Ever wished to have a travel planner that replies in seconds? How about using ChatGPT for planning your next trip? Sometimes the hardest part of planning a hike or cycling trip is picking the destination. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest walk, a scenic mountain ride, or a fun family outing, ChatGPT can help you plan it based on your preferences, check trail conditions, or find those small, unexpected details that turn a good trip into a great one.
Here’s how to make ChatGPT part of your adventure planning.
Choose where to go
Already know when you are free, but not sure where to go next? ChatGPT is great for the “where” question. ChatGPT can suggest regions that match your vibe, help you avoid crowds, or even recommend places that are good for the season. It’s a great way to get fresh ideas without spending hours sifting through blog posts or old forum threads.
The key is to describe your ideal trip in as much detail as possible. Be clear about your interests and expectations. Here is an example of a prompt you can give ChatGPT, feel free to adapt it to your needs:
I want to plan a [hiking / cycling] trip starting from [your location]. I’m available on [specific date or season, e.g., next weekend / mid-July / autumn]. I have [X days] and I can travel up to [number of km or hours] by [car / public transport / bike]. I’m looking for [easy/ challenging] trails with [scenic views / forests / lakes / mountains / cultural sites / good for kids / dog-friendly, etc.]. I’d prefer a route that’s [circular / one-way / out-and-back], and ideally not too crowded. Recommend 5 destinations, explain how to reach them, and why they match my preferences.
In this way, you can plan not only a hike or ride but also a more complex trip that includes multiple activities, such as city sightseeing, a scenic hike, and a relaxing spa visit.
Get to know the trails
Once you’ve picked a region, dive into the details. Ask about trail highlights, terrain type, or possible loops. Want a route that avoids steep descents or goes past a waterfall? Which highlights can be found along the way? Want to know which local dish to try in the nearest village? You can ask that too. ChatGPT can also suggest places to stop, or things that might not show up on the first page of a search engine. These small details often make the trip more memorable, and they’re easy to overlook when you’re focused only on getting from point A to B.
Pair this with your map app (like GPX Viewer PRO or Trackbook) to check the actual route and elevation. If you’re not sure which path to take, ChatGPT can describe trail options and hidden gems on the way to help you decide. If you are planning a longer trip, ChatGPT can also suggest campings or other accommodation options.
Sort out the gear and logistics
Once you’ve chosen your route, it’s time to think about packing and preparation. ChatGPT can list gear for a day hike in unpredictable weather, or what you’ll need for an overnight in the mountains. You can also get help with food ideas, water sources, or whether you’ll need cash for a hut.
It’s a great way to avoid the classic mistake of forgetting something basic like a headlamp or a power bank.
Spontaneous adventures have their charm, but a little planning can take your trip from good to great. With ChatGPT, you can figure out the essentials faster, get inspired, and head out with more confidence. Just type your idea and see where it takes you—then check the details before you go.
Just remember: always double-check the information. You can ask ChatGPT for links to route descriptions, or verify them using other sources like official tourism websites. ChatGPT is a great starting point, but final decisions should be based on confirmed, reliable info.
