Category: Travel Tips

More and more people are asking ChatGPT to plan their vacations — and that makes total sense. It’s fast, convenient, and free. But there’s one common frustration popping up in searches lately: “Why does ChatGPT say my trip costs $3800 — but flights and hotels are way more expensive when I check them myself?”

If you’ve seen wildly different estimates from AI trip planners compared to real booking sites — especially for hotels, flights, or packages — you’re not alone. Let’s break down why that happens — in a way that helps you plan better.

1. AI Is Great With Averages — But Prices Change Fast

When ChatGPT generates pricing or hotel rates, it generally uses statistical patterns, historical pricing, and generalized data — not live, up‑to‑the‑minute inventory and availability. That means:

• It might give you an average price per night that’s based on past data or broad estimates that could be outdated!
  
• It doesn’t check hotel availability in real time
  
• Seasonal demand — like Easter in Madrid— can cause prices to jump sharply
  

So when ChatGPT says a hotel is $125/night, but live booking sites show $500/night? That’s usually because it’s giving you a “typical” number — not what’s actually on the books right now.

2. ChatGPT Isn’t (Yet) Plugged Into Live OTA Pricing

Direct AI chat still often operates on static knowledge or sampling, not current booking engines. That means:

• AI might miss sold‑out rooms or premium weekend pricing
  
• It won’t see sudden spikes due to events, holidays, or limited availability
  

This is a big difference between AI estimates and real‑world booking prices — which is why your family’s Madrid hotel went from “budget” to much higher in a few clicks.

3. ChatGPT Doesn’t Know Your Travel Standards

ChatGPT doesn’t intrinsically understand what “good for my family” means:

• Does “hotel” mean a 3‑star or 5‑star?
  
• Do you want breakfast included?
  
• How close should it be to central Madrid?
  

Without those preferences clearly defined, AI can guess low — and real booking tools show real inventory that matches what you actually want.

This limitation isn’t just about pricing — many travelers have reported that AI itineraries include outdated info (like closed restaurants or illogical routtes). Reddi

4. AI Isn’t a Travel Agent — And It Never Has Been

Despite the buzz around “AI travel advisors,” these tools are fundamentally research assistants, not licensed travel professionals.

Even industry insiders acknowledge AI’s role is growing — but not replacing human expertise anytime soon. Real agents bring:

• Live pricing and availability
  
• Exclusive rates and upgrades
  
• Personal knowledge of destinations
  
• Insider tips and experience (not just data)
  

In fact, travel pros point out that AI tools don’t have firsthand experience of a destination — and that nuance is what makes the difference between a “book and go” trip and a truly unforgettable journey. 

Why Real Travel Advisors Still Matter

Here’s the bottom line:

✅ AI can help inspire your trip
✅ AI can give ballpark estimates
❌ AI can’t verify real pricing in real time
❌ AI can’t book or secure space
❌ AI can’t deliver custom experiences tailored to you

That’s where Life is Better Traveling shines.

We combine technology with real human expertise — which means we’ll:

✔ Check live flight and hotel availability
✔ Spot pricing trends and savings opportunities
✔ Recommend kid‑friendly, stress‑free options
✔ Build experiences AI can’t suggest

So if you’re comparing a ChatGPT quote that sounds awesome — but doesn’t add up — that’s actually good news. It means you’re ready for the next level of planning.

AI can help you dream — but only a travel pro can deliver.

👉 Fill out our form now and let us turn your idea into a trip you’ll never forget — with real pricing, solid availability, and custom planning that fits your family’s style and budget.

Your best vacation starts here with the help of a Life is Better Traveling Travel Agent.

Entry/Exit System or EES

Traveling to Europe will come with some new requirements, and they will be easy to fill out.  For several years, it has been discussed to have a better system in Europe to track non-EU national travelers, not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, who are traveling through certain European countries.  

Entry/Exit System or EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system: 

The EES defines a short stay as one up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES, and you do not need a visa for short stays.

So what should you expect when crossing borders?

• Upon crossing an external border, your fingerprints and a facial image are captured and linked to your travel data.
• The system automatically registers your entry or exit date and place.
• This helps quickly identify overstayers and ensures smoother border control for genuine travelers.
• The data is stored securely and retained for up to 5 years for border management and law enforcement.

Why do they need information?

• Forms the foundation for the upcoming ETIAS travel authorisation system, planned to launch in 2024, requiring visa-exempt travelers to apply online before arrival.

• Makes border checks quicker and more reliable.

• Increases safety and helps prevent irregular migration.

• Facilitates better tracking to avoid overstaying and related penalties.

Do I have to do this every time I cross a border while trying throughout Europe?

Your facial photo and fingerprints will be stored in the EES system in advance. When you go through passport control, officers will simply verify this information, making the process quicker. In rare situations, they might need to capture your data again.

If you have a biometric passport, you can speed through entry using the self-service kiosks—where available—at the border crossing.

How do I let them know I am coming?

Great news, like everything else, there is an app!!   The Travel to Europe mobile application is intended for non-EU travelers subject to EES registration. It enables users to pre-register their passport details and facial image prior to arriving at a border crossing point where the EES system is operational. Additionally, travelers can complete the entry conditions questionnaire through the app in advance.

Non-EU nationals may submit their information via the app within 72 hours before entering or exiting a European country.

While the application does not replace standard border control procedures, it facilitates a more streamlined, efficient, and expedited border crossing experience.  As of 12 October 2025, you can use the Travel to Europe app when entering or exiting Sweden, where it supports passport data, facial image and entry questionnaire.

How to use the app?

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Create a new journey by selecting the European country using the EES you are arriving in or leaving from not earlier than 72 hours before the start of your journey
3. Select the border crossing point and the time of your expected arrival there
4. Scan the personal details page and the chip of your passport
5. Take a selfie to confirm your identity
6. Answer a few questions about your travel plans
7. Optional: add co-travellers using steps 2-6
8. Submit your journey
9. Receive a confirmation that your journey has been accepted
10. Go to the border crossing point and follow the border guard’s instructions

Got questions or want help ensuring your trips are EES-ready? Reach out anytime to our award-winning travel advisor team!

Happy and safe travels—because life really is better traveling!