Why I'll Never Use AI to Plan a Trip

If you know me at all, you know I love to plan a trip. I enjoy finding new things and figuring out how to piece an intinerary together like a puzzle. I know a lot of people aren't like that and there's growing popularity of using AI to plan trips, which seems convenient, but can lead to a worse trip than one where you just show up and wing it. 

Now, even if I didn't love planning every aspect of my trip, I am more than a little skeptical about using AI for anything. First of all, AI is terrible for the environment. Each time you ask it to do anything for you, it creates a ton of heat, which takes the equivalent of six bottles of water (70+ oz) to cool down the server. At some point, if we continue to use it more and more, whole communities will be facing water shortages, and water becomes increasingly necessary with global warming making our summers hotter and hotter and drought conditions being much more common. 

Museum that was highly recommended, but closed on the day we arrived

If the environmental impacts don't concern you, and they absolutely should, then know that AI can never preplace real life research. There have been so many cases where people have relied solely on AI to plan their trip and getting there only to find out that places aren't open while they are there are permanently closed. I used a travel AI site months ago to see what it would give me as ideas on what to do at a destination and it had more exposition than actual suggestions, and what suggestions it did find me, which I tried multiple times, were the most basic activities that I could have easily Googled and also found more interesting options in not much more time. 

Tip: If you are using Chrome and also detest the AI search results on Google, you can download the extension "Hide Google AI Overview" and you'll only get regular results.

This travel writer put ChatGPT to the test with specific prompts, only to learn that the AI could not understand even the most basic things like maybe getting to the attraction before closing time or not planning something when she was supposed to be on her flight home. The stat that OpenAI can only achieve 10% success on a complex travel itinerary is not surprising (to me) and also means a lot of disappointment. 

With AI being so prevalent right now, there are a lot of companies using it as well. Those travel photos of your hotel or view from your window may be AI-generated. If you can't tell the shiny quality of the photos apart from real photos, that can be a real problem, especially when the hotel doesn't look anything like those images and you've paid a lot of hard-earned money to stay there. I always check to see actual customer photos and reviews for every place I stay. 

Not that pretty, but real hotel photo

You might even get fooled into thinking a place is cooler than it is, because so many people are also posting AI images of destinations on social media. It can be tough to tell if something is real or not, but the best way to do that is to Google image search it to see if there are any actual travel sites posting about it, not influencers. You can also tell by how the lines usually don't match up, parts of things are missing, and the pure absurdity of elements. 

I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of having my time wasted, getting stranded, or only going to the most basic of tourist sites. If I have to spend a bunch of time trying to correct AI's mistakes on my trip, it's not worth it. I might as well have just spent that time before I go to make sure my trip is the best it can be while I'm on it. 

I don't think technology will ever replace real people, especially when I know that I may need to take a nap when I arrive and I'll want more than 10 minutes to enjoy an attraction. If I see some discrepancies, I can cross-reference sites or even call the company to confirm their hours or that they're even open at all. I use Google Maps and blog recommendations has a starting point for my trips.

Have you used AI to try to plan a trip? What was your result? 

Historical Sites In Normandy, France

If you don't know by now, I'm headed to Normandy next month to soak up the history, see new cities, try new foods, and do something scary (drive in Europe for the first time.) At this point in U.S. history, it's even more important to learn about D-Day and the fight for freedom. I'll be trying to get to as much of this list as possible, while also visiting Giverny & Monet's home, and taking a tour of Mont Saint-Michel and possibly Christian Dior's childhood home, turned museum:

I realize this is an old infographic, but it has all the important places on it for the region. While there, I'll also be looking for as much LGBTQ+ and Black history, because a lot of that has been lost or is never taught to us when we learn about wars from our perspective (that whole American Exceptionalism, which isn't true history).

I can't wait to learn more about France, pay my respects to those who died fighting for freedom, and just generally taking in the countryside and beaches before I spend 3 days in Disneyland, eating garbage food and seeing if I learned enough French to not read subtitles. 

If you've been to Normandy, or anywhere between there and Paris, give me some suggestions on what I should do, where I should stop, and what I should eat!

4 Foundational Tips to Packing Less

Hey folks! Let's talk about packing light. I'm often asked by people how I do it, and then every suggestion I give them, they make an excuse why they can't do that. I mean, if you don't want recommendations, don't ask me, and I'll be thrilled to spend my energy on someone who does.

