Your dates are set. You've bought your flights. Your vacation time is approved. Now you have a blank itinerary for Medellín and you want to make a plan for how you'll spend your time. It seems so easy, doesn’t it? Just go to your favorite AI platform and ask it to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Medellín. You can trust the information, right? Perhaps it is not so easy after all.
The Battle Against the Bot
Running a tourism company in 2024 is an interesting time. Not only am I competing against other people who provide a similar service, but also the rise of computer-generated content generated. While I welcome healthy competition from anyone who loves this city as much as I do, I can’t say the same about AI.
Do a quick Google search and you’ll quickly learn that AI-generated travel guides have flooded the market and often mislead travelers about destinations, activities, and local customs. These guides are often compiled by algorithms, which aggregate information from various online sources—some of which are far from credible. AI's ability to draw from a variety of online sources doesn't ensure accuracy or reliability; in fact, it often results in content that is either outdated, overly generalized, or outright incorrect.
How these guides are being marketed is another concern. Some books have a polished, professional look (with covers and imagery that is also AI-generated), which makes them more likely to be trusted, and often come with a price tag that suggests a high-quality human author behind them. One might call it smart marketing, I would call it deceptive.
Written Not for You, but the Search Engine
Another big red flag is that these guides promote travel recommendations based on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, rather than local expertise. AI engines focus on ranking well in search engines, so they prioritize keywords and topics that will drive traffic, rather than with advice that is grounded in actual experience. As a result, they often suggest popular attractions or generic itineraries without providing deeper, more personalized or culturally sensitive insights. And like I mentioned earlier, the info is usually just wrong.
To give you an example, here is an experiment I did with Meta’s AI engine available through WhatsApp. It was done back when my company was called The Vegan Paisa, but I think you’ll get the point:
Now I am the first to say that The Paisa Plan is not for everyone, and if you love taking the time to do a detailed search that takes information from multiple sources to help plan your trip, you probably don’t need a travel advisor. But there are definitely some advantages to having one:
Expert Knowledge and Personalized Recommendations
I am proud of my level of knowledge about Medellín, and using it to help people have an authentic and unforgettable time in the best city in the world was a big inspiration behind starting The Paisa Plan. My ability to offer personalized recommendations tailored to your unique interests, preferences, and budget is part of what sets me apart, and that includes some of the top sites but also plenty of hidden gems that will help make your experience amazing.
Saving Time and Added Convenience
Planning a trip can be time-consuming, especially when juggling flights, accommodations, and activities. Travel advisors streamline the entire process and can save you tons of time. Instead of spending countless hours comparing options online or reading reviews, you can rely on someone like me to do the legwork for you.
Unique Experiences and Special Access
Travel advisors often have insider knowledge and connections that allow them to provide access to unique experiences. I know so many people in this city, it’s just about sending you to a particular restaurant, but also what to order and who will welcome you with a friendly “hola!” Need symphony tickets or a dinner reservation? I can do that. Want to schedule a trip around a particular DJ? I’ve got all the dates. Interested in hiring a driver to go on a trip out of town? I have a list of vetted and trusted individuals.
Increased Confidence and Trust
With so much information available online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make poor decisions based on unreliable sources. A travel advisor brings a level of expertise and professionalism that inspires confidence. My advice is based on real experiences, and therefore so are my recommendations, both in what to do but also what not to do.
Support During Your Trip
Should anything go wrong during your trip, a travel advisor can provide support and assistance. For example, with my invite-only WhatsApp group that comes with a Paisa Pro plan and can be added to a Paisa Plus plan, if you ever have a question or need advice, you’ll have direct access to me to help with whatever it is that you need. This level of support is a significant advantage over DIY travel, where you’re left to handle issues on your own.
But don’t just take my word for it. Check out my Google reviews see feedback from past The Paisa Plan customers, words that fill me with immense pride knowing that the writer not only found value in my service, but also got to see and experience the real magic of Medellín.
The City of Eternal Spring where everything blooms
Get Help From a Real Person/Paisa
Hopefully I've convinced you to be skeptical of travel planning with AI, and perhaps I've increased your interest in using The Paisa Plan instead. One way to get started is by downloading my FREE 16-page The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín. It's filled with essential info such as where to stay, what to bring, ways to get around, and how to plan the perfect day with some of the city's top spots. To download the guide and learn how I can help you have an authentic and unforgettable Medellín experience while saving time and money, click here:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