AI can spit out itineraries, give you quick-hit travel tips, and help narrow down where to go when. It’s like a very enthusiastic intern who’s read every blog post ever written – but still needs a manager to check their work. This is probably why the same survey reported that a staggering 97% of Saffas see some sort of value in using a travel agent to help plan their next trip.

In short, AI lays a solid foundation, but it’s up to a travel expert to fill in the gaps.

“When travellers come to us after trying AI, they’re often surprised by what they didn’t know,” says Sue Garrett, GM of Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “We know which ferry routes actually run in October, which hotels have been fully renovated, and which ‘must-see’ attractions are genuinely worth the visit. Local intelligence and practical, hard-earned experience is what turns a theoretical itinerary into a trip that actually works.”

So, if you’re dreaming up travel ideas for 2026, here’s how to use AI to plan your trip – and when you need to call in the experts.

Use AI to brainstorm, not book

AI has imagination, we’ll give it that. The problem? That “tailored” Greek itinerary might include ferry routes that don’t exist, hotels that closed in 2019, and a wine tour that’s actually a goat farm.

Most AI chatbots also rely on data that’s over a year old, which can lead to outdated information like incorrect opening hours, ongoing construction, or whether a place is only open during certain seasons.

“AI is good at synthesising research and helping us work faster,” says Garrett. “But travellers can’t rely on it for detail. Accuracy, reliability, and tailoring a trip to personal needs still comes from working with an experienced advisor.”

AI requires very specific prompting

If you’ve ever asked ChatGPT to plan a trip, you know it’s a bit like making a wish to a genie – the magic only works if you word it just right. The catch? Most travellers have no clue what to wish for.

What’s more, AI doesn’t understand your specific needs and preferences: that you hate long layovers, your sister has severe motion sickness, and you once had a small breakdown over an Airbnb with no curtains.

A traveller advisor will ask the right questions and factor in your specific needs, including travel insurance, visas, layovers, luggage, dietary requirements and even medical needs (for example, travelling with insulin).

Real world problems need real world people

Here’s where things get serious. Your flight’s been cancelled. You’re stuck at OR Tambo at 5am with no plan B and no idea when the next flight out is. An AI chatbot can suggest alternatives, but it can’t make the calls, pull the strings, or know which airline owes you a favour.

When it all hits the fan – whether that’s sudden illness, lost passports or surprise strikes – your AI travel assistant will provide information, but it won’t provide solutions.

Travel advisors, on the other hand, answer their phones. They’ve got local contacts, real-time updates, and enough muscle memory to rebook your trip while you’re still trying to find a power plug.

“A crisis is where human judgement matters most,” says Garrett. “AI can’t provide reassurance, make fast calls, or think emotionally. It doesn’t know when a client needs calming down or rerouting.”

AI doesn’t know what “4-star” means to a Saffa

A European “4-star” hotel can sometimes feel more basic than many South Africans expect – smaller rooms, minimal breakfast options, compact bathrooms. South Africans are accustomed to generous space, full breakfast spreads, and higher service standards at comparable star ratings.

“AI doesn’t understand the nuances,” says Garrett. “A 4-star hotel in Europe can feel smaller and more basic than a 3-star in Joburg. That’s important context for South Africans who’ve been spoiled by space and service.”

You can’t negotiate with ChatGPT

One of the most persistent myths about chatbots is that AI can find you the best deals.

It’ll give you rough estimates scraped from booking platforms. But it won’t know who to talk to for a room upgrade or honour your price if the exchange rate dips.

“People forget travel advisors still get you a lot of extras,” says Garrett. “We’re not just booking a hotel – we’re adding value. And we know which rooms are worth the rate.”

So how should you use AI?

Think of AI like enjoying a coffee with a mildly helpful friend. It’ll throw out suggestions – but it probably won’t nail the final plan.

