Google Gemini vs Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT: Which AI chatbot is better at planning your next vacation?

Have you ever found yourself lost in an ocean of travel websites, overwhelmed by options, and unsure of where to start when planning your next vacation? With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, the process of trip planning is becoming easier than ever. These AI assistants are designed to understand your preferences and provide personalised recommendations tailored to your needs.

In this article, I have put three leading chatbots– Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT– to the test, asking them to plan a trip for me. Let’s see which chatbot emerges as the ultimate travel planner.

Also read: Google Bard vs Microsoft Copilot, who generates better AI images? Here are the results

I asked Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to: “Plan a 5-day trip to Rajasthan. The trip must include a one-night stay in a camp and hotel stays for the rest of the trip. The itinerary must include visits to iconic attractions and must-visit places in Rajasthan. Accommodations, transportation, meals and activities should be budget-friendly, with a particular emphasis on finding hotel stays under Rs 2,000 per night.

Google Gemini

Day 1: Jaipur – The Pink City

• Start your journey in the heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.
• Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and capture its intricate pink façade
• Explore the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched atop a hill and offering stunning views of the city.
• In the evening, wander through the bustling Johari Bazaar, a haven for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
• For dinner, enjoy a delicious and affordable Rajasthani thali at Govindam Restaurant.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the budget-friendly Chokhi Dhani, a cultural resort offering traditional Rajasthani huts for around Rs 1,500 per night.
• Another option is the Umaid Bhawan Heritage Hotel, a charming haveli with comfortable rooms starting from Rs 1,800 per night.

Day 2: Jodhpur – The Blue City

• Take a train or bus from Jaipur to Jodhpur, the enchanting Blue City.
• Marvel at the Mehrangarh Fort, a majestic fortress overlooking the city and offering breathtaking panoramas.
• Wander through the narrow lanes of the old city, soaking in the vibrant blue hues and local shops.
• Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a magnificent architectural marvel now converted into a luxury hotel.
• In the evening, witness the spectacular sunset over the Mehrangarh Fort from a rooftop cafe.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the Ranbanka Guest House, a heritage property with comfortable rooms starting from Rs 1,200 per night.
• Another option is the Mehrangarh Fort Hostel, offering dorm beds and private rooms with a view, starting from Rs 500 per night.

Day 3: Jaisalmer – The Golden City

• Take a bus or taxi from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, the Golden City nestled in the Thar Desert.
• Experience the thrill of a camel safari through the sand dunes, enjoying the sunset and starry desert sky.
• Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing magnificent architecture and rich history.
• In the evening, lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gadisar Chowk, buzzing with street performers and local shops.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the Thar Desert Resort, a campsite offering tents with traditional Rajasthani décor for around Rs 1,000 per night.
• For a more budget-friendly option, try the Jaisalmer Backpackers Hostel, with dorm beds starting from Rs 300 per night.

Day 4: Udaipur – The City of Lakes

• Take a flight or train from Jaisalmer to Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes.
• Cruise on the serene Lake Pichola, soaking in the beauty of the City Palace and Jag Mandir Island Palace.
• Explore the bustling markets of Bada Bazaar, bargaining for handicrafts and souvenirs.
• In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance at Bagore ki Haveli, showcasing Rajasthani folk dances and music.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the Haveli Shivay, a heritage stay with comfortable rooms starting from Rs 1,800 per night.
• For a more budget-concious option, try the Zostel Udaipur, a hostel with dorm beds and private rooms starting from Rs 500 per night.

Day 5: Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore any last-minute attractions in Udaipur before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

Additional Tips:

• Travel during the off-season (April to June and September to November) for cheaper deals on flights and accommodations.
• Utilise public transportation like buses and trains.

Microsoft Copilot

Day 1: Jaipur

• Arrive in Jaipur, the capital and largest city of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City for its distinctive architecture.
• Check in to a budget hotel near the city center, such as Hotel Pearl Palace or Hotel Kalyan, which offer rooms for under Rs 2,000 per night, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.
• Explore the city’s main attractions, such as the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar, and the Amber Fort. You can hire a local guide, take a rickshaw, or use public transport to get around.
• Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal at a local restaurant, such as [Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar] or [Chokhi Dhani], which serve dishes like dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas.

