The 7 Most Common Mistakes Travel Advisors Make When Using AI (and How to Fix Them)
Don’t ditch it. Just get better at using AI as a Travel Advisor.
AI is everywhere in the travel world, from email newsletters and Instagram captions to entire blog posts and trip guides. And let’s be honest… it is kind of a game changer.
But here’s the thing no one tells you:
Your clients and peers can tell when you’re using AI.
And not in a good way.
If you’re a travel advisor using tools like ChatGPT or Manus or any of the dozens of other AI tools for travel agents, this post is for you. We're diving into the dead giveaways that you're leaning on AI too hard (or just not editing it well enough!), and how to clean it up so your writing still sounds and feels like you.
Should Travel Advisors Use AI?
Let’s not pretend you’ve got hours to write a blog or perfect Instagram caption. The number one challenge we face as travel advisors is having the time to market our businesses. AI has made it faster than ever to handle some of your workload:
Generate destination descriptions
Write emails
Summarize itineraries
Brainstorm social media ideas
And so much more.
But faster doesn’t always mean better. Clients crave personal touches, real voice, and a little sparkle - things AI can support but not replace.
So let’s talk about the biggest red flags.
1. Generic Phrases Like “Nestled in the Heart of” or “This Hidden Gem”
AI loooves a cliché. If your destination copy sounds like a tourism brochure from 2012, it’s probably AI doing the talking. Real travel advisors don’t say “breathtaking vistas” unless they’re being sarcastic.
2. Tone That’s Too Formal, Too Flat, or Totally Off
AI doesn't know your brand voice. Or at least… not consistently. One minute it’s stiff and robotic; the next, it’s weirdly enthusiastic; and the next, it’s a bit too sassy for your business. If your tone shifts from sentence to sentence, or sounds like a customer service bot, your clients notice.
3. Overly Descriptive Words
Magically. Wonderfully. Exquisitely.
Um, calm down, AI.
A few descriptive words throughout your writing are necessary, but AI tends to flood content with ridiculous filler. If every sentence is “truly unforgettable” or “absolutely stunning,” nothing is. Do yourself a favor, and revise.
4. Generic Lists (you know the ones)
Ever read a list that’s clearly based on “Give me 5 reasons to visit Italy” or “Things to do in Rome?” If it reads like it’s your first time thinking about Italy, your AI is showing. And as Travel Advisors? Our number one rule is to be full of information you might not find on Google, so be sure to use your professional insights.
5. Repetitive Sentence Starters
Let’s talk about “In addition,” “Furthermore,” and “It’s important to note.” These. Are. Lame. Use them once in a while if it’s truly your style, but not at the top of every paragraph. You’ll sound like an essay, and your readers will click away fast.
6. Overexplaining Common Knowledge
You don’t need to explain that Italy is a country in Europe. Or that it’s full of “rich history” (another overused AI phrase). But also - you know your clients best, and every once in a while, you do have to explain that they need a passport for international travel and to take a flight to get there. No judgment.
7. No Personality
If your content could’ve been written by anyone, it won’t convert. Your clients booked with you for a reason. The more you share without your personality, your voice, your quirks, and your point of view…. well, the less trust you're building.
So... Should You Stop Using AI?
Absolutely not. But you should get better at using it well.
AI is one of many tools available to us, not a replacement for our voice or our work. You can use it to speed up your workflow, just don’t skip the editing step. Your goal is to sound like a real, credible, trustworthy human… not like a generic robot who isn’t worth a planning fee.
So how do you get better?
Tips to Improve Your AI-Generated Content:
Edit like a human. If you wouldn’t say it out loud like that, why would you write it like that?
Run it through a voice check. Does this sound like you? Pleasant? Spicy? Formal?
Add examples or insights AI can’t know. Like, “I always tell clients to…” or “My favorite restaurant here is…”
Use real photos, stories, or quotes. AI can’t do that. You can.
Consider AI a starting point, not a final draft.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to market your travel business well, but in a world where everyone’s using AI, being human is your biggest advantage.
Looking for smart templates that sound personal and complement your expertise, but don’t take hours to implement?
Check out the Blue Dot Shop. They’re human-approved, better than AI, and way better than starting from scratch.
