Dear ChatGPT: Plan a trip to Malta for me  

ChatGPT is popularly used for language translation, brainstorming, customer support and for helping curious people, professionals and students with explanations, among others.

However, the AI chatbot can be used for a plethora of tasks, including planning a holiday.

ChatGPT is popularly used for language translation, brainstorming, customer support and for helping curious people, professionals and students with explanations, among others.

From the itinerary to a romantic date in the city and restaurant recommendations, here is in store for us.

The Itinerary: Valletta, Mdina, Blue Grotto, Gozo and beyond

Starting off with the itinerary, BusinessNow.mt informs ChatGPT that a traveller will be going to Malta from Monday, 10th June until Sunday 16th June.

Additionally, the traveller wants to explore different areas of interest on the island and that for most of the holiday, they will travel by public transport.

Furthermore, ChatGPT was prompted to prepare an itinerary with price lists and other relevant details for the holiday. In its explanation the AI chatbot was asked for details as to why it made such choices and to compare the overall experience with other similar islands in the vicinities.

ChatGPT assumed that the flight would take place early in the morning and so the day was planned around this factor.

First things first, the chatbot details which bus route to catch and mentions a taxi as an alternative. “Transport to Valletta includes taking the X4 bus at €2 per person or a taxi estimated at €15 to €20 to accommodation in Valletta.”

Later on, it planned for the traveller to go the Upper Barrakka Gardens with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Here, ChatGPT highlights the saluting battery and if the traveller happens to arrive by 12pm they “can witness the traditional cannon firing ceremony.”

For lunch, ChatGPT suggested Caffe Cordina, with a price range of €10 to €20. It also highlighted different traditional dishes such as pastizzi and ftira “paired with coffee and a refreshing drink.”

The afternoon includes a visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral, recommending not more than one hour and half to explore, the Grandmaster’s Palace and a stroll through Republic and Merchant Street.

For dinner, it recommends Rampila restaurant. Here, again, it highlights the most prominent dishes of the restaurant listing rabbit stew, fresh seafood and pasta. The price range was listed between €50 and €80 per person and it recommended booking a table.

To finish off the day, ChatGPT suggests a post-dinner stroll through Valletta’s “quiet, illuminated streets to enjoy the city’s nighttime ambiance.” In addition, for those who enjoy a nightcap, it recommends a visit to The Thirsty Lawyer.

And finally, it jots down a summary of the day’s costs.

The chatbot took the same approach for the rest of the days. Day two explored the three cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua and Sliema for dinner and drinks.

For day three ChatGPT scheduled a visit to Mdina and Rabat and day five detailed a trip to the south of Malta visiting Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk.

ChatGPT dedicates day four specifically to a trip to Gozo. Starting off with  bus tips to Ċirkewwa, it begins the day with a visit to Ċittadella and St George’s Basilika.

For lunch it recommends Ta’ Rikardu in Victoria as “it’s known for its Gozitan cheese and wine.”

Interestingly, ChatGPT recommends “a visit to the Azure Window (if it’s still standing) or its remains.”  This is followed by some time to unwind at Ramla Bay  “Gozo’s most famous red-sand beach.”

Dinner is then recommended at Palazzo Preca in Valletta with a price range of €30 to €50 per person.

ChatGPT was also prompted to plan a romantic evening for two.

From a sunset stroll and a pre-dinner aperitif at Bridge Bar to a dinner with a romantic setting, to a private carriage ride through the streets of Valletta, AI can certainly plan a fun night out.

It also highlighted possible theatre performances at the Manoel Theatre to make the night more magical.

‘Malta offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty’

Asked to compare Malta to similar islands in the vicinity, ChatGPT mentions Cyprus, Sicily and Crete. While also noting the array of historic attractions, beaches and nature, according to ChatGPT, Malta stands out for its compact size, history and variety of attraction, “making it ideal for a six-day trip.”

In addition to that, it notes that Malta stands out for it’s diving sites, film locations, festivals and events, “warm and welcoming hospitality” and unique language.

It should be noted that during the itinerary, ChatGPT assumes that the traveller will be staying in Valletta. Asked further about the best location to stay in, it provided a comprehensive list of localities with pros and cons. A noteworthy feature is recommendations according to the locality’s characteristics.

For instance:

Valletta

• Central location with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

• Can be busy during peak season and has higher accommodation prices.

“Recommended for history buffs, culture enthusiasts and those who want to be in the heart of Malta.”

Sliema

• Vibrant with “stunning views of Valletta.”

• Highly busy and commercialised and can be noisy.

“Recommended for shoppers, nightlife lovers and those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.”

St Julians

• Known for its nightlife with a wide range of accommodation options.

• Noisy, crowded and expensive due to popularity.

“Recommended for nightlife enthusiasts and young travellers.”

Buġibba and Qawra

• More relaxed and family friendly with good selection of restaurants.

• Far from Valletta and other major attractions.

“Recommended for families and those looking for a more laid-back stay.”

Overall, it still believes that Valletta, and Sliema, are the ideal destinations because of public transport and location.

Data limitation, no personal experience and no booking assistance

Overall, ChatGPT provided a meticulously detailed trip. However, even though a detailed programme by ChatGPT and a travel agent might be similar, the human experience might be difficult to replicate.

A sentiment which was also acknowledged by OpenAI.

In general, ChatGPT responses are formulated on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers and publicly available data.

Therefore, ChatGPT can be advantageous given that it is free, available 24/7, offers a comparative analysis and can draw up information from all over the internet.

It is also unbiased when putting all the options on the table and is not tied to certain commissions which outlets might have to promote locations, hotels and attractions.

Asked for potential downsides, ChatGPT recognised that it has data limitations and that its responses are reliant on available data. “It may not include the latest updates or real-time information.”

This might lead to occasional inaccuracies or outdated content. For instance, when suggesting visiting the Azure Window.  

Furthermore, pricing listed by ChatGPT might not reflect the realities in Malta, especially when taking into consideration the cost-of-living and inflation.

Another disadvantage would be that it lacks personal experience, something which a human travel agent would be able to provide. Experience might lead to better recommendations especially when booking attractions and events.

Moreover, it cannot be of assistance when booking through websites or managing real-time changes, such as flight delays, event cancellations or handling any issues with accommodation.

This article was written by a human.