Artificial intelligence has cemented its role in travel planning, with usage for international trips climbing 64% in the past six months, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. The findings, released this week, show that 36% of seasoned international travelers now deploy AI tools to organize their journeys, up from 22% in January 2026.
The shift reflects a broader acceptance of AI across the travel ecosystem. Resistance is also softening: the share of travelers who say they will not use AI has dropped from 40% to 35%. While many still prefer human input for complex decisions, the data suggests AI has moved from novelty to mainstream utility in a relatively short window.
AI’s expanding role in trip preparation
Travelers are increasingly comfortable using AI for a range of planning tasks, including destination research, itinerary building, and deciphering international entry requirements. The survey, conducted by Global Rescue—a leading travel risk and crisis response provider—polled experienced international travelers and found that AI is now a standard first stop for many.
Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, noted the nuanced attitude: “Travelers increasingly trust AI to research destinations, compare options, and build itineraries, but they still want to make the important decisions themselves.” That sentiment aligns with industry trends, where AI is seen as a complement to—not a replacement for—human expertise.
The adoption gap between US-based and non-US-based travelers is striking. While 33% of US travelers have used AI for trip planning, nearly 48% of those based outside the US have already embraced the technology. Non-US travelers also report higher usage across functions such as destination research and translation assistance, suggesting that cross-border travel complexity is driving AI uptake.
Despite the growth, a significant minority remains wary. Twenty-six percent of respondents said they would not use AI for travel at all, citing concerns about accuracy, personalization, and the value of human touch. Richards emphasized that AI is not displacing travel advisers but is becoming an indispensable planning tool, complementing human judgment and expertise, especially in unpredictable situations.
For travel professionals, the implications are clear. Agencies and tour operators that integrate AI into their workflows can enhance efficiency while preserving the high-touch service that clients expect. As tour guides in Southeast Asia are already adapting, the industry is pivoting toward soft skills that AI cannot replicate—empathy, cultural nuance, and crisis management.
The survey also echoes findings from other sectors. For instance, Mastercard and CrescentRating report that AI is reshaping Muslim travel planning, highlighting how AI can cater to niche segments with tailored recommendations. Similarly, TravelAI’s Traveller.md aims to give travelers a portable, user-owned memory file for personalized planning, signaling a move toward AI that remembers individual preferences.
As AI adoption grows, the role of the travel adviser is evolving rather than eroding. Advisers who leverage AI for research and logistics can focus on higher-value tasks like building relationships and handling disruptions. The data suggests that travelers want the best of both worlds: AI’s speed and breadth, paired with human oversight for the final call.
Global Rescue’s survey underscores that AI is now a permanent fixture in travel planning. For airlines, hotels, and cruise lines, integrating AI into booking and service platforms will be key to meeting traveler expectations. The challenge lies in balancing automation with the personal touch that remains the hallmark of premium travel experiences.
