A Vacation Planned by Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is becoming more integrated into our everyday lives. So I started wondering: why not use it to plan a vacation? For our recent week-long getaway, I decided to see how well ChatGPT could handle the job of building a travel itinerary.

Like most AI tools, the quality of the output depends heavily on the input. While AI can fill in some gaps, the more specific the prompt, the better the results. To give ChatGPT the best chance at success, I shared detailed information about our trip: our overall travel goals, the route we would be driving, where our Airbnb was located, the cities we planned to visit, the type of car we’d be driving, and even the general vibe we were hoping for during the trip.

The results were surprisingly thoughtful. ChatGPT generated a full set of trip ideas and daily recommendations. It even suggested alternate itineraries that accounted for potential logistical issues and time constraints.

In the end, we followed the AI’s recommendations almost entirely.

When we arrived in Florida, the region was experiencing an unusual cold snap, which affected a few of the activities we had planned. Even so, the suggested itineraries gave us a reliable structure for each day. Instead of spending time figuring out what to do next, we were able to enjoy the trip with a solid plan already in place.

Watching a rocket launch into space, especially one carrying humans beyond Earth, has long been on my bucket list. I initially hoped to see the launch of the Artemis II mission, but I quickly discovered that planning a cross-country trip around a rocket launch isn’t easy. Travel logistics, unpredictable mission readiness, and the possibility of weather delays made it difficult to commit to the timing. Instead, I chose a more certain option: seeing the rocket up close before it carries astronauts around the Moon and safely back home.

The KSC Elite VIP Tour: An unforgettable way to experience Kennedy Space Center

I’ve visited Kennedy Space Center twice before, but this was the first time I truly felt like I experienced the park the way it was meant to be seen. The difference was the day-long KSC Elite VIP Tour.

From the moment the tour began, it was clear this would be a different kind of visit. Our guides, Julia and Richard, were phenomenal - knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the work happening at Kennedy Space Center. Throughout the day they carefully paced the itinerary, making sure we could see and understand as much of the facility as possible. The experience felt thoughtfully structured and seamless from start to finish.

The highlight of the day was standing face-to-face with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion capsule. This is the spacecraft that will carry astronauts around the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Seeing a vehicle designed to send humans beyond Earth orbit up close was genuinely awe-inspiring, and it’s a moment I won’t forget.

What stood out just as much as the facility was the people. Every Kennedy Space Center staff member we encountered was welcoming and excited to share what they do, which added a lot to the overall experience. Even the meals included with the Elite VIP package exceeded expectations - they felt like a real part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

If you’ve visited Kennedy Space Center before and are wondering whether it’s worth going back, or if you want the most immersive, behind-the-scenes experience possible, the Elite VIP Tour is absolutely worth it.

Unfortunately, my husband fell ill shortly before our reservation and was unable to participate in the omakase experience we had booked. While I was able to enjoy the dinner, which was without question, the best sushi I have ever had in my life - he had to sit it out while dealing with stomach distress. From the moment the staff realized what was happening, they treated us with extraordinary kindness and grace. They ensured my husband was as comfortable as possible throughout the evening and even went so far as to brew him Tulsi basil tea to help soothe his stomach. This level of thoughtfulness and care was completely unexpected and deeply appreciated.

As for the food, the omakase was nothing short of exceptional. Every course was precise, inventive, and beautifully balanced. It was an experience that fully lives up to its Michelin star.

While we were disappointed that we couldn’t share the experience together as planned, the compassion and professionalism shown by the Soseki team turned what could have been a stressful and uncomfortable night into one we will always remember fondly. True hospitality isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about how guests are treated when things don’t go according to plan. Soseki excelled on every level.