The point is, if you're unwilling to change anything about the way you pack, you're never going to be a carry-on "girlie". It's just not gonna happen. I don't want to stand at the baggage carousel, praying my bag made it to my destination. I want to know where all my stuff is and already be on my trip and also save baggage fees. So, if you actually want some recommendations on how to pack light, here are my top 4 tips to get started:

Choose the right bag

You want to go carry-on only, then you need a carry-on bag. Do not set out a bigger bag. Stick to your goals. Yes, I have a lot of bags, but if don't have any that require them to be checked. I choose a bag for how I'm traveling, who I'm traveling with, and how long I'll be gone.

• Traveling alone, I try not to bring a bag that has to go in the overhead.
• Traveling to hot destinations require a smaller bag, because the clothes are smaller/more lightweight.
• Traveling internationally means I probably need a few extra things and will bring a full-size carry-on for two of us.
• Traveling to a destination where you'll be taking a lot of stairs/escalators means if you can fit it all in a backpack or tote, that's going to be easier for you.

Use your main bag for shoes and clothes and your personal item for toiletries, snacks, odds & ends and electronics, if you need to. If I'm alone, I almost always carry the smallest bag for my ID and other things that can either be tossed into my main bag or in the seat back pocket.

Plan to do laundry

People hate this suggestion, but it saves you so much space and encourages you to take some downtime. That's great if you're a person like me who adopts a "go-go-go see everything and relax when you're on the plane ride home" attitude. I actually include laundry in my travel schedule now, and spend a few hours winding down and chilling in my room, or playing games at a Laundromat.

The key to bringing fewer things is creating a mix-and-match capsule wardrobe when you pack. Every top should go with every bottom and don't forget to strategize your travel outfit. I bring layers and I wear them on the plane. 5 tops + 3 bottoms or 5 tops + 2 bottoms + 1 dress in your bag and your plane outfit. That gives you 20+ unique outfits to work with.

You're going to rewear pieces, which requires laundering. Bring laundry sheets. They take up no space, even if you bring a bunch.

Limit your shoes

Just like with your clothing, you want to strategically choose your footwear. You only need two pair of shoes: everyday shoes like sneakers and a nicer pair that go with a dress or nice pants. Two rules, though. One: both pair should go with everything in your carry-on. Two: you should be able to walk all day in both.

I always bring a pair of sneakers and either ballet flats, cute sandals, or booties, depending on when and where I'm going. Skip those high heels that make you want to cut your feet off after 37 minutes and take up too much space in a bag. If you're like "joke's on you. I don't want to cut off my feet until I've been wearing them for 39 minutes," you didn't win this argument. Leave those things at home. If you can't walk up 180 steps in them after walking 4 miles on cobblestones, they aren't walking shoes.

My only rule break for shoes is if you'll be hitting up the beach or pool. Toss in some flip flops or water socks, because those take up minimal space.

Wear your bulkier shoes on the plane and pack small things in your other pair, if possible. This is a good place for socks, a belt, or jewelry case

Bring smaller items

You, literally, don't need a full-size shampoo bottle or container of moisturizer. Either bring smaller versions or decant items into other containers. I make use of GoTubbs, contact lens cases, and GoToobs, but also save trial size makeup items that I know I like to stick in my toiletry bag.

If you can't live without all your makeup brushes and hair care tools, see if you can pare down your morning routine. Do a little less, get some multipurpose brushes or a smaller brush set and invest in a travel size flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer.

I have a flat iron with a curved edge that does curls and it has been working for me for over a decade. Or maybe you can use vacation as a good chance to perfect your heatless curl game.

These are the foundations for starting to pack lighter. Eventually, you'll start noticing that you keep packing things you don't use, whether it's an eye liner or a pair of fuzzy socks or a whole pair of pants. Those items can then stay home on your next trip. Just keep note of what works and what doesn't and soon you'll be a pro.

Tell me about your favorite travel items, be it clothes, a bag, or an accessory.

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Shereen Travels Cheap Turns 15!

It's been yet another year for this blog and I feel like I'm pretty lucky to have this little space on the internet with some cool people. After a whole summer of travel last year and pretty much only California travel the year before, this year has been interesting. We still didn't get to Toronto or Hawaii, but we are sort of back to normal without any family reunions or business trips.

This year for my blog birthday, I'm getting a gift! 

Portland Gear has graciously gifted me some bags to take with me on my next trip to make our travels more colorful and organized. I can't wait to show you more about them. If you remember, I already have their Standard Cascade backpack in Blossom, and I take it everywhere. I'm so excited to try more of their line.

In March, I went to Vegas for the Travel Goods Show and met a lot of awesome people, learned about some new brands, enjoyed some really delicious food, and went home with a ton of connections and stuff.

In July, we did our annual trip to Vegas to watch NBA Summer League basketball, enjoy time with family, and try some really outstanding food. We drove to Hoover Dam and took a scenic and educational boat tour, we exhausted all the things at Omega Mart with our Portal Pass, including seeing the Great Migration during the Phenomenomaly. I also took in the Princess Di Exhibition finally, and I retreated to my room after to shelter from the oppressive heat.

July also saw a bit of a family reunion, so I saw some people a bunch, and other people not since last year's actual family reunion. I planned to check out some stuff in Tacoma while there, but a lot of things happened and we didn't get to do any of them.

The end of July was Wizarding Weekend, which I put on with the help of other volunteers to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with a ton of cosplayers, a local elementary school-turned-hotel, and a bunch of Portland area artists selling their magical wares. More on that later.

September I have our local comic con (Rose City Comic Con) and then a bit of downtime before we jet off to France, where we'll be renting a car, through Turo, and driving through the country and staying in the Normandy area. The end of our trip will be 3 days in Disneyland Paris, because when you've spent a week stuffing your brain and eyeballs with history, you need to decompress with something lighthearted. Not that we don't enjoy history - we absolutely do - otherwise we wouldn't be taking this trip, but we also enjoy Disney and really love the Paris parks.

We don't have much planned beyond September, but we do know that we will probably be in Palm Springs in January for Modernism Week, I'll be wherever the Travel Goods Show shows up, and we'll also be back in Vegas in July. We've talked about the possibility of going to Boston next fall, but we'll see how the tourism climate and inflation shapes up by then.

Coming up soon:

• Lake Mead/Hoover Dam boat tour
• Princess Di Exhibition
• Packing light for a getaway to France
• Making long-haul coach/economy comfortable
• Mix and match wardrobe for Fall
• Back to wizard school round-up
• Review of Portland Gear bags
• Saving on holiday travel
• Packing a more streamlined toiletry bag
• Normandy series

And here are some of my most popular posts that you may have missed or want to go back to:

• 8 Budget-Friendly International Destinations for December
• How to Pack Your Road Trip Cooler
• Horror Movies Based Around Travel
• 5 Budget Destinations for May
• FaceCradle Travel Pillow Review <--- I still stand by this review. If you have followed me for a while, you see that I take it on every long trip I go on.

graffiti found in downtown Las Vegas

Thank you for continuing to follow along on my travels, coming back to learn about cool destinations, and learning about the new travel trends and tips to make your trips cheaper and more fun. 

What else would you like to see in the future? Destinations I should cover, more videos, more packing tips, other travel goodies? Let me know in the comments. 

How To Plan a Great Fall Staycation

Fall is coming! I know there are a lot of fantastic budget-friendly vacation destinations for Fall, but sometimes that's just not in the cards. We don't always have the extra money to spend on a getaway, even though we desperately need/want one. It's times like these that I recommend a staycation, even if it just means you're a tourist in your city for a day. 

I love to see everything there is around me. Portland and the surrounding cities are so interesting and pretty, plus there's always something going on all year. I bet most of you have similar cities, even if you don't think so. A quick Google search will tell you differently. Here are some of my favorite activities:

Eric of the corn!

Visit a farm

This is one of my favorite ways to spend weekends during September and October when I'm not traveling. I love a corn maze and often hit up a local farm that has a pumpkin patch, maze, cider donuts and animals. I want to eat some fall foods, drink some cider, get lost in the corn. Sometimes we bring the dog to get some exercise and then pig out on whatever food they're serving. 

This last weekend we went to a farm we'd never been to before to take pictures, go on a hayride, and try their corn maze. It was the first maze we'd been to that didn't have some sort of signage, but it was 1 mile and we got lost and got our steps in, so I call that a win. Most farms have a lot of things to do for kids, so it's a relatively cheap way to spend the day and let them jump and run out all that extra energy.

Hint: If it's been raining, be prepared for mud. I always wear boots and bring a change of shoes for after trekking through the dirt/mud/puddles to head home in.

Head to a nearby city you haven't been to before

I'm a fan of just bundling up, packing a bag of snacks, and just driving off somewhere I've never been. Each new town has funky shops and restaurants and scenery. Spend the day exploring to feel like you're traveling and then go back home. It's a fairly cheap way to enjoy a day doing something different and being somewhere unfamiliar. If you bring a lunch, you can even forgo eating out, so you're basically just paying for gas.

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A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle) on Sep 14, 2018 at 8:01pm PDT

Hit up a local festival

Most people only think about festivals during the summer, but when fall rolls around, there are entirely different festivals, like apple tasting, pumpkin carving, harvest fests and more. Look for a calendar on local events and find any of the festivals that sound cool and interesting and then make a plan to go to them. Just some of the things happening around here: Cider Fest, Giant Pumpkin Regatta (yep, people use huge, hollowed out pumpkins as boats), Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, Killer Pumpkin Festival featuring pumpkin beers, and The Spirit of Halloweentown. It's easy to pack a whole weekend with these things, and it's way cheaper than a trip.

Go wine tasting

If you live in an area that has a lot of wines, or even just one really good winery, plan a tour and then try all the wines on offer that sound delicious. If you do this, make sure you have a sober ride home. Also, lots of wineries have great restaurants on-site, so you can make a whole day of it, and make sure you have something in your stomach to keep you from getting way too drunk. Some places, like Portland, have winery tours where a bus will take you winery hopping over the course of a day. It also means you don't have to worry about having a DD. (If you don't like wine, check out some breweries or distilleries.)

Hole up in a hotel somewhere

Sure, you may not be able to afford a full-on vacation, but that doesn't mean you can't book yourself into a nice hotel for a couple of nights, order room service, do things in a part of town you don't hang out in often. Keep your eye out for hotel deals or call one you've always wanted to stay in and see if they'll cut you a deal.

Host a "destination" potluck 

Call some friends, choose a vacation destination, like Italy, and ask them all to bring a dish from that country. You may not be able to go there, but you can spend a little on decor and food to immerse you in that destination. Your friends who also can't afford to go on a vacation will probably be super grateful and excited. Make it easy on them and post a list of regional dishes they can bring if they don't want to research. Then pop a couple bottles of wine, play some games or create a slideshow of tourist spots to scroll through on your TV and really make it feel like you're there!

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Just some of the reasons I love fall 🍁🍁🍁 . . . . #jetsetter #jetset #ilovetravel #tourist #tourism #tblogger #tbloggers #travelblog #travel #travelblogger #travelgirl #travelgram #instatravel #traveler #traveller #budgettravel #budgettraveler #ftblogger #ftb #vacationmode #travelgoals #womenwhotravel #traveladvice #traveltips #leafpeeping #peakfallinportland #discoverportland

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See the leaves turn

Unleash your inner leaf-peeper and take a drive or just walk around a new neighborhood looking at the gorgeous colors. Make a point to take pictures and post them later on Facebook or Instagram to show everyone how pretty your city is dressed in reds, oranges, and yellows. Maybe you'll inspire other people to appreciate what's going on around them.

If you want more ideas on how to plan an awesome staycation, check out my Pinterest board. You can also follow me on Instagram. I often do a ton of local things over the summer, when it's too expensive to travel, and then go on my big trip in fall, because it's cheaper and less crowded.

What's been your favorite staycation or staycation activity?

Exploring Dog-Friendly Travel Options

Exploring the world with your best 4-legged friend can be one of the most fulfilling ways to experience it, but requires careful planning in order to ensure they remain comfortable, safe, and happy during the trip.

From exploring streets of new cities to chilling under the stars or hitting open roads, there are a lot of dog-friendly travel options that cater specifically to four-legged adventurers. Let's look at some of these options, from overseas travel to RV parks.

Flying Full of Fur-tune

Flying with pets might sound overwhelming, but thanks to pet-friendly airlines and considerate travelers it has become more accessible than ever before. Many international carriers provide cabin options for smaller breeds of dog, while larger breeds can travel in temperature-controlled cargo spaces designed to prioritize safety and comfort. Airlines such as Lufthansa or JetBlue are frequently recognized for their pet-friendly policies.

Checking each airline's regulations carefully, especially regarding breed or size restrictions that could impact you is very important. Arriving early will make sure you have ample time to manage check-in logistics. For longer flights, select dog-friendly destinations such as Amsterdam with its relaxed leash laws or Tokyo with its abundance of boutique pet shops and dog cafes.

Keep in mind that passports aren't just limited to humans. Many countries require up-to-date health certificates and proof of vaccinations before going on your travels. So be sure to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian beforehand.

