There was a time when planning a holiday meant flipping through guidebooks, juggling spreadsheets, and settling for whatever worked best for everyone involved. For Gen Z, that approach already feels outdated. Travel planning today is faster, more thoughtful, and deeply personal, driven largely by technology. As National Tourism Day on January 25 highlights changing travel trends, it’s clear that this generation isn’t travelling on impulse. They are planning with purpose, and artificial intelligence is at the heart of that shift.
Growing up surrounded by endless information, Gen Z travellers know exactly what they want from a trip. They look for experiences that align with their personalities, values, and lifestyles. AI has become a quiet but powerful assistant in this process, helping them shape journeys that feel relevant and stress-free rather than rushed or random.
Industry voices note that young travellers aren’t using AI to avoid effort, but to avoid confusion. With rising travel costs, limited leave, and countless choices, AI helps them quickly assess factors like budgets, safety, group preferences, and local experiences. This allows them to make decisions with confidence instead of feeling overwhelmed by options.
Planning has also become more intentional. AI tools can analyse information, compare possibilities, and test different scenarios, helping travellers arrive at choices that feel well thought out. At the same time, this hasn’t taken away the joy of spontaneity. Instead, it has changed how it works. Plans are no longer rigid schedules but flexible outlines that can adapt based on mood, weather, or unexpected discoveries. AI takes care of the basics so travellers can stay open to the moment.
This marks a clear shift from the way previous generations travelled, where fixed packages and standard recommendations were the norm. Today’s young travellers want trips that feel authentic and tailored to them. AI-driven platforms make it easier to customise journeys around interests, budgets, pace, sustainability concerns, and even the purpose of travel, whether it’s a solo break, a cultural experience, or a quick international getaway.
Smart tools now offer real-time price tracking, crowd insights, personalised itineraries, and suggestions for lesser-known experiences. When combined with social media trends, AI is also helping travellers move away from overcrowded tourist spots towards destinations that feel more unique and meaningful.
For Gen Z, having control doesn’t mean sticking to a fixed plan. It means being able to adapt easily. AI-powered tools assist with last-minute changes, weather-related adjustments, instant translations, and real-time recommendations while on the move. This interactive way of planning gives travellers a sense of ownership and clarity, moving away from one-size-fits-all holidays.
For India’s tourism industry, this shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. As young travellers expect personalised, digital-first experiences with clear pricing and flexibility, travel companies and destinations will need to evolve to stay relevant in an increasingly AI-driven travel world.
