OK, it’s not that secret and it’s not that new. Bear with me: Anyone serious about using AI for travel knows it is pretty useless. It’s very good for some initial research, but it is sadly lacking when planning itineraries or recommending the best places to visit.
I will use AI to gather historical perspectives on some of my black bug blog posts or elaborate on some information I mentioned in a previous post. That’s it for a travel blog. There’s nothing like personal experience.
However, I recently stumbled upon a place where AI can speed up your process. There are many different AI platforms for this, but I generally use ChatGPT as it is on my smartphone.
Sidenote:
Google genius would be fine too, but I wouldn’t download deep. Seek as it is of Chinese origin. On a browser, but never download it. These are free resources, although with ChatGPT if you ask too many questions, you’ll run out of free credits and have to wait until the next day.
The great thing about using ChatGPT and others like it on your smartphone is that you can talk right into it, and even with spelling mistakes or bad grammar, it seems to understand what you’re asking.
This makes it very fast and excellent if you want a quick response.
Here are some specific examples that I used preparing for a recent trip to Paris. Some of it I knew, but I wanted it clarified and I wanted to save time of having to research one or two websites after finding or searching for the correct URL in the first place. I left the typos and bad grammar as is:
What’s the best way to get a fixed priced taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport to downtown Paris and what is the cost?
To secure a fixed-price taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to downtown Paris, follow these steps:
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- Locate Official Taxi Stands: After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the official taxi ranks situated outside each terminal. Avoid unsolicited offers from individuals inside the terminal, as these may not be legitimate services.
- Confirm the Flat Rate: Ensure the taxi is licensed, identifiable by the “TAXI Parisien” sign on the roof. Confirm with the driver that the flat rate applies to your destination.
- Be Aware of Additional Charges: The flat rates cover up to four passengers and their luggage. An extra charge of €4 applies for each additional passenger beyond four. citeturn0search8
- Payment Methods: Most taxis accept cash and credit cards, but it's advisable to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
Flat Rates from CDG to Paris (as of February 1, 2025):
| Destination in Paris | Flat Rate |
|---|---|
| Right Bank | €56 |
| Left Bank | €65 |
These fixed rates ensure transparency and protect passengers from unexpected charges due to traffic conditions.
Alternative Transportation Options:
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- Train (RER B): The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in approximately 30 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing €11.80.
- RoissyBus: This dedicated bus service links CDG to Paris-Opéra in about 60 minutes, with tickets priced at €16.60.
How much is the train from Paris to Brussels and back?
Train fares between Paris and Brussels vary based on booking time, travel class, and the chosen operator. One-way tickets can start as low as $11.02 USD when booked well in advance. thetrainline.com
Round-trip fares average around $21 USD, though this can fluctuate. kayak.com
For instance, Eurostar offers one-way tickets starting from $34 USD. eurostar.com
To secure the best rates, it's advisable to book early and consider different travel times and services.
You can book train tickets from Paris to Brussels on the following websites:
How do I get the booking reference from one airline when I book through points on another airline with Star Alliance?
When booking a multi-leg journey involving multiple Star Alliance airlines, you typically receive one primary booking reference (PNR) from the airline or travel agency you booked with. However, each airline in your itinerary may generate its own internal PNR for the segments they operate. Here’s how to find the booking reference for a specific airline:
1. Check Your Booking Confirmation Email
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- The confirmation email from the airline or travel agency usually lists your primary PNR and sometimes the partner airline PNRs.
- If it only shows one reference, that’s the PNR for the airline you booked with (the “ticketing airline”).
2. Use the Airline’s Website or App
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- Go to the website of the airline operating the flight you need the reference for.
- Use the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section and enter your name along with the PNR from your booking email.
- If the airline doesn’t recognize the PNR, it means they have a different internal PNR.
3. Check with Star Alliance’s Website
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- Some Star Alliance members allow you to retrieve the partner PNRs through their website’s booking management section.
4. Call the Airline
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- Contact the airline operating the flight directly and provide your name and ticket number.
- They can look up their internal PNR and provide it to you.
5. Check Your E-Ticket Receipt
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- If your e-ticket receipt has a “Record Locator” or “Airline PNR” section, it may list the different booking references for each airline.
I recently got an offer of $20 Canadian for 3,000 Hilton points. Is it worth it?
Hilton Honors points are generally valued at 0.5 cents (USD) per point, though this can vary depending on how you redeem them.
Value Breakdown:
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- 3,000 Hilton points x $0.005 USD per point = $15 USD
- Converted to CAD (~$20 CAD): This means you're paying roughly the same as the typical redemption value.
When It’s Worth It:
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- If you need a small points top-up for a free night.
- If you redeem at high-value properties, where points are worth more than 0.5 cents USD each.
- If there’s a Hilton Points & Money deal where using points gives better value.
When It’s Not Worth It:
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- If you’re earning through a credit card or promotions that offer better value per dollar spent.
- If you’re not planning to redeem soon, as Hilton points can devalue over time.
Verdict: It's an average deal, but if you need the points for an immediate redemption, it might be worth it. If not, earning through stays or a credit card is usually better.