Photo by Egor Gordeev on Unsplash

All Aboard the Pet Express

Train travel can be an exceptionally dog-friendly alternative, particularly in Europe and North America. Some U.S. services allow dogs of up to 20 pounds in carriers onto trains. European railways typically welcome larger breeds on leashes but require them to have their own ticket purchases. The charm of rail travel lies in its ability to provide you and your pet scenic views while making boarding easy with minimal turbulence.

The Call of the Wilderness

Outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions will find RV parks to be among the most rewarding dog-friendly travel experiences. Many state and national parks in the U.S. welcome canines with open arms. Leash requirements should always be double checked before your travel begins. Trails, lakes, forests provide canines a playground while connecting them with nature.

Trails provide even further opportunity to roam freely amidst nature, while recreational vehicles allow pets to experience adventure without airline flights or hotel accommodations disrupting them. Pet-friendly RV parks often come equipped with amenities such as dog runs and play areas, making them a fantastic choice for long-term travelers.

Luxury Stays for the Well-Pawed Guest

Boutique hotels and Airbnb rentals have taken to offering pet-friendly stays, featuring plush beds, designer water bowls, as well as dedicated dog concierges, making it easier than ever to find luxury stays that welcome wagging tails. Many listings also have pet-friendly filters on them while hosts show their affection by providing fenced yards, toys and treats. Perfect accommodations for the well-pawned guest.

No matter the mode of transport, preparation is important when traveling with your dogs. Important items like a strong leash, travel crate, waste bags and plenty of water make a significant difference when it comes to an enjoyable journey. Research destination rules thoroughly as some areas may impose breed or leash length restrictions. And be sure to bring along some familiar toys to help make your pet feel secure and at home.

Exploring the world with your four-legged bestie adds an unparalleled level of joy and companionship to every journey. From transcontinental flights to relaxing RV trips, there is no shortage of dog-friendly travel opportunities designed to suit the needs of both humans and their adventurous pups.

Top Tips For Visiting Charleston This Year

Visiting Charleston is a great vacation spot and a city that never gets old. There’s a real display of culture and a willingness to show off all of its historical significance, good and bad.

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It’s the best city for those who want to explore the city on foot, particularly when it comes to the wonderful downtown areas. Whatever you’re looking to do or however much time you have available, here are some top tourist tips for visiting Charleston this year.

Walk around as much as possible

Walking around everywhere is going to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Being able to walk everywhere means you get to see it all from a perspective that you’d never really appreciated before.

Try to walk around as much as possible. Not only is it great for your fitness, but it’s also going to help you get the best action shots or experiences when exploring the world around you.

Go on a tour 

A tour is a good way of seeing the city from the perspective of an expert. While it might not be an option for everyone, particularly as some tours that are personal tours can be expensive.

However, it’s definitely worth the money you spend, and you get a lot of information and useful guidance from those who are leading you. Look at what tours you could explore for the benefit of your trip.

There are ghost tours and culinary tours that will cater to all types of tourists, depending on what you’re looking to get up to on your vacation. Some people prefer an active one, whereas others might like to relax with some food tasting.

Spend time trying out local delicacies 

When it comes to local delicacies, Charleston offers a real mix of wonderful Southern food. From shrimp and grits to the lowcountry boil, there’s a lot to choose from that can excite your taste buds. Think about what local delicacies you could try, and make sure you’ve made room for them. 

To help walk off all the food you’ve eaten, see the famous Pineapple Fountain in Charleston SC, and explore the various gardens available in the city too.

Explore the Charleston Market

The Charleston City Market is an iconic part of the city and one that should certainly be experienced, especially if traveling to the city for the first time. The market offers plenty of local crafts that you’re not going to get elsewhere.

You’ll find plenty of locals selling their handcrafted wares, and there are the popular sweetgrass baskets that are worth picking up, too. You could spend a lot of time at the market, so make sure you make plenty of time for it in your itinerary.

Discover Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row might not be something you spend a lot of time at, but it’s certainly worth it to snap a few photos and see a part of history that’s still standing firm.

The Rainbow Row is a street made up of old houses that have been painted in bold and bright colors. The houses themselves have a lot of history to them, so painting them in such a vibrant way helps to make them stand out so that they will forever get the recognition and appreciation they deserve.

Charleston is a wonderful place to have your vacation, so consider visiting here in the near future. Have you been?