total for 4 People: €1,260 × 4 = €5,040

4. Activities & Attractions

Estimate for entrance fees, tours, and experiences:

• Average per Person per Day: €25
• Total for 21 Days per Person: €25 × 21 = €525
• Total for 4 People: €525 × 4 = €2,100

Tips to Save:

• Purchase city passes for discounted entry.
• Book tickets online in advance to avoid higher gate prices.

5. Miscellaneous Expenses

Includes travel insurance, souvenirs, and unexpected costs.

• Per Person:
  • Travel Insurance: €100
  • Souvenirs & Tips: €200
  • Total: €300
• Total for 4 People: €300 × 4 = €1,200

Total Estimated Trip Cost

• Accommodations: €6,440
• Transportation: €2,630
• Dining: €5,040
• Activities & Attractions: €2,100
• Miscellaneous Expenses: €1,200
• Grand Total: €17,410
• Per Person: €17,410 ÷ 4 = €4,352.50

Budget Management Tips

• Book Early: Secure accommodations and transportation in advance for better rates.
• Flexible Dates: Traveling during shoulder seasons can reduce costs.
• Group Discounts: Some attractions offer discounts for groups.
• Local Cuisine: Eat where the locals do for authentic and affordable meals.
• Public Transportation: Utilize metros and buses instead of taxis when possible.
• Travel Light: Avoid extra baggage fees on flights and ease mobility.

Final Thoughts

With a mid-range budget of approximately €4,350 per person, your three-week European adventure is both feasible and filled with diverse experiences. This budget balances comfort with cost-effectiveness, allowing you to enjoy boutique accommodations, cultural activities, local cuisines, and the freedom to explore both urban and rural landscapes.

Remember to monitor exchange rates and consider using a travel-friendly credit card to avoid foreign transaction fees. Adjustments can always be made to suit your specific preferences or to accommodate any changes in pricing.

Wishing you a memorable and enjoyable trip!

ChatGPT o1-preview just planned a three-week European vacation in seconds, and the level of detail is surprising! Usually, organizing a trip like this would take hours or even days of scrolling through websites, comparing options, and researching the best ways to get around. But here, the model handled everything from city explorations to countryside escapes effortlessly.

It wasn’t just a basic itinerary either—far from it. There were thoughtful recommendations, like hopping on the high-speed train in France, renting a car to explore the Tuscan countryside, and even suggesting where to stay in each place. It felt like having a super-informed travel planner.

The budget breakdown is no joke too! Not just vague numbers, but an actual estimate for accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities. Even though it’s not a fixed budget, it definitely provides a solid preview of what the trip might cost. It’s crazy to think that planning used to mean juggling spreadsheets and endless tabs, but now this AI is doing it instantly, and with surprising accuracy.

This feels like just the beginning. The thought of ChatGPT o1-preview helping with other big projects—whether it’s event planning, moving, or even something like wedding coordination—opens up so many possibilities. It’s clear that AI isn’t just here for quick answers anymore; it’s stepping into real-world logistics, and doing it better than expected.

If this is the preview, we want to see the rest.

Image credits: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney