While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making headlines as a potential threat to the very future of mankind, it seems travellers are putting their fears over the End of Days to one side as they use the technology to plan their trips.
In its 2026 ‘State of Outdoor Accommodation Report’, property management platform, RMS, reveals that online search has – for the first time – overtaken word of mouth as the top way campers discover where to stay. Its survey of 1,500 campers across Australia, New Zealand, the US and UK found almost 64% use online searches, compared with 60% who rely on recommendations from friends and family.
The findings also showed that 14% of respondents used AI to research trips, with 40% of those using the technology to find lower rates, and 32% to create personalised itineraries and recommendations.
An increasing number of people are using AI to suggest the route they should take, where they should stay, and what they should do.
And, similarly, a recent survey by WPP Media of 2,500 consumers found three in four Australians used AI search to help make purchase decisions.
So, does this spell the end of the grey grapevine and the beginning of the era of robot recommendations?
Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland, is not so sure. “One of the great things about caravanning is the culture of talking to other travellers,” she said. “A conversation around the camp kitchen or with the people on the site next door can shape the next trip or, sometimes, completely change the one you’re already on … AI might change how some people plan their holidays, but we don’t think it will take the individuality out of caravanning.”
She said that as long as caravanners keep sharing their favourite places, hidden gems and recommendations with each other, there will always be plenty of spontaneity.
“But there is plenty of discussion within the caravan park industry about AI and the growing number of travellers using it to research, plan and, increasingly, book their trips,” she said. “For parks, it means making sure their online information is accurate and up to date, because the way travellers discover destinations and accommodation is changing.”
Scott Parker, the CEO of Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, said all digital tools provide efficient opportunities to generate booking options but AI was already the most efficient and effective for all generations to use.
“Our members are being informed through association training and under their own steam about the current capacity of AI to revolutionise how bookings are generated,” he said. “In particular, park operators are being altered to how quality park websites remain very important to ensure they remain a trusted source of park information for AI searches.”
Caravan & Camping SA agrees that AI is changing the way people research and plan their trips, and believes it can be a good tool for caravan and camping travellers.
“Theres a lot to think about when planning a road trip – where to stay, which way to go and what there is to see and do along the way,” said Melina Clark, the organisation’s Event Marketing Manager. “If AI makes some of that easier and helps people find places they may not have known about, I think that’s a good thing.”
She said it could help people get a better idea of what a region has to offer, and perhaps find a great place to stay, to eat, or to experience that they might not have come across otherwise.
“Where people need to be careful is relying on it for information that can change, particularly around safety,” said Ms Clark. “Road conditions, closures, weather and access can change quickly and AI may not always have the latest and most accurate information … wanderers should still check the relevant road and emergency information for the state or territory they’re travelling through and check in with caravan parks, tourism operators and visitor information centres along the way.”
She said the same went for caravan parks where things like availability, facilities, pet policies and access can change.
“I don’t think AI takes the fun out of planning,” said Ms Clark. “It can help with the research, but talking to locals is still a big part of travelling … a caravan park owner, tourism operator, visitor information centre or even someone you meet along the way can tell you about those great local places you might otherwise drive straight past.”
And she said she thought plenty of grey nomads who were already using online bookings, maps, travel apps and social media would be ready to give it a go.
“At the end of the day, AI can help you plan the trip, but it shouldn’t plan every part of it,” said Ms Clark. “There still needs to be room to change plans, take a different road and find something you weren’t looking for.”
Veteran traveller Mark David says he regularly uses AI … but admits to not feeling great about it.
“I sense it is being overly invasive, am conscious of the environmental issues surrounding the technology, and I feel like I am outsourcing my brain,” he said. “But I can’t resist asking questions of it about areas I am going to, campsites I am thinking about, and best routes to take … it’s certainly good at drawing you in.”
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