Artificial intelligence (AI) may be quietly becoming one of the most effective travel planners on the internet, yet its adoption still lags behind other use cases. A new global survey by Kaspersky has revealed that just 28% of travelers have used AI to plan trips—but among those who did, more than 90% reported a positive experience, with 84% planning to do it again.
The study, conducted in partnership with Toluna, surveyed 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including India, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, during the summer of 2025. It explored how consumers use AI in their daily lives, which tasks they trust it with, and where travel planning fits into the picture.
Why is AI adoption in travel planning still low despite high satisfaction among early adopters?
While AI has quickly become embedded in internet usage—72% of respondents said they use AI at least once—it has yet to gain mainstream traction as a travel tool. Under the age of 35, adoption rates were significantly higher, with 88% of respondents saying they use AI regularly. However, among those aged 54 and above, only 54% reported any interaction with AI, and 20% expressed no interest in trying.
For most users, AI’s primary function is still research. The survey found that 76% use AI to gather information, 45% for work, and 40% for studying. Entertainment and experimentation tied for fourth place at 39%. Travel planning ranked further down, with just 28% of respondents using AI for this purpose—suggesting that while AI’s capabilities are recognized, many travelers still prefer traditional methods or established platforms for booking trips.
How are travelers using AI when they do trust it with trip planning?
Among those who turned to AI for travel planning, its role as a research assistant dominated. About 70% said they relied on AI to identify events, excursions, popular tourist routes, and even local shopping spots. AI was also widely used for selecting accommodations (66%), finding restaurants (60%), and searching for tickets (58%).
Families with children appeared to be more active adopters of AI travel tools than those without, suggesting that time savings and convenience may play a bigger role in households with complex travel needs. AI-powered booking, however, remained less common—only 45% booked hotels through AI, 43% purchased tickets, and 38% booked restaurants directly via AI platforms.
Interestingly, 45% of respondents said they sought AI assistance for visa and migration queries—a figure that raises both potential and risk. A recent high-profile case in which an Australian author missed a conference in Chile due to inaccurate visa guidance from an AI chatbot underscored the dangers of relying solely on AI for regulatory and legal advice.
What do high satisfaction rates reveal about AI’s future in travel planning?
The standout finding from Kaspersky’s research was the extraordinarily high satisfaction rate among those who did use AI for travel planning. A combined 96% of users rated their experience as either “perfect” (44%) or “good” (52%), one of the highest approval ratings across all AI use cases in the survey.
Furthermore, 84% of these travelers said they would use AI again for trip preparation. This suggests that while adoption is still limited, the experience gap—between those who have tried AI and those who have not—could close quickly as awareness grows and tools improve.
Institutional observers note that this pattern mirrors the early adoption curve of other digital travel innovations, such as online booking engines and price comparison platforms, which initially faced skepticism but eventually became industry standards. If satisfaction levels remain high and AI tools continue to integrate seamlessly with booking and payment systems, adoption rates could accelerate significantly over the next three to five years.
What risks do travelers face when relying on AI for critical trip information?
Despite its growing appeal, AI in travel is not without hazards. The survey highlighted that 45% of respondents used AI for visa and migration guidance—a domain where inaccurate or outdated information can have severe consequences.
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI “hallucinations” (fabricated or incorrect information) can mislead travelers, especially in areas where real-time regulatory updates are crucial. Even when AI pulls from accurate sources, users must verify the validity of the advice, particularly when it involves government requirements or financial transactions.
Other risks involve the security of personal data during travel planning. Booking trips often involves sharing sensitive information such as passport details, payment credentials, and travel itineraries—making AI-integrated booking platforms a potential target for cyberattacks if not properly secured.
How can travelers maximize AI benefits while minimizing risks in trip planning?
Kaspersky recommends a balanced approach to AI travel planning. Key steps include double-checking AI-provided information against official sources, verifying the authenticity of booking websites before making payments, and taking precautions to secure devices during travel.
When abroad, using an eSIM can ensure consistent connectivity while reducing roaming charges. Travelers are also advised to use VPN services when connecting to public Wi-Fi and to avoid auto-joining unfamiliar networks. Maintaining strong passwords and installing reliable security software can help protect devices from cyber threats during trips.
These safeguards become especially relevant as AI becomes more integrated into travel platforms, potentially handling everything from itinerary customization to dynamic rebooking in response to flight delays or cancellations.
What could drive faster adoption of AI as a mainstream travel tool in the coming years?
Analysts suggest that three main factors could push AI into the travel mainstream: improved accuracy, seamless integration with booking systems, and targeted personalization. As large language models and generative AI engines gain access to verified travel databases and real-time pricing APIs, their ability to produce reliable, context-aware itineraries will improve.
Additionally, partnerships between AI providers and established travel platforms could allow users to move from research to booking without leaving a single interface—reducing friction and increasing trust. Finally, AI’s ability to tailor recommendations based on past behavior, preferences, and budget constraints could make it indispensable for time-poor travelers seeking customized experiences without manual research.
While travel planning is only the fifth most common AI use case today, its trajectory appears to be upward. With high satisfaction rates already in place, broader adoption may hinge less on proving AI’s value and more on overcoming trust and security barriers.
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