Summer is almost here and across the United States many schools will be letting kids out for the summer and I thought about how our family approached family vacations for the summer. I was going to dig up my old planning spreadsheets but I decided on asking AI to generate a fresh new list and compare it to what I used in the past.
AI Vacation Due Diligence
I asked AI to produce a due diligence list for a vacation and here is the output:
Due Diligence Checklist for a Holiday Trip
- Destination Research
Cultural and Historical Significance: Understand the history and culture of the destination.
Weather Conditions: Check the best time to visit based on weather and climate.
Travel Advisories: Review government travel advisories and safety information.
Local Customs and Etiquette: Learn about the local customs, traditions, and etiquette. - Financial Planning
Budget: Create a detailed budget including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs.
Currency Exchange: Check the exchange rate and plan for currency exchange.
Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering health, theft, and trip cancellations.
Emergency Funds: Set aside emergency funds. - Documentation and Legalities
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Visas: Check visa requirements and obtain necessary visas in advance.
Vaccinations: Verify vaccination requirements and get necessary shots.
Travel Documents: Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance, itinerary). - Travel Arrangements
Flights: Book flights well in advance to secure the best rates and seats.
Accommodation: Reserve accommodations that fit your preferences and budget.
Transportation: Arrange local transportation (car rentals, public transport passes).
Itinerary: Plan a detailed itinerary, including must-see attractions and activities. - Health and Safety
Health Check-up: Get a pre-travel health check-up.
Medications: Pack necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit.
Safety Precautions: Be aware of local safety issues and precautions. - Packing Essentials
Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing for the climate and planned activities.
Electronics: Bring necessary electronics and chargers (consider voltage converters).
Travel Accessories: Pack travel accessories (adapters, reusable water bottles, travel pillow). - Communication
Mobile Plan: Check your mobile plan for international coverage or get a local SIM card.
Contact Information: Share your itinerary and contact information with family or friends.
Language: Learn basic phrases in the local language. - Technology and Apps
Travel Apps: Download useful travel apps (maps, translation, transportation).
Backup: Backup important data and documents on a cloud service. - Activities and Experiences
Bookings: Pre-book popular tours and activities.
Local Guides: Consider hiring local guides for a more immersive experience.
Events: Check for local events and festivals during your stay. - Post-Trip Considerations
Reviews: Leave reviews for accommodations and activities.
Memorabilia: Keep and organize memorabilia (photos, souvenirs).
Health Check: Schedule a post-trip health check if necessary.
The AI list is pretty comprehensive and the only thing I wish it would do would be to add links to essential resources. For example, Health & Safety it states to “be aware of local safety issues and precautions” but it doesn’t state where to get this information but you can ask.
I asked AI where I could get information on that topic and it did a really great job, listing everything I’ve used in the past. Here is the output:
To gather information on local safety issues and precautions for your holiday trip, you can refer to the following sources:
Government Travel Advisory Websites:
U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories: travel.state.gov
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Government of Canada – Travel Advice and Advisories: travel.gc.ca
Australian Government – Smartraveller: smartraveller.gov.au
International Organizations:
World Health Organization (WHO): who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): unodc.org
Local Government and Tourist Boards:
Visit the official websites of the destination’s local government and tourist boards for specific safety information and advisories.
Travel Forums and Websites:
TripAdvisor: tripadvisor.com
Lonely Planet: lonelyplanet.com
Reddit Travel Communities: Various subreddits such as r/travel and r/solotravel can provide first-hand accounts and advice from travelers.
News Websites:
Check reputable news websites for recent reports on safety issues in your destination.
Travel Agencies and Tour Operators:
Contact your travel agency or tour operator for up-to-date safety information and recommendations.
Embassies and Consulates:
Reach out to your home country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country for specific safety advice and emergency contact information.
Mobile Apps:
Download travel safety apps such as SmartTraveler (by the U.S. Department of State), Sitata, or TripWhistle which provide alerts and safety information for travelers.
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What do you think? Is this better than what you use today? Isn’t AI just amazing? Let me know in the comments.