Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from a futuristic novelty to a practical tool in the travel industry. While older travelers remain cautious, younger generations are eagerly embracing AI-powered trip planning, using it to compare destinations, build itineraries, estimate budgets, and research practical essentials such as travel insurance online. According to the Global Rescue Summer Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey, travelers under 35 lead both AI adoption and satisfaction.
AI trip planning
Travelers primarily use AI for itinerary planning (75%) and destination research (71%), followed by lodging (40% among under-35s), dining recommendations (37%), and translation (25%). Younger travelers also leverage AI for complex needs like visa information (38%) and safety advice (35%).
“AI is transforming how travelers research and prepare, and the next generation is embracing it fully,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. “But adoption still depends on trust and reliability, especially in high-stakes situations.”
That trust remains a hurdle. Only 7% of travelers trust AI advice “almost always,” 46% trust it “most of the time,” and 40% trust it “some of the time.” In an emergency abroad, only 30% would trust AI, while 33% would not. Even among tech-savvy under-35s, 58% would not trust AI in a crisis.
AI chatbots and other integrations
This growth mirrors broader industry trends. From October 2024 to July 2025, traveler AI use more than doubled from 11% to 24%. AI-powered travel assistants now help with everything from comparing fares and finding accommodation to answering destination-specific questions, such as how to get a Schengen visa in Qatar. Airlines, hotels, and booking platforms are rapidly integrating AI for personalized offers, dynamic pricing, and 24/7 chatbot support.
Major airports, including Dubai International and JFK, are piloting AI-enhanced security screening, while hotels use AI for facial recognition check-ins and smart room features. AI is quickly becoming core infrastructure across the travel ecosystem.
AI satisfaction and trust
Future intent is high, with 89% of current AI users saying they are likely to use it again. However, the human touch remains preferred: 50% of respondents favor a blend of AI and human recommendations, while only 4% want AI alone.
The survey also revealed that international travelers are more open to AI than U.S. travelers, with 30% using the tools compared to 21% of Americans. They are also more likely to use AI for translation (34% vs. 21%).
AI scams
Alongside the benefits, AI introduces new risks. “The proliferation of AI is an impending threat to travel,” warned Harding Bush, associate director of security for Global Rescue. Scammers are increasingly using deepfakes, impersonation, and fraudulent bots to steal booking and payment details.
Travelers are urged to stay vigilant. While AI is excellent for building itineraries, users must verify sources, read reviews, and cross-check key details—especially for lodging and transportation.
The global rescue connection
Best known for medical evacuations and field rescues, Global Rescue also provides real-time medical and security advisory services. As AI-generated scams grow more sophisticated, their experts help travelers vet offers and spot fraud before it derails a trip.
“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Bush. He cautions against high-pressure booking tactics and advises travelers to look out for robotic, oddly formal language in travel offers.
As AI reshapes how we travel, having a trusted partner for real-time intelligence and emergency support offers essential peace of mind in an unpredictable world.