Day 2: Jaisalmer

• Take an early morning train or bus from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, a historic city in the heart of the Thar Desert, also known as the Golden City for its yellow sandstone buildings.
• Check in to a budget hotel near the Jaisalmer Fort, such as [Hotel Pleasant Haveli] or [Hotel Garh Jaisal], which offer rooms for under Rs 2,000 per night, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.
• Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses a palace, temples, museums, and shops. You can also visit the Patwon Ki Haveli, the Gadisar Lake, and the Bada Bagh.
• In the evening, join a desert safari tour, which will take you to the Sam Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy a camel ride, a sunset view, a cultural program, and a night stay in a camp. You can book a tour online, such as [Real Desert Man Safari] or [Royal Desert Camp], which offer packages for around Rs 2,000 per person, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 3: Jodhpur

• After breakfast, return to Jaisalmer and take a train or bus to Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, also known as the Blue City for its blue-painted houses.
• Check in to a budget hotel near the Mehrangarh Fort, such as [Singhvi’s Haveli] or [Govind Hotel], which offer rooms for under Rs 2,000 per night, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.
• Explore the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most impressive forts in India, which offers stunning views of the city and the desert. You can also visit the Jaswant Thada, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Mandore Gardens.
• Enjoy a delicious Rajasthani meal at a local restaurant, such as [Gypsy Restaurant] or [On The Rocks], which serve dishes like ker sangri, makhaniya lassi, and mawa kachori.

Day 4: Udaipur

• Take an early morning train or bus from Jodhpur to Udaipur, the most romantic city of Rajasthan, also known as the City of Lakes for its scenic water bodies.
• Check in to a budget hotel near the Lake Pichola, such as [Hotel Lake Star] or [Hotel Udai Niwas], which offer rooms for under Rs 2,000 per night, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.
• Explore the city’s main attractions, such as the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Fateh Sagar Lake. You can also take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola, and visit the Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace.
• Enjoy a romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant, such as [Ambrai] or [Upre], which offer panoramic views of the city and the lake, and serve dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas.

Day 5: Udaipur

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel and spend some time shopping for souvenirs, such as miniature paintings, silver jewellery, leather goods, and puppets, at the local markets, such as [Hathi Pol Bazaar] or [Bada Bazaar].
• Take a flight, train, or bus from Udaipur to your next destination, or return to Jaipur, where you can catch your onward flight or train.

ChatGPT

Day 1: Jaipur

• Arrive in Jaipur and check into a budget hotel.
• Visit the iconic Amber Fort, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views.
• Explore the City Palace, a magnificent complex with courtyards, gardens, and museums.
• Stop by Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, for a photo opportunity.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving Rajasthani cuisine.
• Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 2: Jaipur to Pushkar

• After breakfast, drive to Pushkar (approximately 3-4 hours).
• Check into a budget hotel in Pushkar.
• Visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world.
• Take a leisurely stroll around Pushkar Lake and soak in the serene atmosphere.
• Explore the colourful markets of Pushkar for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
• Enjoy dinner at a local eatery.
• Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Day 3: Pushkar to Jaisalmer (with a night in the desert camp)

• Depart for Jaisalmer early in the morning (approximately 6-7 hours).
• En route, stop by the picturesque town of Osian and explore its ancient temples.
• Reach Jaisalmer and check into a budget hotel.
• In the late afternoon, head to the Sam Sand Dunes for a desert safari experience.
• Enjoy camel rides, watch the sunset over the sand dunes, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani folk performances.
• Spend the night in a desert camp under the starlit sky, enjoying a bonfire and local cuisine.

Day 4: Jaisalmer

• Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the desert.
• Return to Jaisalmer and have breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow lanes and intricately carved havelis.
• Explore the Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for their exquisite architecture.
• Visit Gadisar Lake for a peaceful boat ride (optional).
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 5: Jaisalmer to Jaipur

• After breakfast, start your journey back to Jaipur (approximately 10-11 hours).
• En route, visit the famous Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, also known as the Rat Temple.
• Arrive in Jaipur by evening and check into a budget hotel.
• Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the local markets or relaxing at your hotel.
• Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
• Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Accommodation Budget:

• Aim for budget hotels with rates under Rs 2,000 per night. There are several options available in Jaipur, Pushkar, and Jaisalmer that fit this criterion.

Transportation:

• Consider hiring a budget-friendly private car or using public transportation like buses or trains for intercity travel.

Meals:

• Opt for local eateries and street food joints for budget-friendly dining experiences. Rajasthani thalis and street snacks are delicious and economical.

Activities:

• Prioritise visiting attractions with nominal entry fees and enjoy free experiences like exploring markets and watching sunset/sunrise views.

Verdict:

After reviewing the trip plans created by Gemini, Copilot and ChatGPT for a 5-day vacation in Rajasthan, it’s clear that Google Gemini provides the most detailed itinerary. 

Google Gemini’s plan includes specific attractions, transportation options, accommodation suggestions, and even tips for travelling during off-peak seasons. However, the hotels’ prices that Gemini mentioned are mostly incorrect.

Microsoft Copilot’s plan is also well-structured but lacks the depth found in Google Gemini’s itinerary. It’s worth noting that hotels mentioned by the Copilot are under the provided budget.

Speaking of ChatGPT’s plan, the most disappointing factor is its lack of specific hotel names. However, what I appreciate about ChatGPT’s plan is that it provides approximate times for changing cities.