Use AI tools to:

• Get a basic idea of where to go
• Research activities or general visa info (but always confirm latest visa requirements directly with the embassy or your travel advisor)
• Calculate distances and travel times
• Structure your wishlist into a bare bones draft itinerary

Don’t use AI to:

• Book accommodation or flights
• Plan travel logistics like transfers and ferry schedules
• Navigate special needs or real-time emergencies
• Compare the actual value of a deal, not just price
• Discover the off-the-radar experiences that make a trip unforgettable

The bottom line?

AI is useful for generating ideas, yes. It can introduce you to destinations you might never have thought of (hello, underrated Slovenia). But the moment you try to turn those ideas into real-world plans? You need an actual person, not 17 tabs’ worth of “maybe”.

There’s no substitute for local insight, human backup, and on-the-ground experience. Let AI help you brainstorm. Then run your shortlist by someone who’s been there, booked that – and still has the WhatsApp number of that hotel GM in Positano.

As Sue Garrett puts it: “AI is here to help, not replace. Use it to level up your trip but never forget the value of real-life expertise.”

But before you grab your suitcase, a quick heads-up: year-end travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Airports are crowded, airlines are under pressure, and small mistakes – like forgetting to renew your passport or skipping travel insurance – can cost thousands.

Don’t panic. We’ve made it easy. Here’s your festive travel checklist, complete with a few stern-but-loving reminders that could save your holiday (and your bank balance).

1. The six-month passport rule (yes, it’s real and it will ruin your holiday)

Honestly, this one stings.

Every December someone gets turned away at check-in because their passport expires too soon. Not expired – just not valid long enough. Most countries require at least six months of validity on your passport (from the date you depart their country after your holiday), and they’re deadly serious about it.

“It’s heartbreaking. But completely avoidable,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre Travel Group. “Before booking any international trip, check the expiration date on your passport carefully.”

Why does this rule even exist?

Ferguson-Nair explains that immigration authorities use the six-month buffer as a safety net. If your travel plans change – flights get delayed, you fall ill, or you extend your stay – they want reassurance you won’t overstay on an expired document.  

“It’s also about consistency,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Rather than every country setting different validity periods, the six-month rule has become a global standard. There are exceptions, but it’s a common requirement.”

Why South African travellers need to be extra careful

Unfortunately, travelling on a South African passport isn’t exactly a golden ticket. Many countries scrutinise our passports more closely, and enforcement of validity rules tends to be stricter. Add in the fact that South African passport renewals can take weeks (especially over busy periods), and you’ve got a recipe for disaster if you leave it too late.

Oh, and don’t forget: many countries also require two blank pages facing each other in your passport. This is to accommodate both a full-page visa sticker (if required) and separate entry/exit stamps. It can be confusing. Ferguson-Nair recommends chatting to your travel advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Checklist tip:

• Check your passport expiration date now, not the day before your flight.
• Count forward six months from your proposed return date – that’s your expiry deadline.
• Make sure you have at least two blank visa pages (facing each other).
• If renewal is needed, start the process immediately – peak season delays are real.

2. Visas & transit visas

“Visa requirements can vary wildly depending on your nationality, your destination, and even your length of stay,” says Ferguson-Nair. “And over the festive season, embassies often close or work reduced hours, which makes last-minute applications nearly impossible.”

Not all visas are created equal

Some countries offer visa-on-arrival, others require e-visas in advance, and many still demand that you physically submit your passport to an embassy – which means you’re passport-less for days or even weeks. Not ideal when you’re trying to juggle multiple trips or need your passport for something else.

South African passport holders also face stricter requirements in many destinations. What’s a quick online form for an EU citizen might be a full consular interview for us. It’s frustrating, but it’s reality.

And, as Ferguson-Nair explains, transit visas can surprise even the most seasoned of travellers.

“It is important to check that you hold the required visas for all your travel – not only for the final destination, but also for all transits (even airside), stopovers, port entries and border crossings,” says Ferguson-Nair.

Checklist tip:

• Check visa requirements as soon as you book – don’t wait until the week before.
• Apply early, especially if embassies need your physical passport.
• Double-check processing times and factor in festive season closures.
• Keep copies of all visa documents (digital and printed) – you’ll need them at check-in and immigration.
• If using e-visas, make sure they’re approved before you head to the airport.
• Always check if you need a transit visa too.

