By Lybbi Hebel, PR & Social Media Specialist

Every time I open social media, there's another post/reel/carousel about AI. Some are helpful, introducing me to new tools and techniques. Others are silly and fun, sharing creative prompts like generating an image of what my dog would look like as a Muppet.  

But there's also a lot of doom and gloom about how AI will replace jobs and destroy creativity. I’ve heard a lot from travel advisors in particular, nervous that clients can just tell AI where they want to go and generate their own "perfect" itinerary.

I'm not saying we should abandon all caution with new technology. In fact, I think it’s smart to stay informed and proceed with caution. But I'd say the same about smartphones. They hold our most personal information, store our secure logins, and constantly track where we go and what we look at. They're always evolving, and while your phone might look the same as last year, you can't really know what unseen changes come with each software update.

Does that mean I'm getting rid of my phone? Yeah, right! Without it, I couldn't communicate efficiently with anyone. I'd either never be on time or wouldn't go anywhere, because even detailed maps are no match for my complete lack of navigational skills. I'd need to carry a camera, audio player, laptop, compact mirror, voice recorder, notepad, and more on my person at all times.

Could I live this way? Sure, I grew up in the '90s and have done it before. I’ve personally juggled my hot pink Razr, my iPod mini, and my little digital camera. But technology has progressed so far beyond that. Now I can't imagine life, both personally and professionally, without all my tools crammed in one little rectangle.

AI is like those early smartphones. While some people embrace it and let it make their lives easier, others grumble about all the potential problems. But ultimately, not adapting to changing technology doesn't make it go away, it just leaves you behind.

"But Lybbi, I don't want AI to replace me!"

I promise you, it won't. Don't forget that AI is a tool, and tools are useless without someone skilled enough to use them. I have a sewing machine at home that's a million times faster than needle and thread, but I'm still buying clothes at the store. I don't have the knowledge or skill to sew anything beyond simple projects and the occasional hem job. And even if I did, I'd need to invest in higher-quality materials and fabrics (and probably a nicer machine than my cheap one) to come close to the output that I can easily just purchase.

This is why travel advisors shouldn't fear being replaced. I can DIY an outfit just like clients can DIY a trip, but lack of skill and resources means the final product will be an obvious amateur attempt.

Let's say someone opens ChatGPT and asks for an itinerary. First, they need to know exactly how to word their request and what details to include, otherwise it'll be totally generic. There are so many aspects of trip planning that most clients never think about because their advisor handles it all behind the scenes. Even if they're a prompt wizard who thinks of every detail, it's not much help if they don’t know the best place to actually book anything.

And if someone is so advanced they can fine-tune their output perfectly, figure out exactly who to book with, and flawlessly create their dream trip… well, do you even want that client? They sound like the type who will Google everything, try to price-match, and question you every step of the way.

If you're still feeling nervous about AI and not sure where to start, here are some baby steps to help you get comfortable:

  • Have a bunch of travel photos but no clue what to do with them? Upload the detailed itinerary from a trip you took so AI has all the context, then ask it to write social media captions you can schedule.
  • Planning an event and feeling overwhelmed? Give AI all the details and ask it to reverse-engineer a task list and promotional schedule for a more manageable plan.
  • Feel like you're not reaching the right clients? Feed AI some of your current copy and ask why it isn't working effectively. Share who you want to attract (and who you don't), and let it help fine-tune your messaging to speak to your ideal client.

Bonus tip: Add this to almost any prompt to make your output more precise: "Are there any additional questions you have for me to clarify and give a better response?"

The bottom line? AI isn't going anywhere, and neither are skilled travel advisors. The key is learning to work with it, not against it.

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