Global Travelers Are Ditching Traditional Trip Planning for AI – Discover How International Tourists Are Revolutionizing Travel with Smarter, Faster, and Personalized Journeys!

Published on December 10, 2025

In an era of digital transformation, international travellers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize how they plan their trips. The Global Rescue Fall 2025 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey has shed light on this growing trend, revealing that nearly one-third (30%) of international travellers are using AI tools to streamline their travel planning. This marks a clear departure from traditional travel practices and signals the rise of a new era of tech-driven, personalized journey management.

By comparison, only 20% of U.S. travellers reported using AI for trip planning. This gap underscores the global shift in AI adoption, with international travellers leading the way in utilizing digital technologies to navigate the complexities of cross-border travel.

As AI tools become an integral part of travel planning, international tourists are using these innovations to overcome challenges such as visa applications, flight bookings, language barriers, and destination research. Whether it’s for finding the best flight deals, understanding visa regulations, or even translating menus and signs in foreign countries, AI is helping travellers take the stress out of planning by offering real-time, personalized recommendations.

Why International Travelers Are Leading the AI Revolution

There are several key reasons why international travellers are embracing AI tools more than their American counterparts. For one, travelling abroad often comes with a unique set of logistical hurdles, including navigating unfamiliar legal and cultural landscapes. AI tools are proving to be invaluable in addressing these challenges.

For example, when booking flights, 45% of international respondents reported using AI to assist in their travel plans, compared to only 35% of U.S. travellers. Similarly, 26% of international travellers relied on AI to manage visa-related questions, a service that U.S. respondents largely do not require. Moreover, 21% of non-U.S. travellers are utilizing AI for translation services, making it easier to communicate and enjoy seamless travel experiences in foreign countries.

In contrast, U.S. travellers tend to use AI more for aspects that deal with comfort and experience once the destination has been set. 32% of U.S. travellers use AI for booking lodging, and 37% rely on AI for restaurant suggestions, indicating that the U.S. is more focused on leveraging AI for post-arrival activities. This suggests that, while U.S. travellers are integrating AI into their trips, it’s mostly for optimizing their experiences once they’ve settled on a destination.

Gender Differences in AI Adoption: Women Lead the Way

The survey also revealed significant gender differences in AI adoption. 24% of women and 22% of men reported using AI for trip planning, with women applying these tools across a broader range of activities. Women are more likely to use AI for creating detailed itineraries (74%), researching general travel information (68%), and selecting restaurants (36%).

Interestingly, although women are using AI more frequently, men are somewhat more likely to report that the tools are useful and that they would continue to use them in the future. 86% of men found AI tools at least “somewhat useful,” compared to 89% of women. Despite these minor differences, both genders overwhelmingly agreed on the usefulness of AI, with more than 90% of both women and men planning to use AI for their next trip.

The Role of AI in Redefining Travel Experiences

AI’s potential to transform the travel industry goes beyond simplifying logistics — it’s also opening up new possibilities for personalized travel experiences. The technology is evolving rapidly, with increasingly sophisticated tools that learn from user behavior to suggest destinations, accommodations, and even experiences based on individual preferences.

As travellers move beyond traditional guidebooks and brochures, AI is now the travel companion that offers tailored, real-time insights. This is particularly important for younger travellers and tech-savvy explorers who are looking for experiences that cater to their unique interests. From cultural tours to hidden gem restaurants, AI tools can now curate itineraries that feel more authentic and personal.

For example, AI tools can suggest local events, off-the-beaten-path attractions, or activities based on personal preferences — all designed to enhance the traveller’s connection to the destination. Furthermore, personalized travel guides powered by AI are becoming increasingly popular. These digital assistants are able to provide travelers with customized itineraries, helping them discover local experiences that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

The Future of AI in Travel

Looking ahead, the role of AI in travel is poised to grow even more significant. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even greater integration of AI in all stages of the travel journey. From AI-assisted booking platforms to smart itineraries that update in real-time based on changing circumstances, the potential applications of AI in the travel industry are vast.

According to the survey, 93% of travellers who have used AI tools indicated that they are likely or very likely to use AI again for their next trip. As AI continues to gain momentum, this could lead to a fundamental shift in how travel companies approach the design and delivery of services, making customer-centric, personalized travel more accessible and efficient than ever before.

The enthusiasm for AI is not limited to individual travellers — it’s reshaping the entire travel landscape. Governments, airlines, hotels, and tourism boards are increasingly incorporating AI to improve the travel experience. For instance, the Ministry of Tourism India is embracing digital transformation by integrating AI-driven tools to provide smarter travel options, better customer service, and real-time recommendations for tourists.

Conclusion: The Smart Future of Travel is Here

The shift towards AI-powered trip planning marks the dawn of a new era for global travel. International travellers, particularly women and younger generations, are leading the way in adopting these technologies, which are making travel smarter, faster, and more personalized. As AI becomes more accessible and reliable, we can expect even greater integration of AI into travel planning in the coming years.

For the travel industry, the future is clear: AI is not just a passing trend but a critical tool that will continue to shape the way people travel. Whether it’s finding the best flights, translating languages, or recommending local experiences, AI is here to stay, helping travellers navigate the world with confidence and ease. The question is no longer if AI will be a part of travel, but how far it will take us.