3. Flexi fares

Because plans change. And that promo ticket doesn’t care.

Whether it’s a delayed passport, unexpected health hiccup, or just that your boss changed your leave dates again, a flexi ticket can mean the difference between rebooking with a few clicks… or paying for an entirely new flight.

“Flexibility used to be something you considered just in case,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Now, it’s a must. Delays, plan changes, life – these things happen. Building flexibility into your booking can save you thousands and a whole lot of stress.”

Checklist tip:

• Always ask if your flight dates can be changed – and what costs are involved.
• Know the rules: not all “flexi” (or changeable) tickets are created equal. Some only allow one change, others more. Always make sure you’re clear on what changes (and how many) the airline will allow.

4. Travel Insurance 

Ah, travel insurance – the thing you only remember when things go sideways. Lost luggage. Cancelled flights. Medical emergencies in countries where a plaster costs R500? Suddenly, that travel insurance policy looks like the best deal of the year. 

“It’s like wearing a safety belt,” says Ferguson-Nair. “You hope you won’t need it – but when you do, it can save your life. Or at least your bank balance.” 

And don’t assume your medical aid or credit card has you covered overseas. 

“Most medical schemes and banks require members to notify them in advance to activate international cover. If you forget, you could be fully liable for medical costs abroad,” Ferguson-Nair adds. 

Checklist tip: 

• Get travel insurance at the same time as booking flights. It protects your deposit too. 
• Notify your medical aid and credit card provider before you travel. 
• Read the fine print (or ask your travel agent to connect you with their recommended provider to get the low down in plain English). 

5. Airline baggage rules (aka Christmas shopping roulette)

’Tis the season… for overweight bag fees. Whether it’s gifts or winter gear, those extras start to add up – fast.

“Airlines are enforcing baggage rules more strictly than ever in December,” says Ferguson-Nair. “We see people scrambling at check-in to repack bags or pay steep excess charges.”

And it’s not just checked baggage. Many international and local carriers have cracked down on cabin bag dimensions and weight. That cute little carry-on you always get away with? Not anymore, friend.

Checklist tip:

• Weigh your bags before you leave home. Step on the scale if you must.
• Compare your airline’s hand luggage and checked bag rules – some are stingier than others.
• Don’t count on pooling bags between travel companions. Airlines can, and do, enforce individual limits.
• Shopped a little too hard? Prepay your extra luggage and save yourself some rands – and repacking drama!

Another tip? Keep all your valuables in your carry-on luggage. Perfume, jewellery and cameras don’t belong in your checked luggage. It’s not worth the risk.

6. Falling for AI travel scams or cyber-fraud

“Alexa, fix my booking”. Just kidding. PLEASE DON’T.

Scammers love peak season, and they’re not just sitting in dark rooms guessing passwords. These days, they’re using AI tools to create full-blown fake travel websites – complete with polished copy, stolen logos, and bogus reviews.

“We’re seeing much more sophisticated scams, especially around high-demand markets,” warns Ferguson-Nair. “Just because a website looks real doesn’t mean it is. Check the URL. Check the provider. Or better yet, book through a professional.”

Does that deal look too good to be true? It probably is.

Checklist tip:

• Only book through reputable sites or recognised travel brands.
• Be super wary of “limited-time” deals and suspiciously low airfares.
• Don’t click on random flight change emails; check directly with your airline.
• Enable 2-factor authentication and never send private info over WhatsApp groups.

One dodgy link can cost you your holiday, your bank account password, and your faith in humanity.

One Last Thing: Don’t Forget to Breathe

Festive travel doesn’t have to be a full-contact sport. Double-check your documents. Don’t skip the insurance. Build in flexibility. And save your future self from stress overload.

And if it all feels like too much, there’s no shame in phoning a travel expert. They’ll remember the tiny details, so you don’t have to – and flag that your five-year-old’s passport expired back when Peppa Pig was still a household name.

Here’s to a drama-free December. Bon voyage!